Rutherford College (formerly named Rutherford High School from 1961 to 2001) is a co-educational state secondary school on the Te Atatū Peninsula, Auckland, New Zealand. It is named after New Zealand-born nuclear physicist and chemist Ernest Rutherford. History The school opened in 1961, and rapidly developed as the farms and orchards of Te Atatū were developed into housing. The school was the first in New Zealand to offer drama and dance as school subjects. Curriculum Rutherford College is a New Zealand Qualifications Authority accredited co-educational Year 9–13 State Secondary school. It caters for students from year 9 to year 13, as well as providing adult education, special education and night courses. It offers well-qualified, professional staff are very successful in challenging students to achieve academic success in national assessments. The school teaches core subjects such as English, Mathematics and Science, and helps senior students pass NCEA (National Certificate of Educational Achievement). As well as core subjects, specialist subjects such as Chinese Mandarin, Japanese, Māori and German are taught as a second language, as well as aviation, environmental science and biochemistry, arts, physical education, technology, accounting and economics. Tradition The College encourages student participation in a wide range of extracurricular activities, again challenging students to reach their full potential in all areas. The school celebrates annually, Rutherford Day, to commemorate the achievements of Lord Rutherford. The official school song is ‘Me Hui Hui’, written by Pita Sharples Another school song ‘The Rutherford Way’ was written by former school music teacher, Mrs Manu Fa'aea-Semeatu. The school has a strong bond with its sister school, Da Tong High School in Shanghai, China. Rutherford Colleges Kapa Haka group 'Te Rōpu Kapa Haka o Te Kōtuku' is also the top Mainstream group in the Auckland region. Notable staff Chris Carter (born 1952), politician Cliff Edmeades (born 1941), principal (1989–2006) Jack Elder (born 1949), politician Dame June Mariu (born 1932), community leader Notable alumni Sport Ken Carrington – rugby union player Ron Cribb – rugby union player, expelled Kees Meeuws – rugby union player Sam Tuitupou – rugby union player Garth da Silva – boxer Darren Liddel – weightlifter Gavin Stevens – cyclist Henry Paul – rugby union and rugby league player Robbie Hunter-Paul – rugby league player Ivan Vicelich – association footballer Peter Webb – cricketer Yvonne Willering – netball player and coach The arts The La De Da's – 1960s/70s rock band, including Kevin