[Carey]

Would it be feasible to live in Cambridge and drive to Morrinsville?

Regarding the intermediate and high school in Cambridge; what is the local oppinion of them? Is there just the one of each? Also for schools in Morrinsville itself, anyone have any experience of them?

Would love to hear any comments. Thank you all, especially Sam B, if you answer, as I know you're local!

[Kim39]

Drive time is roughly 15-20 mins. As for schools, can't help as i live in TA.

Kim

[M&J]

I used to do this drive every day when we lived in Cambridge and it is a pretty easy drive, not a busy road if you take the 1b and then up to Morrinsville. It took me about 20-25 mins.

[Sam B]

Oooh, we've just done that drive today on our way back from the Coromandel, yep, it took us about 20 minutes, very easy if slightly boring drive.

Schools in Cambridge: My daughter has just started at the middle School, and she is happy, settled and enjoying it alot. She has ended up with a very good teacher - he is great, so that is helping. Personally, I don't think it is quite as good as her completely fabulous primary, but it certainly seems good enough. It has a rather poor reputation in Cambridge, with regular scandals about bullying, but I have not seen any evidence of this so far. I have chatted to the school psychologist, who I work with, who deals with the pupils in Cambridge with poor behaviour, and she says it is blown out of proportion.

There are extensive grounds, but no swimming pool, which is a shame. There are some very good teachers and facilities for subjects like hard materials, art, drama and food technology. The sports and choir are strong, and there is a big emphasis on music. There are 2 technology classes for pupils who are very into computers and all that. In year 8 there are accelerant classes for literacy and Numeracy, so bright pupils are reasonably well catered for. So far I'm happy and so is my daughter. She has not seen any bullying at all. There is a tendency to assess pupils alot and stream them for most subjects, which suits me. Some teachers are better than others.

The High School has a very good reputation and gets good results. There is the odd problem student, but on the whole it looks great. It has a swimming pool and all sports facilities.

Anything else?

[Carey]

Thank you Sam B; no swimming pool at the Middle School is bad news. I'd suspected from website but hoped it was hiding somewhere!

We're looking at schools in Morrinsville v those in Cambridge so this is all really helpful stuff. However haven't got the go ahead to come yet; all dependant on a job offer/place at Univeristy but hopeful (again)! If I do get it I'll be bombarding you with questions!

[Sam B]

They use the local outdoor pool in the town for swimming lessons, but they don't get to swim every day like they did in primary. Those technology classes are called the digital classes (I just remembered). Feel free to ask questions anytime.