What if the walls of Carmel College could talk? They would tell tales of young women empowered through Catholic education. Carmel College stands proudly in Milford. It is a Catholic secondary school for girls. The Sisters of Mercy established it in 1957. Only 15 girls were there at the start.
Carmel College’s story is deeply rooted in the Mercy charism. Core Mercy values are key here. They are woven into all school activities. Awhinatanga means service. Tika stands for justice. Aroha is compassion. Te tapu o te tangata represents respect. Aroha ki te rawa kore means care. The school wants to empower women. It wants to prepare them to shape the future.
Carmel College is one of the top-ranked secondary schools in New Zealand. It has a reputation for academic excellence. Most students go on to tertiary education. Some go to top universities overseas. The school sees itself as a community of learning. It looks after everyone. It supports everyone. It embraces the beliefs of all.
Carmel College gathers students from diverse backgrounds. The school has become more responsive to New Zealand’s bicultural heritage. Atawhai groups have been introduced. They consolidate a sense of whānau across the school.
The school uses achievement information to promote student learning. Students are highly engaged. Teachers and students have high expectations. There has been a gradual introduction of BYOD. This promotes a culture of active engagement in learning.
Almost all students achieve at or above National Standards in Years 7 and 8. They score above national averages in NCEA. Achievement rates compare well with girls in similar schools. Māori and Pacific students have achieved higher than those at similar schools for years. More than a third of students achieve excellence endorsements in NCEA.
The curriculum at Carmel College is very effective. It supports student learning. It aligns with The New Zealand Curriculum. The school’s special character influences the curriculum. The school is committed to service to others.
Key features of the school’s curriculum include ongoing review and consultation. A strong commitment to e-learning is also key. The school has relevant education outside the classroom. There is a deliberate creation of leadership roles for students. The school offers strong pastoral systems. There are ongoing conversations with families about learning.
Educational success for Māori is promoted well. The school integrates bicultural perspectives. Achievement levels for Māori students are similar to the whole school.
Carmel College celebrated its 50th jubilee in June 2007. Celebrations lasted a week. There were songs by music groups. There was a wall of photographic remembrance. A time capsule will be dug up at the college’s centennial.
Carmel College students participate in many activities. These include Stage Challenge and Big Sing Choral Festival. The school has many clubs. These include the Human Rights Group and the Creative Writers’ Club. There is also SADD, Young Vinnies and the SAVE environmental group. Carmel has different music groups too.
The walls of Carmel College stand strong. They support a legacy of empowered young women. They are ready to challenge and shape the future. Remember the values of justice, compassion, and respect as you leave Carmel College. Carry them in your hearts.