About the Academic Curriculum

The curriculum is a blend of the Cambridge and New Zealand Curricula, delivered in an enjoyable and challenging learning environment where every boy is given the chance to find his unique strengths

We have specialist subject teachers, which means more teachers are involved in a student’s education. This gives us a broader view of each boy’s performance and wellbeing so we can cater to his individual needs.

Lessons are based around a unique range of learning areas:

1. English
2. Mathematics
3. Languages (Te Reo Māori and French)
4. Performing Arts (music, drama and dance)
5. Science
6. Social Science
7. Digital Technology
8. Visual Arts
9. Physical Education & Health

Cambridge at Dilworth Junior Campus

At the start of 2020, we introduced the Cambridge International Primary and Lower Secondary programmes to our boys at the Junior Campus. Initially this has been in Maths only, but we are planning to use the programme for English and Science in the near future.

This internationally recognised programme offers a well-structured, well-researched curriculum with proven success in New Zealand Schools. It is well resourced and offers teaching staff excellent support through professional development and access to online resources. Whilst there is a strong focus on content and skills, there is also a great deal of flexibility in how the curriculum is delivered, allowing for group work, collaboration and independent thinking.

The Cambridge curriculum dovetails well with NCEA and prepares students for studying Maths, English and Science beyond Year 10. It is a modern curriculum based on sound research.

Assessment and Reporting

We assess academic achievement and report back to you on all aspects of your boy's progress regularly. Where a learning need is identified, we will talk to you about this and extra support will be offered. This could be in the form of remedial work or extension.

Assessment

We use a range of assessment tools to identify students' learning needs. This information guides
our teaching, as it helps teachers to judge student achievement and determine next
steps.

Assessment tools include:

• Assessment Tools for Teaching and Learning (asTTle) - Ministry of Education tools for
  assessing writing against national standards.
• Progressive Achievement Tests (PAT) – standardised tests for assessing progress in core
  subjects including Mathematics and Reading.
• PROBE tests for assessing reading accuracy and comprehension.
• Schonell tests to determine spelling ages.
• GLOSS and IKAN tests for testing Mathematics.

Reporting

Throughout the year, we report back to you on your son's progress.

In Term 1 there is a chance to meet your son’s teachers. This will allow you to gain some insight into the everyday workings of the School, ask any questions you might have and hear about how he has settled into the new academic year.

Each term there are also reports that get sent home, providing information on your son’s academic progress and effort. This is in addition to weekly notes, which are grades you receive each Friday to keep you updated on your son’s work habits and behaviour in class that week. This all culminates with an end of year written report in Term 4.