Te Wharekura o Mauao is opening its doors to the community on Thursday evening to show what 'they are doing differently for Maori to achieve” NCEA.

The Maori medium school based in Bethlehem has consistently achieved academic success in NCEA over the last three years, with their results exceeding national averages for Maori students in mainstream education, says Principal Koa Douglas.

The schools manukura/prefects for 2016. Supplied photo.

Koa says the kura (school) has been working quietly behind the scenes to establish itself as the secondary school of choice for families who want Maori medium education in the Tauranga region.

He encourages the community to come and see what they are doing differently for Maori to achieve these results, by attending their Pō Tuwhera (open evening) this week.

'Our students are provided with many opportunities to excel by our kaiako (teachers) who are absolutely committed to the school's vision."

Koa says many parents want to enrol their children but are daunted by the misconception that Māori medium will disadvantage their child, a misconception that has been proven wrong over and over again.

He says a further barrier is the concept of Māori medium, where students need to be "fluent" to be accepted into the school.

'We just ask that you come and check us out, as we plan to implement a transition programme beginning next year to assist those children who may have not been immersed previously, but have family support to ensure successful language development.”

Te Wharekura o Mauao opened its doors in 2010 at temporary premises on Windermere campus and then in 2012 moved to their Bethlehem campus.

It boasts a roll of 190 Year 7 – 13 students and has celebrated a high number of sporting, academic and cultural successes over the past six years.

The evening allows the public the opportunity to see first-hand what the school offers students and everyone is welcome.

The event is on Thursday at their Bethlehem campus (1 Westmorland Rise Bethlehem Tauranga) begins at 5.45pm ending at 7pm and a light dinner will be provided.