The academic curriculum provides a range of subjects that meet the requirements of the New Zealand Curriculum Framework. The staff are highly committed, well qualified and set high standards, enabling a significant proportion of boys to achieve scholarships in national examinations and competitions each year.
At Year 9, the academic programme is pre-determined for each boy to ensure that he has a balanced curriculum. He will experience each of the essential learning areas (English, Languages, Mathematics, Science, Social Sciences, The Arts, Technology, Health and Physical Education). As he progresses through the College he is given increasing subject choice so that by Year 13 he can choose all his subjects. This may even include some university study.
In Years 9 and 10 there is an emphasis on banding classes in English, Mathematics, Science and Social Sciences, based on literacy and numeracy skills. This is to ensure that the individual learning needs of each boy can be addressed as well as possible. For example, those with superior numeracy skills are accelerated to an advanced mathematics course, and those experiencing difficulties with their literacy development are given extra time and tuition in English. In most cases, mathematics classes are banded independently of English classes.
When boys enter the school they are assessed for their literacy and numeracy skills. Those identified with particular weaknesses in either area may be provided with extra tuition aimed at addressing these needs. For example, some boys for whom English is their second language may require specialised help in developing their English language skills.
For boys identified as having particular academic gifts and talents there is a teacher with a specific responsibility for providing extension and enrichment opportunities. These boys are also encouraged to enter national and international competitions that recognise their academic skills. The top academics are also invited to join “The Scholars”, which provides opportunities for them to meet socially, and to organise activities that will interest and extend them. See Advanced Learning.
Information and communication technologies are integrated into the teaching of all subject areas. The College is well resourced to enable its staff and students to make effective use of these technologies throughout the curriculum. Each boy is taught information literacy skills so that he can make the most of the library’s considerable learning resources. The well-resourced Arts and Technology Centre, which links to the library, offers excellent access to online and internet resources. The College is fully networked with a substantial intranet so that each boy can access learning resources from within the College and also from home.
Christ’s College prepares boys for New Zealand qualifications that lead to tertiary study here and overseas. The following qualifications are available: National Certificate in Educational Achievement (NCEA) Levels 1, 2 and 3.
If you have further questions about the academic programme, please contact Robin Sutton, the Senior Master responsible for the curriculum.
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