Read the latest news from Rutherford College

Kia ora te whanau ō te Kōtuku

Course Selection 2027 – Choose Well, Keep Doors Open

Over the coming weeks, students will begin selecting their courses for 2027. This is an exciting opportunity to start thinking about future pathways, interests, and goals. We encourage all families to take the time to discuss these choices together, as the decisions made now have a significant impact on next year's learning.

To support students and whānau in making informed decisions, there are a range of resources and people available to help. Information about courses and pathways can be found on  the Rutherford Study website. 

On 13 August we will also hold our Parent Student Subject Teacher (PSST) Evening, where students and families can speak directly with teachers and learn more about the pathways open to them. At the same time, our Careers Expo will be running in the school hall, bringing together universities, tertiary providers, industry representatives, employers, and training organisations. This gives students and whānau the opportunity to explore a wide range of career and study options, ask questions, and see how today's subject choices can open doors to future opportunities. 

Students are also encouraged to seek advice from the many people who know them well. Our Tutor Teachers, Classroom Teachers, Careers Department,  House Deans and Academic Deans are all available to help students consider their strengths, interests, aspirations, and future pathways before making their selections.

It is important to understand that course selections are not simply an indication of interest. Student choices are used to build our timetable, determine the number of classes required, allocate teaching staff, and plan resources across the school. With continued roll growth and increasing demand for some subjects, changing courses after selections have been finalised is becoming much more difficult. Choosing carefully now gives us the best opportunity to provide students with the courses they have selected. 

Senior courses are designed as full-year programmes, with teaching and assessment spread across the year. Success relies on students engaging from the beginning, rather than joining partway through or changing courses later in the year. As a result, changing courses will mean students miss important learning and assessment opportunities.

When selecting courses, we encourage students to:

• Consider their interests, strengths, and future aspirations.
• Read the course information carefully, some will have pre requisites 
• Explore the information available on SchoolBridge and the Rutherford Study website.
• Attend the PSST Evening with their whānau.
• Talk with their Tutor Teacher, Classroom Teachers, Careers team, or Academic Deans.
• Discuss their choices at home before submitting them.
• Visit our Study Site for more in depth information and planning tools.

The more care we take now, the more likely your child will be in the right course from Day One, ready to make the most of the learning opportunities and assessment programme throughout the year. As course selections are used to create our timetable and determine staffing well before the end of the year, changes after this process has begun are often very difficult to accommodate. 

Thank you for partnering with us to support your child's future. We look forward to working with you throughout the course selection process to ensure every student is well placed for a successful 2027.

Careers Expo – Thursday 13 August - An event for any year level to get valuable career information.

We’re excited to welcome all students to our Careers Expo on Thursday 13 August, an important opportunity to explore future pathways and get inspired about life beyond school.

Held at school, the expo will feature a wide range of tertiary providers, including universities, polytechnics, and private training institutions. Students will also be able to connect with representatives from apprenticeship programs and various trade industries, offering valuable insight into hands-on career options and earn-while-you-learn opportunities.

Whether you're aiming for university, considering a trade, or still exploring your next steps, the Careers Expo is the perfect chance to ask questions, gather resources, and start shaping your future.

This is not just for students in Years 11 - 13 - We encourage all students to come along, be curious, and make the most of this valuable event!

Venue: School Hall

Time: 2pm to 7pm

PSST Conferences - Save the Date - 13 August

Mark your calendars for Thursday 13 August! Our Parent/Student/Subject Teacher (PSST) Conferences will be held from 2.00pm–8.00pm, alongside our Careers Expo. This is a great opportunity to meet with your child's subject teachers, discuss their progress, and seek advice about future course selections. Bookings open on 3 August – don't miss this valuable opportunity to support your child's learning journey.

Kotuku Badge Applications
Applications are now open for students to apply for a Kotuku Badge.
The Kotuku Badge scheme is designed to encourage the pursuit of excellence and encourage participation across the college. The badges are attainable for all students in four areas. Students are encouraged to build their ‘ladder’ and in doing so, build pride, foster goal setting, reward competition and encourage participation. There are four categories: academic, sport, culture and citizenship. Students can build on their achievements and strive for two levels – with the colours being based on the school colours of blue (top level) and silver (initial level). You can find out more on our website about the criteria for each badge. Students can complete the application via the School Portal. Click on the Kotuku Badge icon and complete the form. Applications close 7 August. Badges will be presented during Rutherford Week this term.

What's Coming Up?

30 July - Open Evening 6pm to 8pm
31 July - Open Day from 9.30 to 1.30pm - visit the school in action
03 Aug - 07 Aug  Enrolment Evenings for Year 9 students in 2027 from 3.30 to 7pm
07 Aug - Kotuku Badge Applications close
08 Aug - Saturday morning enrolments from 9am to 11.30am.
13 Aug - PSST Conferences 2pm to 8pm and Careers Expo 2pm to 7pm

Ngā mihi 

Gary Moore