The core mission at Rangitoto College is to empower learners by providing exceptional academic pathways and unparalleled support. They are committed to fostering an environment where challenging experiences inspire students to become impactful global citizens, firmly believing that extraordinary opportunities are the catalyst for developing truly exceptional individuals.
By partnering with Skills Builder Global via the Global Accelerator, Rangitoto College in New Zealand is supporting learners to develop the essential skills they need to succeed.
Great opportunities result in great students
Being a member of the Skills Builder Global Accelerator has had a positive impact on learners.
‘Following our initial work, our ongoing aim for this stage of the programme is to embed essential skills more deeply into our careers provision. We continue to develop our focus on Gateway and Pathways to Employment students, whilst also further raising the profile of essential skills across the wider school.
Our students are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of essential skills and are able to articulate their strengths more effectively. Focused lessons continue to positively impact their skill development and support their long-term career and future planning.’
– Lisa Packer, HOD Careers
Key aspects of the approach
1. Setting goals with Skills Builder Benchmark
Students complete individual skills assessments using Benchmark, and set individual goals and activities to build target skills at a targeted step level. These are tracked on an individual and group level, providing both 1-1 support and group teaching based on the needs of a group of students.
2. A unified approach to building essential skills
The Skills Builder Universal Framework provides a clear, progressive and measurable way to develop essential skills. provides specific and bespoke teacher training in Skills Builder Benchmark and Skills Builder Hub for Careers teachers at Rangitoto that work with Year 12 Gateway and Year 13 Pathways students. This supports teachers in overcoming any challenges that may become barriers for progress. The support from Skills Builder Global helps create staff who are confident in talking about essential skills in a supported and collaborative way. This expertise is utilised to formulate effective plans for further incorporating essential skills into careers teaching across a 2 year curriculum span.
3. An emphasis on skills for the future
Learners develop an understanding of the link between developing essential skills and their career choices throughout the careers program. Selected skills are integrated into various subject curriculums, starting in Years 9 and 10. This provides a foundation for focused career work in Years 12 and 13. They are also a focus of Pathways Evenings and Skills Week, giving an important opportunity for the wider school community to understand the importance of essential skill development.
What’s next for Rangitoto?
They plan to continue developing the integration of essential skills into the college’s careers provision and raise the profile of essential skills with more teachers and subject areas becoming involved in the programme.
Are you an educator looking to bring essential skills to your classroom?
Learn more about how Skills Builder Benchmark can support learners to understand their essential skills strengths and developments areas.
