Aquinas College in Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand, stands as a prominent co-educational state-integrated Catholic secondary school serving years 7 to 13. Established to foster holistic education grounded in Christian values, it enrolls around 1,200 students and emphasizes academic excellence, spiritual growth, and personal development. Located in the heart of Dunedin, the college benefits from the city's vibrant university town atmosphere, adjacent to the University of Otago, one of New Zealand's top institutions. Jobs at Aquinas College attract educators passionate about secondary education, offering roles that contribute to shaping young minds in a supportive, faith-based environment.
The school's mission, inspired by St Thomas Aquinas, promotes intellectual rigor alongside moral formation. Prospective employees find opportunities in teaching core subjects, specialist areas like performing arts and sports, and support services. With Dunedin's coastal charm and cultural scene, working here combines professional fulfillment with an enviable lifestyle in New Zealand's South Island.
Aquinas College traces its roots to 2003, formed by the merger of Kavanagh College (a boys' school founded in 1984) and St Philomena's College (a girls' school from 1966). This union created a modern, integrated Catholic secondary school under the Dunedin Catholic Diocese, approved by the Ministry of Education as state-integrated, meaning it receives government funding while maintaining its special Catholic character. The name honors St Thomas Aquinas, the medieval philosopher-theologian known for synthesizing faith and reason.
Over the past two decades, the college has expanded facilities, including a new STEM block in 2018 and enhanced sports grounds. It has achieved strong NCEA (National Certificate of Educational Achievement) results, consistently above national averages, reflecting its commitment to quality education. This history informs jobs at Aquinas College, where staff contribute to a legacy of educational innovation within a Catholic framework.
Careers at Aquinas College span teaching, leadership, and administrative roles tailored to secondary education. Common positions include classroom teachers for mathematics, sciences, English, social sciences, and languages; specialist roles in physical education, music, and digital technologies; and non-teaching positions like guidance counselors, librarians, and IT support. Leadership opportunities arise in heads of departments, deans of students, and deputy principal roles.
For a deeper dive into university job types that parallel these, such as lecturer positions adaptable to senior teaching, explore our resources. The college values staff who align with its charism, offering pathways from relief teaching to permanent contracts. Recent openings have included STEM educators amid New Zealand's push for digital skills, and pastoral care coordinators to support student wellbeing post-COVID.
With over 100 staff, the college fosters a collaborative culture where educators influence curriculum aligned with the New Zealand Curriculum framework.
To secure jobs at Aquinas College, candidates must meet New Zealand's teaching standards set by the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand (TCANZ). Required academic qualifications include a bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Bachelor of Science for science teachers) followed by a one-year Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary). For senior roles, a Master's degree in education or subject-specific postgraduate study is advantageous.
Research focus centers on pedagogical innovation, such as inquiry-based learning or integrating te ao Māori (Māori worldview) into lessons. Preferred experience encompasses 2+ years of classroom teaching, involvement in NCEA moderation, or extracurricular coaching. Publications in educational journals or conference presentations on Catholic education enhance applications.
Essential skills and competencies include:
Cultural competencies, such as understanding Treaty of Waitangi principles, are vital in New Zealand's multicultural classrooms.
The application process for jobs at Aquinas College begins with monitoring the official careers page on the school website or education job boards. Submit a tailored CV (2-3 pages), cover letter addressing the position and Catholic mission, and a statement of educational philosophy. Include certified copies of qualifications and three referees, preferably recent principals.
Shortlisted candidates undergo interviews, often with a teaching demonstration and panel including the principal and board representatives. Background checks via police vetting and TCANZ registration are mandatory.
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Aquinas College actively promotes diversity through its inclusive Catholic ethos, welcoming students and staff from various backgrounds. Initiatives include the Pasifika Achievement Group supporting Pacific Island families, kapa haka for Māori culture, and anti-bullying programs like Positive Behaviour for Learning (PB4L). Staff diversity training covers unconscious bias and cultural safety, aligned with NZ's bicultural framework.
The college employs a Dean of Inclusion for students with special needs and encourages applications from underrepresented groups, including women in STEM teaching and international educators. Recent efforts feature partnerships with Dunedin Refugee Centre for integration support, fostering a welcoming environment reflective of Otago's diverse community.
Aquinas College prioritizes staff wellbeing with a 40-week teaching year, professional leave provisions, and access to Employee Assistance Programmes (EAP). Flexible working for admin roles and sabbaticals after three years aid balance. The modern campus features collaborative spaces, a chapel for reflection, gym, and fields for recreation.
Dunedin's lifestyle enhances this: short commutes, beaches like St Clair, and trails in the Otago Peninsula for hiking. Staff events include Masses, sports days, and professional development days. Testimonials highlight the family-like atmosphere, with low turnover due to supportive leadership and community ties. Proximity to University of Otago offers guest lectures and research collaborations, enriching professional growth.
State-Integrated School: A New Zealand school funded by the government but retaining a special character, such as Catholic ethos, with proprietary integrator trustees overseeing property.
NCEA (National Certificate of Educational Achievement): New Zealand's main secondary qualification, assessed at levels 1-3 (equivalent to NQF 1-3), with credits earned through internal and external assessments.
TCANZ (Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand): The regulatory body issuing teacher registration and practising certificates, ensuring professional standards.
Te ao Māori: The Māori world view, incorporating values like whanaungatanga (relationships) integrated into education for cultural responsiveness.
Jobs at Aquinas College offer rewarding opportunities in Dunedin's educational landscape. Whether pursuing higher ed jobs, refining your approach with higher ed career advice, or exploring university jobs, AcademicJobs.com supports your journey. Institutions like Aquinas seek dedicated professionals—consider post a job if recruiting.
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