Auckland Grammar School

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Auckland Grammar School
Per Angusta Ad Augusta
Through difficulties to greatness.[1]
Location
87 Mountain Road
Epsom
Auckland 1023
New Zealand
Coordinates 36°52′9″S 174°46′10″E / 36.86917°S 174.76944°E / -36.86917; 174.76944Coordinates: 36°52′9″S 174°46′10″E / 36.86917°S 174.76944°E / -36.86917; 174.76944
Information
Type State single-sex boys secondary (Year 9–13) with boarding facilities
Established 1868
Ministry of Education Institution no. 54
Headmaster Tim O'Connor
School roll 2541[2] (November 2013)
Socio-economic decile 10
Website www.ags.school.nz

Auckland Grammar School is a state secondary school for years 9 to 13 boys in Auckland, New Zealand. It has a roll of 2541 as of November 2013,[2] including a number of boarders who live in nearby Tibbs' House, making it New Zealand's largest single-sex school and placing it among the six largest schools in the country.[3]

Grammar regards itself as the pre-eminent academic secondary school in New Zealand.[4] Metro Magazine wrote "Grammar's results in the Cambridge system are comparable with most private schools, and it scores extremely well in Scholarship too".[5]

History

The school was established in 1850 by the then Governor-in-Chief, Sir George Grey, and was officially recognised as an educational establishment in 1868 through the Auckland Grammar School Appropriation Act.[6] The school was initially privately funded, as New Zealand did not have a state education system until 1877.

Auckland Grammar School buildings contain two Category I historic places, the school's main block and a war memorial.[7][8][9] An obelisk located in front of the school commemorates former students who fought in various wars. The school's main block, built in 1916 in the "Spanish Mission" style, is used for daily assemblies, exhibitions, and contains various classrooms. Surrounding the main hall in which the daily assembly is held are the school honours boards listing the names of the school's top scholars including Rhodes Scholars and Girdlers Scholars.

The school owns a facility called the VentureLodge located in the township of Ohakune, in the central North Island, which is used by students for camps.[10]

The school's motto is "Per Angusta ad Augusta" which translates to "Through difficulties to greatness." The school has also translated the motto as "Through rough ravines to hallowed heights."[11] The origin of the motto is uncertain, but it was a common maxim at the time of the school's founding.[12]

A documentary on the school titled Grammar Boys was aired in July 2005 on TV3.[13]

As of 25 June 2012, Tim O'Connor (former Rector at Palmerston North Boys' High School) was announced as the new Headmaster of Auckland Grammar School. He replaces John Morris who has held the position since 1993. Mr. O'Connor is set to takeover in Term 4 (October) of 2012.[14]

Architecture

A closer look at the architectural style of the main building.

In addition to its original or "main" building Auckland Grammar School has in recent years added several new structures. These include a new gymnasium which contains several full size basketball courts. Most recently a sports pavilion was completed on its upper field to house events and sports teams.[15]

Enrolment

Auckland Grammar's enrolment home zone covers the eastern Auckland CBD and inner suburbs south-east of the CBD. The school is marked by the red circle.

Historically, because of its reputation, the demand for places in the school has outstripped capacity, and entry was selective. The school was zoned at least since the 1960s. Now entry is determined by a state school enrolment scheme. The school argues that zoning increases house prices in the zone, reducing access to the school for students from lower socio-economic groups.[16]

Auckland Grammar's voluntary donation for each student was NZD$700 in 2005, NZD$740 in 2006, NZD$810 in 2008, and NZD$880 in 2010 – approximately five times higher than the average.[17] The highest voluntary donations are requested by state integrated schools, reaching up to NZD$4,472,[18] For example, Grammar's neighbour St Peter's College (an integrated school) charges a maximum fee of $2760.00 per annum (2012).[19] But Auckland Grammar's request is the highest of any state (as opposed to state integrated) school.[17]

International students

The School has around 90–100 International students. International students are tested for English language proficiency and some students may be required to complete an intensive course of English language before starting at Auckland Grammar School. The international students at Auckland Grammar School paid the highest tuition fees in New Zealand state schools at more than $20,000 each year.[20][21]

Academics

NCEA controversy

The last headmaster, John Morris, is a vocal critic of the NCEA. In response to what is perceived by the school to be a poorly designed system being forced on them, the school introduced Cambridge International Examinations in 2002, offering the IGCSE, AS Level and A2 examinations to its more talented students. Other students sit NCEA exams. Students placed in an IGCSE/AS/A2 class are allowed to switch to NCEA, but this is usually discouraged by the school. However in the ensuing years the majority of students were encouraged to take part in CIE qualifications. The introduction of New Zealand Scholarship has been viewed sceptically by the school, and it encourages only the top students to attempt it. Despite this, the school had the highest number of scholarships of any school in New Zealand in 2006.[22] And the 2008 Education Review Office (ERO) report commented the School ranks amongst the highest performing schools in New Zealand from the results in national and international examinations.[23] From 2011, the school will only offer the CIE Form 5 programme to all students in Form 5.[24]

School song

The school song was introduced in March 1955. The words were composed in 1954 by L. W. A. Crawley, senior Classics lecturer at Auckland University College (now the University of Auckland). The song consists of two verses in Latin and includes the school motto as a refrain. It is sung to the melody of the German hymn Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott (A Mighty Fortress Is Our God).[25]

Notable alumni and staff

The main building shortly after its completion in 1916

Academia

The Arts

Broadcasting

  • John Hawkesby – former news presenter for ONE News and 3 News in New Zealand
  • Kipsan Beck – former news presenter for Channel 11 Morning Talk, MCOTWorld, NBT, MCM, MTV in Thailand

Business

Literature

Public service

Science

Sport

Auckland Grammar has produced the most All Blacks out of any New Zealand school; it has a total of 50 former All Blacks.[51]

Headmasters

Period Headmaster
1869–1870 Dr Robert Boyd Kidd, BA, LLD(Dublin)
1871–1882 Farquhar Macrae
1882–1892 Charles Frederick Bourne, MA(Oxon)
1893–1922 James William Tibbs, CMG, MA(Oxon)
1922–1928 James Drummond, MA
1928–1935 Harold James Del Monte Mahon, BA
1935–1954 Colin McGregor Littlejohn, BSc, MA, Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal 1953
1954–1972 Sir Henry Cooper, Kt, CBE, MA(Hons)
1973–1993 Sir John Graham, KNZM, CBE, ED, MA(Hons)
1994–2012 John Morris, ONZM, MA(Hons)
2012 – Tim O'Connor, BEd

Notes

  1. ↑ "Augusta Fellowship". 
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Directory of Schools - as at 4 December 2013". New Zealand Ministry of Education. Retrieved 10 December 2013. 
  3. ↑ "New Zealand Schools – Education Counts". New Zealand Ministry of Education. Retrieved 2011-09-09. 
  4. ↑ Top Academic School | Auckland Grammar School. Ags.school.nz. Retrieved 2012-08-27.
  5. ↑ "Auckland Grammar School". Metro Magazine. July–Aug 2011. 
  6. ↑ Auckland Grammar School (----). "Enrolment". Auckland Grammar School. Archived from the original on 21 June 2006. Retrieved 2006-07-02. 
  7. ↑ "Auckland Grammar School (Main Block)". Register of Historic Places. New Zealand Historic Places Trust. Retrieved 2006-07-02. 
  8. ↑ "War Memorial, Auckland Grammar School". Register of Historic Places. New Zealand Historic Places Trust. Retrieved 2006-07-02. 
  9. ↑ Auckland Grammar School (----). "School Campus". Auckland Grammar School. Archived from the original on 5 May 2006. Retrieved 2006-07-02. 
  10. ↑ Venture Lodge | Auckland Grammar School. Ags.school.nz. Retrieved 2011-08-10.
  11. ↑ Trembath, 358.
  12. ↑ Trembath, 55.
  13. ↑ "Programme Catalogue". New Zealand On Air. ----. Archived from the original on 27 September 2007. Retrieved 2006-07-02. 
  14. ↑ [http://www.voxy.co.nz/national/auckland-grammar-announces-new-headmaster/5/127258. Retrieved 25 June 2012. ]
  15. ↑ About Grammar | Auckland Grammar School. Ags.school.nz. Retrieved 2011-08-10.
  16. ↑ Enrolment | Auckland Grammar School. Ags.school.nz (6 September 2010). Retrieved 2011-08-10.
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 Dye, Stuart; Gillespie, Kiri (31 January 2005). "School fee burdens parents". New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 2006-07-02. 
  18. ↑ Page, Emma (12 February 2006). "State schools charge $5000 fees". Sunday Star Times. 
  19. ↑ St Peter's College website, enrolment form 2012, final page (retrieved 2012-05-23)
  20. ↑ http://www.ero.govt.nz/Early-Childhood-School-Reports/School-Reports/Auckland-Grammar-07-11-2011
  21. ↑ Application Process for International Students | Auckland Grammar School. Ags.school.nz. Retrieved 2011-08-10.
  22. ↑ Grammar School, Auckland (7 May 2006). "NCEA Scholarship Results 2006". Auckland Grammar School. Archived from the original on 30 June 2007. Retrieved 2007-07-05. 
  23. ↑ Review Report, Education (7 October 2008). "Education REVIEW REPORT:AUCKLAND GRAMMAR SCHOOL, OCTOBER 2008". Education Review Office. Retrieved 2010-06-07. 
  24. ↑ Grammar School, Auckland (26 June 2010). "Extension of IGCSE to Form 5 in 2011". Auckland Grammar School. Retrieved 2010-06-07. 
  25. ↑ Trembath, 313.
  26. ↑ Page22: Augusta Awards
  27. ↑ A serial director who has seen it all.
  28. ↑ HISTORY – COLIN MAIDEN PARK
  29. ↑ Denis Feeney ’68 | Auckland Grammar School. (PDF) . Retrieved 2011-08-10.
  30. ↑ Raymond Firth
  31. ↑ Sir Hugh Kawharu | Auckland Grammar School. Ags.school.nz. Retrieved 2011-08-10.
  32. ↑ Sir Roger Moses ’68 | Auckland Grammar School. Gov-gen.govt.nz (2 September 2009). Retrieved 2011-08-10.
  33. ↑ The New Zealand Edge : Media / NEWZEDGE : Arts: Russell Crowe: www.nzedge.com
  34. ↑ Charles Goldie. Experiencefestival.com. Retrieved 2011-08-10.
  35. ↑ 35.0 35.1 Page 22: Augusta Awards
  36. ↑ Max Gimblett ’50 | Auckland Grammar School. (PDF) . Retrieved 2011-08-10.
  37. ↑ Russell Crowe: Sweet, egotistical and charming – one of the biggest entertainment stars at. Mondostars.com. Retrieved 2011-08-10.
  38. ↑ BIOGRAPHY – Sir James Fletcher. The Fletcher Trust. Retrieved 2011-08-10.
  39. ↑ . Dr John Gordon St Clair Buchanan. Retrieved 2012-04-29.
  40. ↑ Gustafson, Barry (1986). The First 50 Years : A History of the New Zealand National Party. Auckland: Reed Methuen. pp. 296–297. ISBN 0-474-00177-6. 
  41. ↑ Sir Thomas Rainsford BAVIN [Former Member]. Parliament.nsw.gov.au. Retrieved 2011-08-10.
  42. ↑ New Zealand Government Ministers Hon Doug Graham. Executive.govt.nz. Retrieved 2011-08-10.
  43. ↑ Augusta Awards / Old Boy of the Year | Auckland Grammar School
  44. ↑ Sir Kenneth Keith | Auckland Grammar School. Ags.school.nz. Retrieved 2011-08-10.
  45. ↑ Sir George laking dies at 95, ending a life of public service | infonews.co.nz New Zealand's local news community
  46. ↑ "Obituary". Auckland Star. Volume LX, Issue 33, 8 February 1929. p. 9. Retrieved 18 May 2013. 
  47. ↑ Sir Duncan McMullin ’40 | Auckland Grammar School. Ags.school.nz. Retrieved 2011-08-10.
  48. ↑ SIR LESLIE MUNRO – 12th Session. Un.org. Retrieved 2011-08-10.
  49. ↑ Hon Dr Lockwood Smith ’61 | Auckland Grammar School. (PDF) . Retrieved 2011-08-10.
  50. ↑ Sir Graham Liggins | Auckland Grammar School. Ags.school.nz. Retrieved 2011-08-10.
  51. ↑ Sport | Auckland Grammar School. Ags.school.nz. Retrieved 2011-08-10.
  52. ↑ New Zealand All Blacks Player Profiles, Match Details and Statistics. Stats.allblacks.com (5 May 1983). Retrieved 2011-08-10.
  53. ↑ Hamish Carter | Auckland Grammar School. Ags.school.nz. Retrieved 2011-08-10.
  54. ↑ 54.0 54.1 Russell Crowe Media Man Australia. Mediaman.com.au. Retrieved 2011-08-10.
  55. ↑ New Zealand All Blacks Player Profiles, Match Details and Statistics. Stats.allblacks.com. Retrieved 2011-08-10.
  56. ↑ Wales Coach Archive: Graham Henry: 1998 – 2002. WRU. Retrieved 2011-08-10.
  57. ↑ Sir Edmund Hillary | Auckland Grammar School. Ags.school.nz. Retrieved 2011-08-10.
  58. ↑ Doug Howlett (rugby player) – Biography Research Guide. 123exp-biographies.com. Retrieved 2011-08-10.
  59. ↑ New Zealand All Blacks Player Profiles, Match Details and Statistics. Stats.allblacks.com. Retrieved 2011-08-10.

References

  • Nicholls ("Streak"), C. N. (1987). Fifty Years at Grammar or Tales out of School. Auckland: ESA Books. 
  • Trembath, K. A. (1969). Ad Augusta. Auckland: The Auckland Grammar School Old Boys' Association. OCLC 447653. 

External links

State secondary & composite
State-integrated
Private
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