Academy building career pathways
Chance for students to forge careers in armed forces, police
Kia ora koutou, Talofa lava, Greetings everyone. At Horowhenua College, we have a Services Academy. This is one of 29 such academies nationally. Its aim is to support students in their career pathway into the army, navy, airforce, police or Corrections.
Students at Years 12 and 13 are able to participate in the Services Academy as a fulltime course.
They still focus on their academic NCEA goals, and, at the same time, have special academy courses to complete in physical training, and marching drills.
The academy has a close association with the army base at Waiouru, and, at the start of the year, academy students complete a twoweek induction course at Waiouru. This extends these students to their absolute limits — physically, academically and emotionally.
The academy programme is so successful we have developed Service Academy courses in the year levels leading up to Years 12 and 13. This allows our students to see what the academy is all about and prepares them for entering fulltime, if this is in line with their possible career path.
Our Services Academy director is Ray Hunia.
Hunia, or Staff as the students refer
to him, was in the army for over 30 years, and brings a huge amount of knowledge and experience to the programme.
The Services Academy is something we are very proud of at Horowhenua College and it is something our students and staff hold in high regard.
As this is my last Heads Up article for 2023. I want to take the opportunity to thank our parents and
the wider community for their support throughout the year.
I am very proud of our staff and students.
We have had a challenging and very productive year, and I look forward to furthering our partnership in 2024 as we continue the wonderful responsibility of growing successful young adults.
Nga¯ mihi, Tofa soifua, Kind regards Grant Congdon