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{{Short description|School in Auckland, New Zealand}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2015}} {{Use dmy dates|date=May 2015}}
{{Use New Zealand English|date=May 2015}} {{Use New Zealand English|date=May 2015}}
{{POV check|date=November 2011}}


{{Infobox school {{Infobox school
|name = Mount Roskill Grammar School | name = Mount Roskill Grammar School
|seal_image = Mount Roskill Grammar School logo.jpg | seal_image = Mount Roskill Grammar School logo.jpg
|motto = ''Sursum''<br>To the Heights | motto = ''Sursum''<br />To the Heights
|type = State co-educational secondary (Year 9-13) | type = State co-educational secondary (Year 9–13)
|established = 1954 | established = 1953
|address = Frost Road,<br>],<br>],<br>New Zealand | address = Frost Road,<br />],<br />],<br />New Zealand
|coordinates = {{coord|36.911959|S|174.747945|E|type:edu_region:NZ-AUK|display=inline,title}} | coordinates = {{coord|36.911959|S|174.747945|E|type:edu_region:NZ-AUK|display=inline,title}}
|principal = Greg Watson | principal = Tom Webb
|roll = {{NZ school roll data|74|y||y}} <small>({{NZ school roll data|||y}})</small> | roll = {{NZ school roll data|74|y||y}} <small>({{NZ school roll data|||y}})</small>
|decile = 4<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.education.govt.nz/assets/Documents/School/Running-a-school/Resourcing/DecileChanges-20142015-1.xls|title=Decile Change 2014 to 2015 for State & State Integrated Schools|publisher=Ministry of Education|accessdate=24 June 2018}}</ref> | decile = 4<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.education.govt.nz/assets/Documents/School/Running-a-school/Resourcing/DecileChanges-20142015-1.xls|title=Decile Change 2014 to 2015 for State & State Integrated Schools|publisher=Ministry of Education|accessdate=24 June 2018}}</ref>
|MOE = 74 | MOE = 74
|homepage = {{URL|http://www.mrgs.school.nz/}} | homepage = {{URL|http://www.mrgs.school.nz/}}
}} }}
'''Mount Roskill Grammar School''' is a ] in the suburb of ], ], officially opened in 1954. The school is widely regarded as one of the most diverse schools in Auckland, having students of over 70 different nationalities including approximately 120 ]. The school has been noted by media for its rising academic success and exceptional performance for its low ].<ref name=2007Herald/> '''Mount Roskill Grammar School''' is a ] in the suburb of ], ]; it officially opened in 1953,<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.mrgs.school.nz/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/MRGS-February-March-Newsletter-2013.pdf|magazine=Mount Roskill Grammar School Newsletter|date=February 2013|page=2|title=Diamond Jubilee Celebrations}}</ref> The school has been noted for its relative academic success given its low ].<ref name=2007Herald/>


==Motto== ==History==
Gavin Parratt – HOD Commerce is a bad teacher. Stop being so rude, disrespectful, loud and annoying to students and calm your horses. Just because you're a teacher doesn't mean you can publicly humiliate students.


The school opened in 1953, on a plot of land the Auckland Education Board purchased from the ]. It was one of the first new secondary schools in central Auckland in eight years, and was opened when ] was a semi-rural but rapidly developing suburb. The school began with a roll of 363, but by 1964 the school had expanded to over 1,300 students, making it the largest in the country.<ref name="Roskill">{{citeq|Q116775081|page=96–98}}</ref> When the school was first established, the grounds were rocky and uneven. In 1956, school students helped dig the school pool by hand.<ref name="Roskill"/>
⚫ In 1957 the school was granted its own board of governors and adopted the emblem of the ] with the motto 'Sursum' meaning 'To the Heights'. The Phoenix was chosen for its symbolism of the pursuit of excellence and periodic renewal and revitalization.


⚫ In 1957 the school was granted its own board of governors and adopted the emblem of the ] with the motto 'Sursum' meaning 'To the Heights'. The Phoenix was chosen for its symbolism of the pursuit of excellence and periodic renewal and revitalization.
⚫ ==Premises==
⚫ The school has had several structural improvements, such as the construction of new buildings such as the Science Block, the Maclean Centre, T-Block, renovation of H-Block (including the Year 13 Common Room - a room with lockers, kitchen appliances, and recreation features dedicated to final year students), and the new ]nasium and classrooms. At the end of 2009, a new Pastoral Care Centre was built and opened in 2010.<ref name="MRGS official website">{{cite web|url=http://www.mrgs.school.nz/ourschool/pastoralcare.aspx|title=Mount Roskill Grammar School website|publisher=MRGS|accessdate=24 June 2018}}</ref> Rebuilding of the school's C-Block finished late 2010. In 2016, the new Olympic-grade hockey turf was completed.


⚫ The Maclean Centre for ] students was opened in 1977, named in honour of Mr B H Maclean, Principal from 1966 to 1981. The Centre moved into a new building in 2003 and the staff and students are fully involved in all areas of school life.
===The Maclean Centre===

⚫ The Maclean Centre for ] students was opened in 1977, named in honour of Mr B H Maclean, Principal from 1966-1981. The Centre moved into a new building in 2003 and the staff and students are fully involved in all areas of school life.
In 1989, Colin Prentice, former head boy of Mount Roskil Grammar, became the school's principal.<ref name="Roskill"/>

⚫ In 2018, Mount Roskill adopted a gender-neutral uniform for its students.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mrgs.school.nz/school-uniform/|title=School Uniform – Mt Roskill Grammar School}}</ref>

==Enrolment==
The school is one of the most diverse in New Zealand. The school roll has an ethnic composition of 26% ], 16% ], 13% ], 11% ], 8% ], 6% ], 3% ], 3% ]n, 2% ], and 12% other.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ero.govt.nz/review-reports/mt-roskill-grammar-22-06-2015/ |title=Mt Roskill Grammar &#124; Education Review Office |website=www.ero.govt.nz |access-date=7 October 2020}}</ref>

⚫ ==Premises==
⚫ The school has had several structural improvements, such as the construction of new buildings such as the Science Block, the Maclean Centre, T-Block, renovation of H-Block (including the Year 13 Common Room - a room with lockers, kitchen appliances, and recreation features dedicated to final year students), and the new gymnasium and classrooms. At the end of 2009, a new Pastoral Care Centre was built and opened in 2010.<ref name="MRGS official website">{{cite web|url=http://www.mrgs.school.nz/ourschool/pastoralcare.aspx|title=Mount Roskill Grammar School website|publisher=MRGS|accessdate=24 June 2018}}</ref> Rebuilding of the school's C-Block finished late 2010. In 2016, a new Olympic-grade hockey turf was completed.


==Academics== ==Academics==
The school has a very proud academic record, with top scholarship results comparable to other higher-decile schools in Auckland, despite the fact that it is a decile 4 school. Mount Roskill Grammar School has been described by the ] in 2007 as the ''"best public school in New Zealand"''.<ref name=2007Herald>{{cite news|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10380822|title=Surprises on NCEA's report card|work=]|publisher=]|date=8 May 2006|accessdate=24 June 2018}}</ref> In 2009 Metro Magazine has also ranked MRGS as the top school in Auckland, saying ''"Mt Roskill is not uniquely gifted; it has to work hard to get the results it does. But it was in the top 10 for every indicator we looked at, and usually it was first or second. In general its academic results were what you would expect of a decile-9 school."''.<ref>Metro magazine, July/August 2009 issue 335, p. 30.</ref> Mount Roskill Grammar School was described by the ] in 2007 as the ''"best public school in New Zealand"''.<ref name=2007Herald>{{cite news|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10380822|title=Surprises on NCEA's report card|work=]|publisher=]|date=8 May 2006|accessdate=24 June 2018}}</ref> In 2009 Metro Magazine has also ranked MRGS as the top school in Auckland.<ref>Metro magazine, July/August 2009 issue 335, p. 30.</ref>


The school has 10 computer labs<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mrgs.school.nz/ourschool/facilities.aspx#287|title=Mount Roskill Grammar School Website, ''Facilities'' page|accessdate=24 June 2018}}</ref> catering for students from Year 9-13. Mount Roskill Grammar operates under a strict contract, which every student signs, so that these technologies are not abused. Mount Roskill Grammar is also one of the schools participating in the Phase 2 of the Beacon Practice from GIF Technology Education initiative.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://techlink.org.nz/GIF-tech-education/beacon-practice/Phase-1-2-Schools/index.htm#phase2|title=Beacon Practice Phase 2 Schools|accessdate=1 May 2007|archiveurl=https://archive.is/Ceww|archivedate=15 July 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> The school has 10 computer labs<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mrgs.school.nz/ourschool/facilities.aspx#287|title=Mount Roskill Grammar School Website, ''Facilities'' page|accessdate=24 June 2018}}</ref> catering for students from Year 9-13. The school is also one of the schools participating in the Phase 2 of the Beacon Practice from GIF Technology Education initiative.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://techlink.org.nz/GIF-tech-education/beacon-practice/Phase-1-2-Schools/index.htm#phase2|title=Beacon Practice Phase 2 Schools|accessdate=1 May 2007|archiveurl=https://archive.today/20120715204711/http://techlink.org.nz/GIF-tech-education/beacon-practice/Phase-1-2-Schools/index.htm%23phase2#phase2|archivedate=15 July 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref>


In 2013, 90.7 percent of students leaving Mount Roskill Grammar held at least NCEA Level 1, 82.5 percent held at least NCEA Level 2, and 58.3 percent held at least University Entrance. This is compared to 85.2%, 74.2%, and 49.0% respectively for all students nationally.<ref>{{cite web|title=School Qualifications -- Mount Roskill Grammar School|url=https://www.educationcounts.govt.nz/find-school/school/qualifications?school=74|publisher=Ministry of Education|accessdate=24 June 2018}}</ref> In 2013, 90.7 percent of students leaving Mount Roskill Grammar held at least NCEA Level 1, 82.5 percent held at least NCEA Level 2, and 58.3 percent held at least University Entrance. This is compared to 85.2%, 74.2%, and 49.0% respectively for all students nationally.<ref>{{cite web|title=School Qualifications -- Mount Roskill Grammar School|url=https://www.educationcounts.govt.nz/find-school/school/qualifications?school=74|publisher=Ministry of Education|accessdate=24 June 2018}}</ref>

==Principals==
{| class="wikitable"
!
! Name
! Term
|-
| 1
| Victor Claude Butler<ref name="Roskill"/>
| align=center | 1953–1965
|-
|2
| Bruce Home MacLean
| align=center | 1966–1981
|-
|3
| Charles John James Dowdle
| align=center | 1982–1989
|-
|4
| Colin John Prentice<ref name="Roskill"/>
| align=center | 1989–1994
|-
| 5
| Ken B. Rapson
| align=center | 1994–2006
|-
| 6
| Greg Watson
| align=center | 2006–2023
|-
| 7
| Tom Webb
| align=center | 2024–present
|}


==Extracurricular activities== ==Extracurricular activities==
Mount Roskill Grammar School offers sports, music and other extracurricular activities. Notably there are culture groups in ]n, ], ]ese, ], ]n, ]n, ]an, ]an and ] culture. The Indian Dance group won the 2007 Annual Bollywood Highschool Dance Competition.<ref> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071209072429/http://www.tarana.co.nz/radio-tarana-bollywood-events/event-detail.php?event_id=213|date=9 December 2007}}</ref> Mount Roskill Grammar School offers sports, music and other extracurricular activities. There are culture groups relating to ]n, ], ]ese, ], ]n, ]n, ]an, ]an and ] culture. The Indian Dance group won the 2007 Annual Bollywood Highschool Dance Competition.<ref> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071209072429/http://www.tarana.co.nz/radio-tarana-bollywood-events/event-detail.php?event_id=213|date=9 December 2007}}</ref>


The Boys Chorus (Mr G's Boys Chorus) was actively involved in ], winning a record of 5 consecutive Auckland Regional titles in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006 as well as the New Zealand National Young Singers in Harmony Championships in 2002, 2005 and 2006. The school at that time was the only school in New Zealand to have won 3 National Championships, and 2 consecutively. The Boys Chorus (Mr G's Boys Chorus) was actively involved in ], winning a record of 5 consecutive Auckland Regional titles in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2006 as well as the New Zealand National Young Singers in Harmony Championships in 2002, 2005 and 2006. The school at that time was the only school in New Zealand to have won 3 National Championships, and 2 consecutively.


===Houses=== ===Houses===
As of 2017, Mount Roskill Grammar School has 5 houses which have been named after famous New Zealanders - ] (Red), ] (Orange), ] (Yellow), ] (Green) And ] (Blue).{{citation needed|date=January 2015}} Junior students are placed into house groups through their core classes, senior students remain in the houses they were in during year 10.<ref>https://www.mrgs.school.nz/house-system-and-deans/</ref> As of 2017, Mount Roskill Grammar School has 5 houses that have been named after famous New Zealanders - ] (Red), ] (Orange), ] (Yellow), ] (Green) And ] (Blue).{{citation needed|date=January 2015}} Junior students are placed into house groups through their core classes, senior students remain in the houses they were in during year 10.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mrgs.school.nz/house-system-and-deans/|title = House System and Deans – Mt Roskill Grammar School}}</ref>


==Awards== ==Awards==
*] School of the Year Award, for ''Outstanding Performance in Education'' in 1998.<ref> {{webarchive|url=https://archive.is/20080109162614/http://www.auckland.ac.nz/uoa/about/news/publications/universitynews/issues/2006/03/people/director.cfm|date=9 January 2008}}, ''] news'', March 2006. Accessed 12 October 2007. "During his 12 years at Mount Roskill Grammar the roll has grown from 1576 to 2340 students. Staff numbers total 210. The school won the inaugural Goodman Fielder School of the Year Award in 1998."</ref> *] School of the Year Award, for ''Outstanding Performance in Education'' in 1998.<ref> {{webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20080109162614/http://www.auckland.ac.nz/uoa/about/news/publications/universitynews/issues/2006/03/people/director.cfm|date=9 January 2008}}, ''] news'', March 2006. Accessed 12 October 2007. "During his 12 years at Mount Roskill Grammar the roll has grown from 1576 to 2340 students. Staff numbers total 210. The school won the inaugural Goodman Fielder School of the Year Award in 1998."</ref>
*Goodman Fielder Secondary School of the Year Award, in 2002, and finalist in the Secondary School section in 1999 and 2001.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://list.beehive.govt.nz/archives/wiseup-releases/2003-July/000018.html|title=Wise Up. A newsletter from the office of Trevor Mallard, Minister of Education|issue=51|date=3 July 2003|archiveurl=http://archive.li/gZAJc|archivedate=9 January 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> *Goodman Fielder Secondary School of the Year Award, in 2002, and finalist in the Secondary School section in 1999 and 2001.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://list.beehive.govt.nz/archives/wiseup-releases/2003-July/000018.html|title=Wise Up. A newsletter from the office of Trevor Mallard, Minister of Education|issue=51|date=3 July 2003|archiveurl=https://archive.today/20050524182032/http://list.beehive.govt.nz/archives/wiseup-releases/2003-July/000018.html|archivedate=24 May 2005|url-status=dead|access-date=4 January 2008}}</ref>
⚫ *In 2017 the school was twice the winner of the High School League Premier Division Championships.<ref>{{cite news|author=Daniel Richardson|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=12015703|title=Esports: Mt Roskill Grammar aiming high again in High School League|work=]|publisher=]|date=19 March 2018|accessdate=24 June 2018}}</ref>

⚫ In 2017 the school was twice the winner of the High School League Premier Division Championships.<ref>{{cite news|author=Daniel Richardson|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=12015703|title=Esports: Mt Roskill Grammar aiming high again in High School League|work=]|publisher=]|date=19 March 2018|accessdate=24 June 2018}}</ref>

==Uniform==
⚫ In 2018, Mount Roskill adopted a completely gender-neutral uniform for its students.<ref>https://www.mrgs.school.nz/school-uniform/</ref>


==Alumni== ==Notable alumni==
{{maincat|People educated at Mount Roskill Grammar School}} {{maincat|People educated at Mount Roskill Grammar School}}
*], artist<ref name="Roskill"/>
*], Actor, ]- and ]-winner<ref>also attended ]; completed his secondary education at Mount Roskill Grammar School.</ref>
*], ] member *], ] member
⚫ *], former ] captain, captain of the ] in the ]<ref>https://www.mrgs.school.nz/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Newsletter-February-Term-1-Week-5.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=March 2022}}</ref>
*], Businessman<ref>{{cite news|url=http://tvnz.co.nz/view/news_business_story_skin/475126?format=html|title=Expat backs business school|publisher=]|date=21 February 2005|archiveurl=http://archive.li/r3qrW|archivedate=9 January 2014|url-status=dead|accessdate=12 October 2007}}</ref> *], Businessman<ref>{{cite news|url=http://tvnz.co.nz/view/news_business_story_skin/475126?format=html|title=Expat backs business school|publisher=]|date=21 February 2005|archiveurl=https://archive.today/20110516072607/http://tvnz.co.nz/view/news_business_story_skin/475126?format=html|archivedate=16 May 2011|url-status=dead|accessdate=12 October 2007}}</ref>
*], New Zealand's Richest Man.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.smh.com.au/news/business/food-for-thought-for-kiwi-wheelerdealer/2005/11/18/1132016987208.html|title=Food for thought|work=]|date=19 November 2005|accessdate=24 June 2018|quote=The son of a radiographer, Hart was raised in Auckland where he attended Mount Roskill Grammar School before leaving at 16.}}</ref> *], New Zealand's Richest Man<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.smh.com.au/news/business/food-for-thought-for-kiwi-wheelerdealer/2005/11/18/1132016987208.html|title=Food for thought|work=]|date=19 November 2005|accessdate=24 June 2018|quote=The son of a radiographer, Hart was raised in Auckland where he attended Mount Roskill Grammar School before leaving at 16.}}</ref>
⚫ *], ] Actor<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/1385185|title=Harry McNaughton &laquo; SHORTLAND STREET CHARACTERS|accessdate=23 May 2008|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080521014644/http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/1385185|archivedate=21 May 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*], former ] coach<ref name="Roskill"/>
*], Bollywood Actress
⚫ *], ] Actor<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/1385185|title=Harry McNaughton « SHORTLAND STREET CHARACTERS|accessdate=23 May 2008|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080521014644/http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/1385185|archivedate=21 May 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*], ] (Blackcaps) member *], ] (Blackcaps) member
*], ] Reality Show Contestant *], ] Reality Show Contestant
Line 65: Line 108:
*], Tennis Player *], Tennis Player
*], ] player<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.warriors.co.nz/page/player_evarn_tuimavave.html|title=Vodafone Warriors Player-Evarn Tuimavave|accessdate=19 May 2008|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080429184908/http://www.warriors.co.nz/page/player_evarn_tuimavave.html|archivedate=29 April 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref> *], ] player<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.warriors.co.nz/page/player_evarn_tuimavave.html|title=Vodafone Warriors Player-Evarn Tuimavave|accessdate=19 May 2008|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080429184908/http://www.warriors.co.nz/page/player_evarn_tuimavave.html|archivedate=29 April 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref>
⚫ *], former ] captain, captain of the ] in the ]<ref>https://www.mrgs.school.nz/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Newsletter-February-Term-1-Week-5.pdf</ref>
*], eSports writer


==Controversy== == Controversies ==
In 1995 the school adapted peer-mediated programme called "Cool Schools" and with support from Peace Foundation had trained 200 of 2100 students to be mediators in Years 11 through 12.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10714959|author=Simon Collins|title=Reporting bullies is encouraged|work=The New Zealand Herald|publisher=NZME|date=25 March 2011|accessdate=24 June 2018}}</ref> This programme is now the largest student mediation programme in New Zealand. In 1995 the school adopted a peer-mediated programme called "Cool Schools" and with support from Peace Foundation had trained 200 of 2100 students to be mediators in Years 11 through 12.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10714959|author=Simon Collins|title=Reporting bullies is encouraged|work=The New Zealand Herald|publisher=NZME|date=25 March 2011|accessdate=24 June 2018}}</ref> This programme is now the largest student mediation programme in New Zealand.


In March 2010, Mt Roskill Grammar School appeared on the TV3 Consumer Rights program "Target" regarding the introduction of their new uniform and the three year phase-in time, a costly introduction to parents of existing students. It was met with opposition by the student body but Greg Watson, the principal, pleaded ignorance to the issue and has stated that he had received positive support regarding it. Watson has not informed the school if a change will be made to the way the new school uniform will be introduced. In March 2010, Mt Roskill Grammar School appeared on the TV3 Consumer Rights programme "Target" regarding the introduction of their new uniform and the three-year phase-in time, a costly introduction to parents of existing students. It was met with opposition by the student body but Greg Watson, the principal, pleaded ignorance to the issue and has stated that he had received positive support regarding it. Watson has not informed the school if a change will be made to the way the new school uniform will be introduced.{{Citation needed|date=August 2023}}


On 16 March 2011, ], a ] current affairs programme aired an interview on bullying at Mount Roskill Grammar<ref>Keane, P. (Executive Producer). (16 March 2011) . In ''Campbell Live''. Auckland, New Zealand. Mediaworks Ltd.</ref> where a member of the study body had been bullied to a point that she spent "12 lessons in the Dean’s office or the administration area across a 7-day period".<ref name=MAGS>Watson, G. (2011). . Mount Roskill Grammar Newsletter.</ref> The school since resolved the matter.<ref name=MAGS/> On 16 March 2011, ], a ] current affairs programme aired an interview on bullying at Mount Roskill Grammar<ref>Keane, P. (Executive Producer). (16 March 2011) . In ''Campbell Live''. Auckland, New Zealand. Mediaworks Ltd.</ref> where a member of the study body had been bullied to a point that she spent "12 lessons in the Dean's office or the administration area across a 7-day period".<ref name=MAGS>Watson, G. (2011). . Mount Roskill Grammar Newsletter.</ref> The school since resolved the matter.<ref name=MAGS/>


In 2010s the school scrubbed its girls' rugby team due to fighting but brought it under control by 2015.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11687379|author=Campbell Burnes|title=Rugby: Mt Roskill Grammar girl's side making a comeback|work=The New Zealand Herald|publisher=NZME|date=4 August 2016|accessdate=24 June 2018}}</ref> In 2010s the school scrubbed its girls' rugby team due to fighting, but brought it under control by 2015.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11687379|author=Campbell Burnes|title=Rugby: Mt Roskill Grammar girl's side making a comeback|work=The New Zealand Herald|publisher=NZME|date=4 August 2016|accessdate=24 June 2018}}</ref>


==References== ==References==

Latest revision as of 10:39, 31 October 2024

School in Auckland, New Zealand

Mount Roskill Grammar School
Address
Frost Road,
Mt Roskill,
Auckland,
New Zealand
Coordinates36°54′43″S 174°44′53″E / 36.911959°S 174.747945°E / -36.911959; 174.747945
Information
TypeState co-educational secondary (Year 9–13)
MottoSursum
To the Heights
Established1953
Ministry of Education Institution no.74
PrincipalTom Webb
School roll1825 (August 2024)
Socio-economic decile4
Websitewww.mrgs.school.nz

Mount Roskill Grammar School is a secondary school in the suburb of Mount Roskill, Auckland; it officially opened in 1953, The school has been noted for its relative academic success given its low socio-economic decile.

History

The school opened in 1953, on a plot of land the Auckland Education Board purchased from the Auckland Rugby Union. It was one of the first new secondary schools in central Auckland in eight years, and was opened when Mount Roskill was a semi-rural but rapidly developing suburb. The school began with a roll of 363, but by 1964 the school had expanded to over 1,300 students, making it the largest in the country. When the school was first established, the grounds were rocky and uneven. In 1956, school students helped dig the school pool by hand.

In 1957 the school was granted its own board of governors and adopted the emblem of the Phoenix with the motto 'Sursum' meaning 'To the Heights'. The Phoenix was chosen for its symbolism of the pursuit of excellence and periodic renewal and revitalization.

The Maclean Centre for disabled students was opened in 1977, named in honour of Mr B H Maclean, Principal from 1966 to 1981. The Centre moved into a new building in 2003 and the staff and students are fully involved in all areas of school life.

In 1989, Colin Prentice, former head boy of Mount Roskil Grammar, became the school's principal.

In 2018, Mount Roskill adopted a gender-neutral uniform for its students.

Enrolment

The school is one of the most diverse in New Zealand. The school roll has an ethnic composition of 26% Indian, 16% Chinese, 13% Pākehā, 11% Tongan, 8% Samoan, 6% Māori, 3% South East Asian, 3% African, 2% Cook Island Māori, and 12% other.

Premises

The school has had several structural improvements, such as the construction of new buildings such as the Science Block, the Maclean Centre, T-Block, renovation of H-Block (including the Year 13 Common Room - a room with lockers, kitchen appliances, and recreation features dedicated to final year students), and the new gymnasium and classrooms. At the end of 2009, a new Pastoral Care Centre was built and opened in 2010. Rebuilding of the school's C-Block finished late 2010. In 2016, a new Olympic-grade hockey turf was completed.

Academics

Mount Roskill Grammar School was described by the New Zealand Herald in 2007 as the "best public school in New Zealand". In 2009 Metro Magazine has also ranked MRGS as the top school in Auckland.

The school has 10 computer labs catering for students from Year 9-13. The school is also one of the schools participating in the Phase 2 of the Beacon Practice from GIF Technology Education initiative.

In 2013, 90.7 percent of students leaving Mount Roskill Grammar held at least NCEA Level 1, 82.5 percent held at least NCEA Level 2, and 58.3 percent held at least University Entrance. This is compared to 85.2%, 74.2%, and 49.0% respectively for all students nationally.

Principals

Name Term
1 Victor Claude Butler 1953–1965
2 Bruce Home MacLean 1966–1981
3 Charles John James Dowdle 1982–1989
4 Colin John Prentice 1989–1994
5 Ken B. Rapson 1994–2006
6 Greg Watson 2006–2023
7 Tom Webb 2024–present

Extracurricular activities

Mount Roskill Grammar School offers sports, music and other extracurricular activities. There are culture groups relating to Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Kapa haka, Tongan, Samoan, Tokelauan, Niuean and Cook Islands culture. The Indian Dance group won the 2007 Annual Bollywood Highschool Dance Competition.

The Boys Chorus (Mr G's Boys Chorus) was actively involved in Barbershop Music, winning a record of 5 consecutive Auckland Regional titles in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2006 as well as the New Zealand National Young Singers in Harmony Championships in 2002, 2005 and 2006. The school at that time was the only school in New Zealand to have won 3 National Championships, and 2 consecutively.

Houses

As of 2017, Mount Roskill Grammar School has 5 houses that have been named after famous New Zealanders - Rutherford (Red), Ngata (Orange), Sheppard (Yellow), Hillary (Green) And Cooper (Blue). Junior students are placed into house groups through their core classes, senior students remain in the houses they were in during year 10.

Awards

  • Goodman Fielder School of the Year Award, for Outstanding Performance in Education in 1998.
  • Goodman Fielder Secondary School of the Year Award, in 2002, and finalist in the Secondary School section in 1999 and 2001.
  • In 2017 the school was twice the winner of the High School League Premier Division Championships.

Notable alumni

Main category: People educated at Mount Roskill Grammar School

Controversies

In 1995 the school adopted a peer-mediated programme called "Cool Schools" and with support from Peace Foundation had trained 200 of 2100 students to be mediators in Years 11 through 12. This programme is now the largest student mediation programme in New Zealand.

In March 2010, Mt Roskill Grammar School appeared on the TV3 Consumer Rights programme "Target" regarding the introduction of their new uniform and the three-year phase-in time, a costly introduction to parents of existing students. It was met with opposition by the student body but Greg Watson, the principal, pleaded ignorance to the issue and has stated that he had received positive support regarding it. Watson has not informed the school if a change will be made to the way the new school uniform will be introduced.

On 16 March 2011, Campbell Live, a TV3 current affairs programme aired an interview on bullying at Mount Roskill Grammar where a member of the study body had been bullied to a point that she spent "12 lessons in the Dean's office or the administration area across a 7-day period". The school since resolved the matter.

In 2010s the school scrubbed its girls' rugby team due to fighting, but brought it under control by 2015.

References

  1. "New Zealand Schools Directory". New Zealand Ministry of Education. Retrieved 17 September 2024.
  2. "Decile Change 2014 to 2015 for State & State Integrated Schools". Ministry of Education. Retrieved 24 June 2018.
  3. "Diamond Jubilee Celebrations" (PDF). Mount Roskill Grammar School Newsletter. February 2013. p. 2.
  4. ^ "Surprises on NCEA's report card". The New Zealand Herald. NZME. 8 May 2006. Retrieved 24 June 2018.
  5. ^ Reidy, Jade (2013). Not Just Passing Through: the Making of Mt Roskill (2nd ed.). Auckland: Puketāpapa Local Board. p. 96–98. ISBN 978-1-927216-97-2. OCLC 889931177. Wikidata Q116775081.
  6. "School Uniform – Mt Roskill Grammar School".
  7. "Mt Roskill Grammar | Education Review Office". www.ero.govt.nz. Retrieved 7 October 2020.
  8. "Mount Roskill Grammar School website". MRGS. Retrieved 24 June 2018.
  9. Metro magazine, July/August 2009 issue 335, p. 30.
  10. "Mount Roskill Grammar School Website, Facilities page". Retrieved 24 June 2018.
  11. "Beacon Practice Phase 2 Schools". Archived from the original on 15 July 2012. Retrieved 1 May 2007.
  12. "School Qualifications -- Mount Roskill Grammar School". Ministry of Education. Retrieved 24 June 2018.
  13. Radio Tarana Events High School Dance Competition Archived 9 December 2007 at the Wayback Machine
  14. "House System and Deans – Mt Roskill Grammar School".
  15. New Director named Archived 9 January 2008 at archive.today, The University of Auckland news, March 2006. Accessed 12 October 2007. "During his 12 years at Mount Roskill Grammar the roll has grown from 1576 to 2340 students. Staff numbers total 210. The school won the inaugural Goodman Fielder School of the Year Award in 1998."
  16. "Wise Up. A newsletter from the office of Trevor Mallard, Minister of Education". 3 July 2003. Archived from the original on 24 May 2005. Retrieved 4 January 2008.
  17. Daniel Richardson (19 March 2018). "Esports: Mt Roskill Grammar aiming high again in High School League". The New Zealand Herald. NZME. Retrieved 24 June 2018.
  18. also attended Auckland Grammar School; completed his secondary education at Mount Roskill Grammar School.
  19. https://www.mrgs.school.nz/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Newsletter-February-Term-1-Week-5.pdf
  20. "Expat backs business school". Television New Zealand. 21 February 2005. Archived from the original on 16 May 2011. Retrieved 12 October 2007.
  21. "Food for thought". The Sydney Morning Herald. 19 November 2005. Retrieved 24 June 2018. The son of a radiographer, Hart was raised in Auckland where he attended Mount Roskill Grammar School before leaving at 16.
  22. "Harry McNaughton « SHORTLAND STREET CHARACTERS". Archived from the original on 21 May 2008. Retrieved 23 May 2008.
  23. "Vodafone Warriors Player-Evarn Tuimavave". Archived from the original on 29 April 2008. Retrieved 19 May 2008.
  24. Simon Collins (25 March 2011). "Reporting bullies is encouraged". The New Zealand Herald. NZME. Retrieved 24 June 2018.
  25. Keane, P. (Executive Producer). (16 March 2011) 13yo living in fear of school bullies. In Campbell Live. Auckland, New Zealand. Mediaworks Ltd.
  26. ^ Watson, G. (2011). Statement to Campbell Live. Mount Roskill Grammar Newsletter.
  27. Campbell Burnes (4 August 2016). "Rugby: Mt Roskill Grammar girl's side making a comeback". The New Zealand Herald. NZME. Retrieved 24 June 2018.

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