Spotswood College

Spotswood College
Address
South Road, New Plymouth, Taranaki, New Zealand
Coordinates	39.0710°S 174.0371°E / -39.0710; 174.0371
Information
Type	State Co-educational Secondary, years 9-13
Motto	High Endeavour
Established	1960
Ministry of Education Institution no.	173
Principal	Mark Bowden
School roll	1030
Socio-economic decile	5
Website	www.SpotswoodCollege.school.nz

Spotswood College is a decile 5 Co-educational school in Spotswood, a suburb of New Plymouth, Taranaki, New Zealand.

It is currently New Plymouth's only co-educational secondary school, with a current roll of 950 students. The college has a rich multi-cultural student body and modern facilities for staff and students.

Some of the more unique features of Spotswood College include its Beach Volleyball Arena, Horticultural facilities, Music department complete with recording facilities, and highly rated Special Education department.

College Principals

• Mr A. McPhail (1960–1977)
• Mr E. Thomas (1978–1987)
• Mr B. Finch (1987–2002)
• Mr G. McFadyen (2003–2009)
• Mr M. Bowden (2010 – present)

Houses

Spotswood College currently has four houses, named after original settlers of New Plymouth.

• Darnell - Red
• Atkinson - Yellow
• Barrett - Blue
• Richmond - Green

The loss of two students and TOPEC Instructor

Spotswood College students Stephen Lewis Kahukaka-Gedye and Joao Felipe Martins De Melo, both 17, along with instructor Bryce John Jourdain, 42, fell into the sea at Paritutu Rock, near Back Beach during a school rock-climbing expedition around 1pm on the 8th of August 2012.

Kahukaka-Gedye and Jourdain are both New Plymouth locals, while Melo is an international student from Brazil who was studying at Spotswood College.

Spotswood College Principal Mark Bowden told New Zealand media that Kahukaka-Gedye loved the outdoors.

"A very enthusiastic man, loved physical education, was into everything with gusto and enthusiasm, hence why he wanted to be in this activity."

Friends of Kahukaka-Gedye described him as being very popular.

"I would always see him around school, he would perhaps have a skateboard or a scooter. He was a really cheerful person I'll give you that," said Spotswood College student Regan Jeffrey.

Bowden said Melo fell in love with New Zealand during his exchange here.

"Filipo came to us in January, he was due to stay for one semester, or two terms, but he was having such a wonderful time he convinced his parents to stay for another term," Bowden said.

Felipe Melo had his funeral after he was found dead at Spotswood College, half of his ashes returning to Brazil. Bryce & Steven's body's still to be found.

School infomation

The school is the sole Co-Educational Secondary School in New Plymouth, and has a roll of over 1000 students.

A 50th jubilee celebration was held during Easter weekend 2010 at the school and the TSB Stadium in New Plymouth. The three day celebration, opened by New Plymouth MP Jonathan Young, was attended by over 800 guests from around the world and included sporting and social events.