College helps out quake affected students

Lauren van Noorden. Photo / Supplied

Christchurch teenager Lauren van Noorden will spend part of her school holidays getting one-on-one tuition in Auckland ... and she couldn't be happier.

The Year 13 Burnside High School deputy head girl is one of 100 Christchurch students who have been selected to attend a four-day study camp. The camp is being hosted by Rangitoto College where more than 100 teachers from local schools have volunteered to help students catch up on school work that was missed as a result of the earthquake and subsequent aftershocks. And for students like 17-year-old Lauren, who's aiming for top marks to help her get into law school, it's a great opportunity to catch up.

The teen has no problems spending her time studying while others enjoy their holidays.

"In the greater scheme of things one week to get some more school work done is really not a lot to give up when it's your future that's at stake."

Canterbury-West Coast Secondary Principals' Association acting president Sandra Sidaway said many students had lost around three weeks of learning as a result of schools being closed after the earthquakes. For those at badly damaged schools it's even worse. Students at 11 site-sharing schools are still only getting half days of learning as the classrooms are used by one school in the morning and another school in the afternoon.

"It just means that every single week they are missing more curriculum time because the periods are shorter."

Rangitoto College principal David Hodge said it was a "no brainer" helping Christchurch students by offering the study camp which will provide tuition in small groups and one-on-one support.

"Most of these students have experienced an incredibly stressful and disruptive year that was not of their making and we hope this opportunity will be a catalyst in getting their learning back on track."

The students will be billeted with Rangitoto families during their stay in Auckland.

Mrs Sidaway said she was extremely grateful to Rangitoto staff and families for their generosity.

"This is such a wonderful example of how schools can help each other out and I know the students are excited about the opportunity and will benefit hugely from the experience."

She's also thankful to sponsors, like the Bank of New Zealand and Air NZ, which are helping towards airfares.