By Westlake Boys Academic Captain Rafi Baboe
The Westlake Boys Academic council is a diverse group of students that meet every week to contribute to the academic programs and support systems that the school has to offer. The Academic Council was founded in 2007 when a group of students vowed to endeavour to support the academic success and aspirations of Westlake students. Previous iterations have included, and been led by, well-known Westlakers such as 2015 Westlake Boys Dux George Han and Arkesh Patel.
The Academic Council is currently involved in initiatives such as the Peer Tutoring program; this is a program where senior students volunteer to teach junior students in a variety of subjects during lunch times or intervals. In recent times this initiative has resulted in the creation of the Westlake Boys High School Study Breakfast Scheme. The Study Breakfast scheme, which started three years ago, began as a way to provide targeted help to junior students who might struggle academically. Under this scheme, the year 9 students who would find secondary schooling a bit more challenging, are paired with a senior Academic Institute student and meet up in the Sports Pavilion one morning every week to receiving one on one academic support and mentoring from their tutors, as well as a hearty breakfast.
This year the Academic Council has specifically been aiming to support students from our international student body as well as our learner support program. This has been bolstered by the inclusion of representatives of these specific groups into the Academic Council. As a result, the scope of academic mentoring for learner support students has increased. In addition, we have decided to target the Study Breakfast Scheme this year towards Learner Support and International students.
You may have seen the announcement of the Academic Council Quiz Night on Friday 17th June, 7.00pm-9.00pm in the weekly Headmaster’s Newsletter. The fundraising is a necessary part in supporting the programs the Academic Council offer. The monies raised are particularly necessary for the subsidisation of the Term 3 Tutorial Program for students that may struggle to afford it. For those that may have not heard about it, the Term 3 Tutorial Program consists of teacher-run sessions of the various subjects which can help give senior students the boost they need in their preparation for their external examinations. The $10 cost of a ticket will go a long way in supporting the academic assistance that Westlake can offer and we appreciate your support. If you are unable to attend the Academic Council Quiz Night on 17th June but are keen to make a donation to the fundraising cause, please get in touch with our cashier Mrs Bowman on rbowman@westlake.school.nz or 410 8667 ext. 705
Academic Council Quiz Night Friday 17 June 2016, 7.00pm – 9.00pm
The Westlake Boys’ High School Academic Council invites members of the Westlake community to a quiz night at 7:00pm on Friday 17 June in the Staffroom. Funds raised during the evening will be used to support senior students who may experience difficulty meeting expenses to attend our holiday tutorial programme later this year.
Great Prizes to be won for highest scoring as well as most uniquely themed table, also bring cash for a raffle. Light snacks will be available on the night.
Tickets are $10.00, sold at the Uniform Shop.