Buller High School provides a safe and secure environment for the general education of pupils in Years 9 to 13 following National Curriculum Guidelines. It also provides Technology education for Year 7 & 8 pupils from contributing Primary Schools.
Pupils are encouraged to value knowledge; to develop independent learning skills and good study habits; to improve skills of judgement, decision-making and communication, and to take pride in high personal achievement. They are encouraged to develop respect for others; to improve self-esteem, self-discipline, and tolerance, and to co-operate with others in the interest of learning. They are also encouraged to participate in a wide variety of sporting and cultural pursuits, to develop individual skills and talents to the fullest potential.
The School recognises its unique role in the community and continues to encourage staff, pupils, parents and the local community to become involved in achieving these goals.
The School Crest, designed by Mr John Fuller, an Art teacher at the School in the early 1950’s, has a black background symbolising the Buller District (coalfields), with a wavy band running through the centre (the Buller River) on which are placed three heraldic ships (the port). Above are two open books (education) and below is half a sun (setting in the West).
The traditional Latin of the School Motto, “Tibi Seris, Tibi Metis”, has been part of the School history since Westport Technical High School days and is inscribed in the ribbon of the School Crest. Translated as "As you sow, so shall you reap", the Motto highlights the importance of a commitment by pupils to their own education.
The needs of children and their learning is the focus of the Buller High School Charter. By following the guiding principles of the Charter, the School ensures that all pupils are given an education which enhances their learning, builds on their needs and respects their dignity, while challenging them to achieve personal standards of excellence and to reach their full potential.
The Charter is a partnership between the School, its community and the New Zealand Government (through the Minister of Education) under the provisions of the Education Act, and consists of a Strategic section for long-term goals and targets and an Annual section for short-term goals and targets.
The Mission Statement in the School Charter describes the purpose of the School as helping pupils to be "Striving towards excellence through raising expectations".
