Otago Polytechnic
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Otago Polytechnic is a public New Zealand tertiary education institute, centred in Dunedin with campuses throughout the Southern province of Otago including Cromwell, Wanaka and Queenstown.
Otago Polytech, or "TekOtago" focuses on skills based, technical education and occupational training, offering a range of New Zealand accredited degrees, diplomas and certificates.
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[edit] History
The Otago Polytechnic was officially named in 1964 during a 6 year restructure of the region's secondary and tertiary educational institutes. However, as is pointed out in Ian Dougherty's book A History of Otago Polytechnic and its Predecessors (ISBN 0-908846-38-X), a technical college was first proposed in 1888 by George Thomson, a science teacher at the then Otago Boys High School, in a meeting he convened between various leaders in the community at that time. The proposal led to the establishment of the Dunedin Technical School in 1889, which ran evening classes covering 55 occupations.
Over the next 20 years the popular support for secondary level technical schools grew in New Zealand and in 1910 the Dunedin Technical School constructed itself a new building to accommodate its swelling student numbers. On the completion of the new building it renamed itself the King Edward Technical College (since 1974 operating as Logan Park High School)and officially opened in 1914.
Over the next 45 years the King Edward Technical College grew at a significant pace, acquiring the older Dunedin Art School and the establishment of a music department. In the 1930s and 40s the New Zealand government of the day passed laws to encourage more people into secondary level education, and for tradespeople to attend part time study during their apprenticeships. Through the 1950s and 60s this encouragement extended to the training of middle level engineers as well as a general expansion of technical training into more occupational areas.
In 1960 a restructure of the King Edward Technical College was necessary due to its very large size causing management difficulties. The College was divided into smaller institutes, mainly separating secondary and tertiary levels of education and training. In 1964 the tertiary arm of the college adopted the name Otago Polytechnic. On 1 February 1966, Otago Polytechnic officially began its first year of studies.
There is another book written on the History of the Polytech, written by a Mr Scott who was a Polytech member. At this point in time it is difficult to obtain a copy of this book, but in it is said to be more information then the book in which this entry has been based.
[edit] Locations
The Otago Polytechnic is spread over a large geographical area with campuses in Dunedin, Central Otago and Oamaru.
[edit] Dunedin Campuses
The Dunedin Campuses include Forth Street Campus, Tennyson St Campus, and the School of Natural Resources.
Forth Street Campus buildings are mostly situated within a reasonable walking distance from the corners of David Street and Forth Street with the 16 or so buildings grouped into Administration and Student Services buildings, Student Life buildings, Faculty Offices, and Schools.
Tennyson Street Campus includes three buildings on the corner of Tennyson St and York Place. This campus focuses on Cookery and Hospitality programmes and includes the Mellor's Training Restaurant where students have the opportunity to offer services to the public.
The School of Natural Resources is located in the Dunedin City's Botanical Gardens.
[edit] Central Otago Campuses
In Central Otago the main Otago Polytechnic campus is in Cromwell on the corner of Molyneux Ave and Erris St. Programmes on offer include long and short courses in Cookery, Business, and Horticulture. Qualifications in Ski and Snowbord instruction and Avalanche Safety are delivered from Cardrona Alpine Resort and Mount Aspiring College. Many short-courses including 'Computing 4 Free' are available in Cromwell, Queenstown, Wanaka and Alexandra.
[edit] Studying at Otago Polytechnic
Otago Polytechnic offers education and training to both local and international students. According to the 2004 annual report - in 2001 a total of 1,580 students obtained qualifications, 1926 in 2002, 1967 in 2003 and 2068 in 2004. On average around 40 international students qualify each year.
All students are members of the Otago Polytechnic Students' Association [1], an independent organisation run by the students and offers support, social events and clubs, and access to facilities and services.
[edit] Students' Association
Otago Polytechnic Students' Association [2] is an independent organisation, founded in the mid 1960s, that all Otago Polytechnic students become members of when they enrol. OPSA is about providing for its members - OPSA is run by students for students.
[edit] Working at Otago Polytechnic
In 2004 Otago Polytechnic completed a strategic planning process, developing directives that are expressed in the 2005 - 2007 Profile. The Tek aims to be one of the best employers in the education sector in New Zealand. Staff have the opportunity to join representative unions such as the Tertiary Institutes Allied Staff Association (- Te Hononga), and the Association of Staff in Tertiary Education (- Te Hau Takitini o Aotearoa).
All staff are required to undergo up to date training on New Zealand's Treaty of Waitangi and maintain a standard of safe work practices and environments, free from prejudice and harassment.
