Teacher of Design and Technology

Auckland Grammar School is a boys-only state secondary school in Auckland, New Zealand. It teaches from years 9 to 13. The school also has a limited number of boarders, who live in a building adjacent to the school called Tibbs' House. It is one of the largest schools in New Zealand and is known for its unusual architectural style.

The school was created by the Auckland Grammar Appropriation Act 1868, but is predated by the school's charter given by Governor Sir George Grey's Trust Deed in 1850. Auckland Grammar School is the location of two Category I historic places under the Historic Places Act 1993 - the school's main block and a war memorial. An obelisk in front of the school commemorates former students of the school who fought in various wars. The school's main block, built in 1916 in the "Spanish Mission" style, contains a hall for school assemblies, classrooms and offices, with a vaulted ceiling covering the centre of the building. It owns a facility called VentureLodge on the outskirts of the township of Ohakune in the central North Island which is used by students for camps. The school's motto, "Per Angusta ad Augusta" (Through narrows/difficulties (Lewis and Short Latin Dictionary) to hallowed heights), is shared by some other grammar schools in Auckland. In recent times Auckland Grammar has used the translation Through difficulties to greatness (a much better translation). 

Educational Philosophy

• Auckland Grammar School provides boys with a rigorous academic education. Each boy is expected to pursue excellence in acquiring the knowledge and skills and the sense of values which the School has always provided. The School will hold fast to these, its core traditions, through which it has achieved a pre-eminence in secondary education and which remain the key factors in fulfilling the aspirations of its community. 

• The School insists on all-round excellence in academic, sporting and cultural pursuits, encouraging each boy to recognise and develop his individual potential to the full and to gain pride and satisfaction through setting demanding personal goals and striving to attain them. Opportunities are also given to all boys for participation in group and team endeavours to develop skills in co-operation. Healthy competition is promoted in all activities. 

• The School encourages the development of the whole person to produce young men ready, willing and able to assume useful roles in society and to be responsible citizens, some of whom will be international, national and local leaders and all of whom will be sensitive to the needs of others. 

• The success of the School depends on the calibre and dedication of its Headmaster and its teachers, on the support of its community, the response of its boys and the strength of its Trustees. 

• To this end the School must be aware of the challenges of a changing society, encouraging a respect for tradition and a healthy attitude to change, not for its own sake, but based on careful and sensible evaluation.