School rolls reflect population growth in Cromwell

Cromwell College pupils (from left) Mac Rawcliffe (17), Sam Kaufononga (16), Jaclyn Hay (14), Stian Langvik-Owen (13), Joshua Hancock (13) and Mia Dicey (14). Photo / Pam Jones

Cromwell's strong population growth is translating into increases in school rolls in the town, principals say.

Cromwell College, Cromwell Primary School and Goldfields Primary School have all had significant roll increases this year and all are expecting more growth.

Cromwell College has a roll of about 445, up from 400 last year; and Cromwell Primary School and Goldfields Primary School both started with 257 pupils this year, up from 225 and 240 last year, respectively.

Cromwell College principal Mason Stretch said his year 7-13 school's roll was expected to stay about the same during the year, as any new pupils from families moving to Cromwell would be offset by older pupils leaving school.

However, Cromwell Primary School principal Wendy Brooks and Goldfields Primary School principal Sharon Booth both expected 5-year-old new entrants would take their rolls to about 290 each by the end of the year.

All the schools have either taken on new teachers or are planning to do so. All also have new classrooms either being built or built recently, and all are planning more.

Mr Stretch said the roll growth at Cromwell College had also meant wider subject choice for pupils. This year the school had introduced drama classes for the first time, for year 8-9 pupils, and it was hoped drama classes would continue through to NCEA level in future years.

Cromwell College was also this year offering the Blast (Blue Light Alternative Strategies for Teenagers) programme for the second year in a row.

The programme, led by teacher Nick Booth outside of school time from 6.15am three mornings a week, was an army-style programme fostering fitness, teamwork and leadership, Mr Mason said.

The programme, run in conjunction with police, was achieving great results from the 31 pupils taking part, who had greater confidence, self-esteem, self discipline and teamwork and leadership skills, which was translating into the classroom, Mr Booth said.

Blast pupil Jaclyn Hay said the programme was "challenging yet fulfilling''.

Fellow Blast pupil Sam Kaufononga said it was "not just about fitness''.

"It's mainly about teamwork, and trust''.