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Silly Hats day at Taylors College, Auckland!

To celebrate the end of term, the student council decided to have a silly hats day, moon cake tasting, a student art exhibition and a piano recital.

For a light-hearted end to term, silly hats could be worn by students and teachers as long as they donated money to charity. As a result $220 was raised for The Child Cancer Research charity.

As it was the Chinese mid-autumn festival, our Chinese Student Welfare Manager, Jenny Wang treated students to traditional Chinese moon cakes which they thoroughly enjoyed!

At lunch time there was a piano recital by a number of our talented students. The piano is a new addition to the school and gives the many trained pianists an opportunity to brush up on their technique as well as providing elegant background music for those who work on the 1st floor!

In addition there was a display of art portfolio work for the students applying for Architecture and Graphic design courses at University. This is the first year Taylors College Auckland has been able to offer free art portfolio preparation. Art as a subject is to be offered in 2009 as part of the TAFY course.

All in all the students and staff had an enjoyable and fun end of term day.

Meshari Alanazi (from Saudi Arabia) with Lyn Armstrong Subject Co-ordinator for Commerce. Lyn,in the spirit of ‘Gladiator’ has donned a roman centurion’s helmet.

Dai Zhirong (Vincent) and Zhou Mengya (Elsa) both from China with their Director of Studies, Ted Dawe.

AUT Science tour

Science Subject Coordinator, May Croucher took a group of TAFY Science students to AUT University Applied Science School on 28th August.  The group arrived just after 5 pm when they were hosted to a meal of pizzas and fruit juice by the AUT International department.

AUT staff took the group on a tour of the campus. It was a revelation to our students to see that the campus was not just a series of buildings, but a cheerful place buzzing with activity. One of our top science students who have an avid interest in art was most interested to see the art around the campus; the number of art buildings and even that AUT have an art gallery!

A laboratory tour was conducted by Dr John Robertson, Programme Leader, Chemistry and Food Science, who gave an enthusiastic description of the facilities and equipment available. The students were given an insight into the trust and encouragement that AUT teachers give to their students.

Acting Head of Applied Science, Dr Whiting gave students an interesting and informative talk about AUT’s Science department and programmes and answered a number of questions.

AUT offers a Bachelor of Applied Science with a number of majors including:

AUT University is an official pathway partner of Taylors Auckland Foundation Year along with The University of Auckland and Massey University.

Taylors Auckland alumni students re-union

This month, Taylors College Auckland hosted the alumni students to a pizza night at the campus. A number of successful alumni students now studying at The University of Auckland, AUT University and students who have gone on into successful careers in different fields attended the function. The evening was a wonderful opportunity for students to re-unite with their ex-teachers and classmates and was enjoyed immensely by all involved.

Taylors Auckland Foundation Year students are well prepared for life at University and beyond and many alumni commented on how their time at Taylors College was the best time of their lives. The photos below show the range of alumni students and their pathways after Taylors.



YIN Ming (Elidi) from China discusses the current economic situation with her former Commerce teacher Trevor Vollenhoven. Elidi is in the first year of a Bachelor of Commerce at The University of Auckland.

MU Qi (Monica) remembers when she and Alison McCallum talked about university and career options. Monica graduated from The University of Auckland with a BA (Psychology) and is currently working in the community mental health field. She loves her job.

Meet the trio from Vietnam: Tina Nguyen, who is in the final year of her Bachelor of Commerce, The University of Auckland; Hieu Trinh who is also studying Bachelor of Commerce at The University of Auckland and Binh Nguyen who teaches Maths, Physics and Computer Science on the TAFY programme.

Shalleen Shah from Kenya reminisces with Jan Golightly the Library Manager over the times spent in the Taylors College library.
Shalleen is in the final year of a Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science at AUT University. She follows her sister’s footsteps; she also studied at Taylors College and completed the same degree. She is currently working at the Auckland Hospital.

 

Students experience being part of the Business School at AUT University

On 13 August, Taylors Auckland Foundation Year (TAFY) Accounting and Economics teachers Lyn Armstrong, Sanjay Kant and Alison McCallum, Tertiary Counsellor escorted 35 students to AUT University, Auckland. AUT University is an official pathway partner for TAFY.

The group were hosted in the Business School and students experienced being a university student as they were actually seated as students in a lecture theatre.

Sophie Power from AUT University Business School gave a presentation and she also highlighted key features of the AUT University Bachelor of Business as:

Past student from TAFY, Wit, now a student of the AUT Business School, came in to speak to the students. He encouraged them to “work hard”.

The group were then treated to pizzas for lunch at the AUT International Office!

Students had a positive response to the session and it made them think about their futures.

 

Canterbury University representative visits Taylors College, Auckland

On 23rd July, Sheonaigh Rennie from Canterbury University, Christchurch gave an interesting and informative presentation about degree programmes and life at Canterbury.

About 20 motivated Taylors Auckland Foundation Year (TAFY) students attended the session and asked a range of questions about courses, accommodation and Christchurch city.

The University of Canterbury is located in Christchurch in the South Island of New Zealand. It has six colleges and schools: Arts, Business and Economics, Education, Engineering, Law and Science.

Taylors Auckland Foundation Year is recognised by Canterbury University as well our partner universities - The University of Auckland, AUT University and Massey University and other universities in New Zealand and Australia. 

         University of Canterbury representative at Taylors College

Taylors Auckland Foundation Year (TAFY) graduation - 17 June 2008

On 17 June 2008, over eighty students from the July, September and October 2007 intakes successfully graduated from Taylors Auckland Foundation Year (TAFY).

The graduation ceremony took place at the Langham hotel next to Taylors Auckland campus.

Students dressed up in formal clothing. Over one hundred guests attended including academic staff wearing graduation gowns, Taylors administration staff, representatives from our three partner universities The University of Auckland, AUT University and Massey University, current students and our guest of honour, Mr Rodney Walsh Honorary Consul General of Ireland.

The graduation ceremony started with an introduction from our Director of Studies, Mr Ted Dawe followed by an amusing speech from our guest of honour, Mr Rodney Walsh,  Honorary Consul General of Ireland. Students were then awarded their certificates and congratulated on stage  by staff members. 

Selected students from a range of countries such as Vietnam, China, Bahrain, Korea, Russia and Fiji used their excellent English skills to make some inspiring and heart-warming speeches.

The top achieving students were then awarded special prizes from our guest of honour.

During the ceremony, three of our talented and gifted foundation students played pieces on the grand piano.

The graduation was a truly wonderful event and highlights the hard work and talent of our students who now take the next step in their academic lives. Most students will go on to study at our partner universities in July at The University of Auckland, AUT University and Massey University while others have secured offers at other universities in New Zealand and Australia.

We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate our June 2008 graduates and we wish them the best of luck in their future studies.

Students encounter a bionic man at AUT University’s Akoranga campus

On June 18th, Taylors Auckland Foundation Year Science students were treated to a slice of university life at AUT University. Auckland Tertiary Counsellor, Alison McCallum and Science teacher May Croucher took a group of students to the AUT University Akoranga Campus which is over the bridge on Auckland’s north shore.

The highlight of the visit was “NZ$100,000 Bob” and “ $70,000 baby” two bionic humans who breathe, have heart attacks, asthma attacks and other medical emergencies.  They are used to simulate emergency situations for the medical trainees.  Taylors students took “Bob’s” heartbeat using stethoscopes and were fascinated by the medical simulation room.

A full range of medical clinics are located at the campus including podiatry, dental and physiotherapy, all available to the public at low costs. 

The trip was a very interesting insight into the medical field and was enjoyed by both students and staff. 

Taylors College students examining a bionic man

Taylors College students on a trip to AUT university's Akoranga campus

Taylors College science teacher May Croucher with Taylors College students

Melbourne University representatives visits Taylors College Auckland

On 16th May, four representatives from Melbourne University gave an informative presentation to Taylors College, Auckland foundation students. A group of about 42 keen and motivated students listened carefully, and even asked a few questions within the group discussion. 

The four guests from Melbourne gave a first class presentation – there was a representative from Accommodation Services, Medicine & Health Sciences, Manager for prospective international students and a young Kiwi student who is currently studying in Australia. 

The Melbourne University team finished with small group question and answer sessions which ranged from course selection to accommodation options and costs.

Taylors Auckland Foundation Year is recognised by Melbourne University as well as a number of other top Australian universities such as Monash University and University of Sydney.

Students must achieve 80 – 85% average (best 4 subjects) to gain entrance into Melbourne University. English and Maths are both compulsory within the best 4 subjects.

Melbourne University is one of the top universities in the world with a Times Higher Education Ranking of 27.

Taylors Auckland students and staff look forward to a visit from Monash University in August.

Taylors College students attending the Melbourne Universty information session

Melbourne University staff during the presentation


The University of Waikato Open Day Visit

On Friday 9 May 33 TAFY students and two staff members arrived at Taylors College at 7am, eager to catch the bus and travel south to the University of Waikato Campus Day in Hamilton.

The weather was wet but the students’ spirits were high. On arrival at the university it was raining hard but the students were not concerned, they just put on their coats, got their umbrellas and set off to find their lecture halls. 

Each faculty ran a series of thought provoking mini lectures. Students attended a range of topics, the more enthusiastic ones fitting in 3 or 4 lectures throughout the day.  Science students enjoyed the displays and activities in the science labs: they extracted their own DNA, observed fossils and minerals under microscopes, found out about ecosystem pests and ecosystem restoration.

The most popular lecture in Computer Science was “Working @ Google”, our IT experts were inspired. Human Resource management, Psychology and Finance lectures also attracted several students. 

Despite the weather the students had a valuable insight into university life; they navigated the university campus, attended lectures, discovered cafes and even enjoyed a “free lunch.” 


International Student Civic Welcome in Auckland

Around 200 Taylors College students attended the International Student Civic Welcome, held in the concert chamber of Auckland’s Town Hall and hosted by Study Auckland. For around 1500 international students from all over Auckland, this was an opportunity to be formally welcomed by the city, and to enjoy an introduction to New Zealand’s unique cultural heritage, thanks to some great singing and dance performances by local cultural groups.

Dignitaries were lead onto the stage in the traditional Maori fashion after a “powhiri” and before the cultural performances began, listened to two speeches by international students who spoke of their experiences living and studying at school and university in Auckland.

Mt Albert Grammar School’s Maori cultural group “Te Puna o Owairaka” and a local dance group “Torotoro” gave thrilling performances that met with huge applause from the international student audience. A number of students were encouraged to come up on stage and take part in one of the dances, including a student from Taylors College. They didn’t quite reach the level of professionalism of the Torotoro dancers, but they did enjoy themselves!
 
A large number of spot prizes were also handed out to students – these included free passes for Dolphin & Whale Safaris, horse riding trips, bungy jumps, harbour bridge climbs, snowboarding, and for the real daredevils, passes to do the Skywalk 360, a guided tour on top of Auckland’s Sky Tower.

This is a great annual event for international students and Taylors College Auckland will make sure its new students get the chance to take part each year.



                     Poi dance – Mt Albert Grammar Kapa Haka group

                          Students join in with Torotoro Dance Group

                                      The view from the balcony

University student for a day

On Wednesday 2 April, 50 Taylors Auckland Foundation (TAFY) students made their way around the busy Auckland University campus finding various lecture halls. They were university students for a day. Faculty staff from Medical and Health Sciences, Law, Science, Commerce, Engineering, Architecture Arts and Visual Arts spoke to the students about the university course options.

Students were amazed at the superb facilities at the university. The views from the new multi-million dollar business building were magnificent, but the lecturers kept the students focused on university options, degree structures and career choices. One student commented “The student common room looks as huge as an airport.”

TAFY students quickly settled into the academic environment; they blended well into the university scene. Each one now has their chance to achieve their goal, to pass TAFY program and enter The University of Auckland.

Taylors College students jog to the finish line

On Sunday 16th of March 2008 some of the foundation students and staff joined the 45,000 walkers and runners and completed the ‘Round the Bays Run’ in Auckland. Round the Bays is a big race in Auckland that many people in Auckland participate. 

Two students, Daniel Chow from Malaysia and CHEN Liangchun from China deserve a special mention; they both finished the event in less than 60 minutes.  That’s a fine feat considering the heat and the crowds.

 “It was entertainment as well as a challenge for me, and I was a winner, run, sun and fun. I absolutely enjoyed it.” - Liangchun

“Round the Bays 2009 was really fun. The weather was great and the barbeque at the end was fantastic. I would definitely participate again next year.” - Daniel

A fun run is a great way to start the academic year and already the students are contemplating other sporting events around Auckland.

Daniel and Liangchun take up the challenge

The race begins...

 

Basketball Tournament at Taylors College Auckland

Members of the All Women 'Dragons' Team Members of the All Women 'Dragons' Team

Organiser: Kei Eagle (teacher)

Five teams competed in a thrilling tournament at the YMCA Gymnasium on Friday 3 August. The teams comprised of ‘The Bluestars’ (Capt. SJ), ‘Shokoku’ (Capt. Kazu), ‘Princes’(Capt. Humadam), ‘Kiwis’ (Capt. Tiago), and an all female team ‘Dragons’ (Capt. Chen Chin).

There was also an awesome support group that watered and tended to the injured and exhausted.

The battle was fierce with ‘Shokoku’ winning the first round against ‘Kiwis’ and ‘Princes’ just beating the ‘Dragons’ by 4 points.

In the second round, the ‘Bluestars’ gave the ‘Princes’ a hiding. So as a result, the final play-off was between ‘Bluestars’ and ‘Shokoku’.

The final was exhilarating and highly competitive. All players were magnificent, demonstrating great skill and agility. However, The Bluestars’ won 61-35. The winners walked away with $200 worth of prizes and the championship cup.

Well done everyone!

The winnng team - Bluestars

Team Shokoku

Team Princes

The Kiwis

Class trip to North Head, Auckland

Beautiful view of North Head, Auckland Beautiful view of North Head, Auckland

"Auckland isn't just sea, sun and fun it is also history! 

Although only founded in 1840 it has had some great events to mark its lifetime.  Our latest trip sought to find out more about this by visiting North Head to explore what was once an old Maori village or "pa" and then turned into a fort by the settlers to fight a invasion from ......the Russians!
 
Well it was back in the 1880s so maybe we did tend to be a little more gullible back then.   In any event, a wonderful ride on a ferry over to the North Shore and a good long walk through tunnels cut out of volcanic rock with the chance to take some silly photos on the way.  

Notice the students on the beach with "TAYLORS AUCKLAND" written in the sand.   They're from Korea and Brazil although one is a Japanese Brazilian!
 
As a footnote this is actually our early winter but as you sit in sub-zero temperatures wondering where to study English think of us in our 12-14 degrees centigrade won't you?"

- written by Taylors teacher Raymond Butler

 

Darth Vader and Star Wars invade campus

Darth Vader is welcomed to campus by Principal Owen Hoskin Darth Vader is welcomed to campus by Principal Owen Hoskin

Within a month or so of Taylors College turning five Star Wars turned thirty.  What is the link between these two significant events?  To the outside observer there would appear to be none but to the staff and students of the Auckland campus the link is obvious.

Jill Kouremetis, a head GE teacher, was asked this question:  “Star Wars was and is the best of its genre at the time and well Taylor’s is the best in its field.  Need I say more?”

And so it was that on Friday 25th May Star Wars fever “invaded” our campus. 

It all began as an idea in someone’s fertile imagination a long time ago in a classroom far, far away … .  At 8.30 am Darth greeted arriving students and handed out “compressed meal substitutes” better known as lollies.

“I am trying to be a kinder more sensitive sharing tyrant these days,” he said.  “We’re in a new century and I feel you have to move with the times.”

Mr Vadar also said that his visit was to see if he could establish an agency arrangement so that future aliens could come to learn English in Auckland.  He admitted himself that he was most impressed with Taylor’s facilities but that the science fiction section in the library could be updated.

Taylors’ principal, Mr Owen Hoskins greeted Mr Vadar and gifts were exchanged.  Mr Vadar gave a special commemorative light sabre and received a Taylors College cap in return.

After visiting various classrooms and posing for photos, Mr Vadar watched some of the “Star Wars’ movie.

“Of course I’ve seen this several times before,” he said “and while I agree with most of it, there’s also a bit that’s completely fictional.  I’ve tried to get it changed but it’s no good.”

Mr Vadar left around 1.30 pm after having judged the poster competition won by Elena Kelly’s Pre-Intermediate class who produced a wonderfully professional result.

The costume competition had no clear contenders and Mr Vadar himself would have won but declared himself “hors concours.”

As a footnote a GE teacher, Mr Ray Butler asked Mr Vadar if he found his outfit comfortable  to wear.  His response was that it was a great way to lose weight and the helmet did “fog up” a bit from time to time.  “Try wearing a rubber gold fish bowl if you want to experience what it’s like.”  Mr Butler said that he’d try to find one.

Taylor’s is such an exciting place to work who knows what will happen next?

Transition to University

Rohit Hazra, International Student Support Advisor, AUT University Rohit Hazra, International Student Support Advisor, AUT University

At the end of each TAFY programme students face a busy time.  On June 29th they receive their final offers from the universities, for most it’s a confirmed offer of place in their chosen course.

Enrolling into the university programme, extending their Visas and then purchasing their university texts are daunting tasks that lie ahead.

To help their transition from TAFY to university Rohit Hazra, International Student Support Advisor, from AUT University spoke to the September TAFY students during a recent school assembly.

He motivated them to pass their exams, guided them through the university enrolment procedures and outlined the process for Visa renewal. 

It is an important leap forward for the students, from Taylors College to the University of their choice, and we are confident that the students are well prepared for this transition

5th Birthday Celebrations for Auckland campus

Auckland campus turns 5! Auckland campus turns 5!

On Monday 16 April 2007, staff at Taylors College in Auckland, celebrated the 5th birthday of the campus. The Campus Director, Owen Hoskin, paid tribute to the foundation staff and the international vision of Study Group to retain a New Zealand footprint.

He praised the work of Rod Evans, the founding Principal and his first team, one of whom is still with the campus, Marj Woods. Marj continues to add value with deep commitment and purpose to Auckland.

Owen thanked other staff who have been with the campus for several years and recalled the work of many who had to move on during the down turn period. The excellent and professional leadership of Tony Cranshaw was acknowledged.

“The prospects for the college going forward, are bright and brim with potential,” continued Owen as he thanked present staff for their continuing high level of professionalism. “The success of Taylors’ students at University is the proof positive of your work,” he said, “ and the good degrees that they are earning show how good we all are. We have a lot to celebrate!”

The constant glowing comments from General English and TELP students attest to the experience that the young folk enjoy.

The Taylors College campus is a purpose-driven yet happy place.  We all look forward to the 10th!

Campus Director Owen Hoskin cuts the birthday cake Campus Director Owen Hoskin cuts the birthday cake

University students for the day

On Wednesday 4th April 42 September TAFY students visited The University of Auckland to experience campus life. The university bustled with student activity while the Taylors College group skillfully negotiated their way to their lecture room.

Six university academics talked to the TAFY students explaining aspects of various university programmes. The Business and Science faculties attracted most students whilst the Engineering and Arts faculties have a small bunch of dedicated applicants.

Student quotes: “I really liked the practical sessions.  We learnt how engineering students had to construct model bridges from 50 Popsicle sticks; working in groups they figured out the calculations and then made the models. It looked great fun.”

“The facilities and equipment were amazing, the library was huge. I really want to study there.”



AUT University Campus Tour

On Wednesday 14 March, September TAFY students trekked down the hill to meet Pamela Miller, International Marketing Manager at  AUT University for a Campus Tour.

The tour gave students the opportunity to visit various lecture halls, the library, AUT Marae and to explore all the student services on offer.

TAFY students saw the Hospitality classrooms, met ex-Taylors College students studying in the library and gained lots of useful information about the university and the courses available for study in 2007

The highlight of the tour was a visit to the magnificent new Business Faculty building. The lecture halls all have first class technology as well as small group-teaching settings which are well suited to the interactive teaching style that AUT promotes.

The September TAFY students are now considering their university options and they start the application process later this month.  It is an exciting time for students as they look ahead and plan their future studies.

The tour of the AUT University campus began with a welcome at the University marae The tour of the AUT University campus began with a welcome at the University marae

You must read the Taylors Auckland 2006 Yearbook

This edition of the Taylors Auckland 2006 Yearbook is one of the best ever produced.  The students have some wonderful stories and testmonials of their experience.

Read more about Taylors Auckland by downloading a copy of the yearbook.

 

 

Every year, Taylors College students achieve their goals Every year, Taylors College students achieve their goals

Students finish year with flying colours

The Principal and staff of Taylors College take pleasure in congratulating our students on their excellent results in 2005