About Us

History
Previously known as the Auckland Activity Centre, it was established by the Education Department to cater for Secondary School students whose particular needs could not be met by a normal school programme and who may be at risk of being indefinitely suspended or needing school exemption.  The Centre opened for students on 13 March 1978, situated in Vermont Street, Ponsonby then moved to its current location in 1984 to Jervois Road, Herne Bay. In 1997 the new name Auckland Secondary Schools’ Centre (ASSC) was adopted.

The Centre, funded by the Ministry of Education has been an attached unit of Western Springs College since 1992.

Our Vision   

Centre staff, students, their schools and whānau, work collaboratively to facilitate such changes as may be necessary to enable students to return to full time secondary school or enter tertiary education.

Our aim is to build individual student capacity to use effective learning and relationship skills to enhance future opportunities can be further viewed in our School Charter (link to be added).


Our Values

Successful achievement at ASSC is underpinned by the CONSISTENT display of the following values:

  • Show RESPECT for ourselves, others and property
  • Accept the INDIVIDUALITY of ourselves and others
  • Have HIGH EXPECTATIONS for our academic achievement and social practice
  • Be ACCOUNTABLE for our actions and behaviours
  • Demonstrate PREPAREDNESS for our learning and in everything we do
  • Show RELIABILITY - attendance is a major factor of success
  • Develop meaningful RELATIONSHIPS amongst ourselves and our community


Goals of the Centre
  • To provide a safe and secure environment in which students can further their academic and social development
  • To provide models of behaviour which enable students to relate with others in positive ways
  • To encourage students to make appropriate changes in their behaviours in order for them to function successfully in a                 mainstream school, a tertiary environment or in the work force
  • To work with parents and caregivers to bring about changes in student behaviours in both the home and school
  • To ensure that Enrolling Schools are well serviced by the Centre