Students are excited to celebrate their achievements from 2024 and share their aspirations for the future as they embark on their next pathways.

Jayden

My achievements in 2024:

• I passed my driver licence this year.

• I had work experience in plumbing, which I really enjoyed.

• I completed many Ara taster courses.

In 2025, my goal is:

• Ara level 2 part-time course in plumbing.

• New life experience flatting.

• Get my restricted driver licence.

• Complete a forklift course.

• More work experience.

• Aim to pass Level 3 NCEA, getting as many credits as possible.

Liberty

My achievements in 2024:

• Doing work experience at Margaret Stoddard, a retirement village.

• Finishing at Ko Taku Reo this year, after 7 years (I started 2018 at van Asch). Why? Because I am now 21 years old.

In 2025, my goal is to:

• I have applied to go to Ara and do the Health and Wellbeing Level 4 course in 2025.

• Flatting in Christchurch.

Asinate

My achievements in 2024:

• Work experience as an NZSL tutor, teaching staff NZSL at the Sumner campus.

• Work experience at the Early Years Whānau Centre at Sumner campus. Working with young Deaf and hard of hearing preschoolers and their whānau.

In 2025, my goal is to:

• Attend a course at Victoria University in Wellington, studying as a NZSL tutor.

• Get my driver licence.

• Read with Karen.

Tanisha

My achievements in 2024:

• Achieved a Merit for Level 1 Child and Family Studies.

• Completed my printmaking portfolio. I improved my art skills.

In 2025, my goal is to:

• I have applied for a part-time course in 2025 at Ara - Dual enrolled Hospitality Level 1 on Mondays and Tuesdays.

• School of Culinary Arts Level 3 at Hagley Community College.

Aimee

My achievements in 2024:

• I passed Design and Photography subjects at Hagley Community College.

• I cooked lots of different kinds of food in Culinary Arts class.

In 2025, my goal is to:

• Attend the Supported Learning course at Ara.

• Be more independent.

Kiean

My achievements in 2024:

• I successfully achieved the Level 3 Bakery course at Ara. I enjoyed being at Ara, making new friends, and learning new skills.

• I had work experience at Thrive Bakery every Wednesday, which I really enjoyed.

• I will be starting work experience at Woolworths Bakery for five days.

• I was very focused and completed my Ara assessments.

In 2025, my goal is to:

• To complete the Level 4 Bakery course at Ara and get a part-time job in a bakery.