About the Academic Curriculum

We follow a mix of the New Zealand Curriculum and the Cambridge International programme 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 eight learning areas:

English
Mathematics
Languages (Te Reo Maori and French)
Performing Arts (music, drama and dance)
Science
Social Science
Technology
Visual Arts

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.

Assessment

We use a range of assessment tools to identify students' learning needs. This information guides
the teaching direction, helping 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, we hold a Meet the Teachers event where you can hear about school philosophies and the programmes for the year. You will also receive an interim report in Term 1 about how your boy is settling in.

In Term 2 you will receive a mid-year report on your boy's progress with the curriculum and in their boarding house as well as test results. There is then an opportunity to discuss these reports at Parent-Teacher interviews.

In Term 4 you will receive an end-of-year report detailing your boy's academic and social progress
for the year.