Spotswood College

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Spotswood College is a co-educational state secondary school in Spotswood, New Plymouth, New Zealand. It was founded in 1960 and celebrated its 50th Jubilee in 2010. It is New Zealand's former largest school.It is currently New Plymouth's only co-educational secondary school, with a current roll of students. The college has a multi-cultural student body and modern facilities for staff and students.Some of the less common features of Spotswood College include its beach volleyball arena, horticultural facilities, music department complete with recording facilities, and highly rated special education department.HousesSpotswood College initially had four houses. In 1969, when the college expanded the education department split the college into two schools, one named East, the other West. In 1980 the college reverted to its original structure and the four house system was re-introduced. The houses were named after the original settlers of New Plymouth. In 2012, the houses were given dual names with the original names added. The house names are based off the Paritutu rock formations off the coast off New Plymouth.1960-1968 and 2012-present Mikotahi Moturoa Motumahanga Paritutu 1969-1979 East West 1980-present Darnell Atkinson Barrett RichmondInternationalSpotswood College currently has hosted international students from Germany, Brazil, Japan, USA, China, Russia, New Caledonia, Switzerland and Thailand. It has specific facilities and staff members to support them during their time in New Zealand.In 2009, 22 students from Spotswood College's kapa haka group Te Kura Tuarua O Ngamotu were chosen to represent New Zealand at the tenth annual Te Manahua Maori cultural competition in Laie, Hawaii.