WELLINGTON CAMPUS. information pack

Transcription

1 WELLINGTON CAMPUS information pack

2 Mission Statement is a registered private school providing education recognised by the Government but free of detrimental influences that exist in society. Our mission is to develop all students to their optimum potential, teach them how to learn, give them a well-rounded education preparing them for the pathway ahead; a way of life which upholds and is governed by Christian principles as set out in the Holy Scriptures. WELCOME TO THE WELLINGTON CAMPUS Overview General Goals To enhance children s learning by: Providing high quality learning Programmes matched to the needs of individual students and aimed at promoting their eventual full participation in society. Recruiting, developing and retaining the best available teaching and support staff to ensure achievement of all the school s learning goals. Establishing a supportive school community and to be responsive to its educational needs and wishes. Treating all children equally and providing them with skills, and the environment, to work well with their peers and the wider community. Wellington is a school of around 100 students from Year We are situated on the outskirts of Wellington, in Johnsonville, on a spacious site overlooking the harbour. Some students commute daily by bus from the Hutt, and others come from Tawa or the surrounding suburbs of Churton Park and Crofton Downs. A major emphasis is placed on the individual student reaching his/ her full potential and a very comprehensive special education unit has been set up for this purpose. Gifted and talented programmes are also being worked on and every student is carefully monitored and extended to reach their optimum potential. Additional to our desire for maximising student potential, is our desire for providing the same level of support and training to our staff to maximise teaching effectiveness through training and professional development. The use of up-to-date video conferencing equipment for campusto-campus communication and specialist subject teaching was introduced in 2006 and has been a great success in broadening the subject range for senior students as well as in making best use of our human and material resources nationwide. Opportunities also exist for teachers who are interested in taking up the challenge of teaching by video conferencing either full or part time in their area of expertise. The success of every school largely hinges on the co-operation, communication and cohesion of all its members and Wellington Campus boasts a large number of voluntary support personnel, in the form of librarians, canteen workers, bus drivers, caretakers and teacher aides. Objectives arising from our Mission Statement Teaching/Learning Programmes developed by the school will: Be consistent with the school s relevant policies Have content that is clearly linked to student s needs and interest Employ a range of teaching strategies that are appropriate for the students Incorporate across-curriculum perspectives Specify intended learning outcomes and detailed assessment and evaluation procedures Pre-test assess needs teach to needs assess and evaluate accordingly A supportive and progressive Board of Trustees will endeavor to: Address Fraser Avenue, Johnsonville, Wellington Phone No (04) Facsimile (04) wellington.campus@westmount.school.nz Website Provide opportunity for teacher training and relevant feedback Update facilities, teaching aids, technology aids Endeavour to ensure that an effective appraisal system is supported Be receptive to teaching problems and concerns Our School will: Provide opportunity for open and continual communication and respond to general concerns. Parents will be made to feel welcome to come and communicate. Maintain equity in all curriculum areas. 2 3

3 What we teach Junior School Senior School Junior school at Wellington campus encompasses years 3-6. This was a major step forward for in January 2007, and serves to fill out the long term vision of a complete education for our community from years (1-13). Senior school at Wellington encompasses year From provided education opportunities up to year 12. In 2007, we extended our education opportunities to include year 13. What we teach The classroom environment In setting up our junior school a large investment has been made in resources and classroom environments. Teachers and students appreciate air-conditioned rooms and quality indoor and outdoor surroundings. Although is a private school, we follow the New Zealand curriculum and support all major education initiatives introduced by the Ministry including the literacy and numeracy projects, and thinking and enquiry learning. Life inside the classroom is vibrant and stimulating and our teaching team have a rewarding outcome to their efforts with small class numbers of students who are eager to learn soaking up information like sponges from our teaching professionals, who have many years in experience from teaching careers in New Zealand and abroad. Education outside the classroom is encouraged and supported as an integral part of the student s education experience, which cannot be gained inside the classroom. 4 Currently year 7 & 8 are taught as an extension to primary based homeroom teaching, encompassing the same values of an integrated approach to learning. Years take up the full NCEA level 1, 2 and 3 programmes. Students are provided with the core subjects of English and Maths, Science and Accounting. Years 9-10 are introduced to specialised teaching programs as per normal secondary school teaching. Programmes taught are English, Maths, Science, Social Studies, Business Studies and Text and Information management. In addition to the core subjects, a large range of optional subjects are offered to choose from, to make up a challenging timetable of at least 5 subjects. More able students are encouraged to take 6 or 7 subjects. Leading the way Another leading initiative from for our senior student s, is the teaching of optional subjects via video conferencing. This is driven by our mission to provide the best possible education for our students, in view of each achieving to their personal interests and ability. Successful options delivered via our VC modem include the Social Sciences, Languages, Graphics/Technology and Business Studies. This also gives opportunity for students to interact with fellow students from the other campuses throughout New Zealand. 5

4 NCEA All NZ Schools Level % 78.9% Level % 83.6% Level % 76.0% What does the school teach? 67% 77% 80% 81% 76% 70 78% 80 98% 90 84% Information technology and communication skills are taught in Years 7-10 and integrated as tools for learning in Year as relevant. % % The theory of evolution is not taught. NCEA and other NQF Qualifications % Teaching and learning programmes are based on the New Zealand curriculum documents; policy follows Ministry of Education guidelines under the direction of the Board of Trustees 89% Now in 2013 School has a roll of 1635 students, spread over 14 campuses. continues to succeed and develop because of the commitment of the Trustees at both national and local levels to improve the quality of education for Brethren students. School and The following is a comparison of Education of cate Certifi nal Natio in ls schoo nd New Zeala Achievement (NCEA) for % The Story How has the school grown? What is the Academic Achievement profile of the school? How does school operate? What is the vision of the Trust? When was the school established? The vision of the Education Trust is to create a quality educational environment focusing on learning how to learn for children of Years The school was established to provide a quality learning environment including the upholding of Christian principles and beliefs as held by the Brethren community. 6 The School began with 476 students in 2004, most of whom had been home schooled. In 2004 set up 10 educational sites around New Zealand, administered as one school. The idea of one independent school with multisite delivery over a number of campuses is quite unique in the education sector in New Zealand. Radios, televisions and movies, are not generally part of Brethren home life. 34% % 20 20% Recreational activities out of school hours are minimal 25 17% % 8% This includes administration, curriculum development, fundraising and financing, purchasing, policy development, property management and recruitment. Dress should also be professional and conservative. For example; long trousers for male staff members, skirts or dresses for female staff members. ent 2012 NCEA Achieved with Excellence Endorsem 12% The trustees are assisted in their role by numerous volunteers nationally who have been co-opted to contribute expertise to facilitate the operation. UE Level 3 Level 2 Level 1 15% The National Office in Auckland provides administration and resource support for the campuses around New Zealand and ensures recognised that national standards are met or exceeded. Educational staff are requested to maintain a professional code of conduct at all times. 0 22% School is a private school registered in 2003 (Registration No. 472), administered by the Education Trust Incorporated. This is a Registered Charitable Trust established to co-ordinate and manage a number of regional educational facilities, some of which have been operating since The 2013 roll is How does the Education Trust operate? What are the implications for teaching staff?: 10 28% What is the purpose of the Trust? Now in 2013 School has a roll of 1635 students, spread over 14 campuses. continues to succeed and develop because of the commitment of the Trustees at both national and local levels to improve the quality of education for Brethren students. Benefits for teaching staff: The opportunity to have input into a developing school, using leading edge innovations such as teaching by video conference. Being part of an innovative team with high achievement expectations Small class numbers. Less demand for extra-curricular activities Strong support network from the community. 5 0 Level 1 Decile 8-10 Schools Level 3 Level 2 All NZ Schools From NZQA Data as at late May 2013 What is the school Academic Achievement goal? The academic outcome the school strives to reach with each graduating student is University Entrance. 7

5 The Brethren Community Who are the Brethren? The Brethren movement originated in the 1820s. There are over 40,000 Brethren in 19 countries throughout the world. They believe in the Bible as the word of God, and follow its teachings, including those of the apostle Paul. For more information see: Brethren believe in marriage and the family. Families attend regular assemblies with other Brethren from the same town or city. They find their life together, spend time in each others houses world wide and keep separate from the world of sport and entertainment. Many Brethren run their own businesses and employ those of other faiths. Campuses North Island Campuses NORTHLAND Kaitaia Whangarei Kerikeri KAIPARA Dargaville Paparoa Wellsford Warkworth Maungaturoto AUCKLAND Papakura Pukekohe Auckaland WAIKATO Thames Tauranga Cambridge Hamilton GISBORNE Gisborne HAWKES BAY Napier Hastings TARANAKI New Plymouth Wanganui Hawera South Island Campuses TASMAN Motueka Nelson MARLBOROUGH Blenheim WEST COAST Greymouth Westport CANTERBURY Rangiora Ashburton Christchurch SOUTH Timaru Oamaru Dunedin Gore Invercargill MANAWATU Masterton Paihiatua Levin Feilding Palmerston North WELLINGTON Hutt City Wellington Westport Greymouth Motueka Kaitaia Kerikeri Dargaville Nelson Paparoa Hawera Auckland Whangarei Maungaturoto Pukekohe New Plymouth Blenheim Wellsford Warkworth Hamilton Papakura Whanganui Palmerston North Levin Hutt City Thames Tauranga Cambridge Feilding Pahiatua Masterton Hastings Napier Gisborne How do the Brethren community regard teachers? Rangiora Ashburton Timaru Oamaru Christchurch 8 Parents place importance on having their children educated to University Entrance level, challenging them to ensure they reach their best potential, and providing support if there are special needs. Teachers are valued as professionals, and rewarded for their expertise. They do not need to agree with Brethren beliefs, or necessarily have any religious faith. However teachers are asked to respect Brethren beliefs and way of life such as the sanctity of marriage and not undermine them, and to respect the ethos and goals of. Invercargill Gore Dunedin 9

6 Ethos & Guiding Principles School Structure This School is a registered and accredited private multi-campus School established to provide a quality education to the New Zealand community and, in particular, to Brethren students. The School s Ethos, Values Statement and Guiding Principles govern the School, and are reflected in a series of policies, procedures and handbooks which have been developed to meet statutory and registration requirements and are to be adhered to in all aspects of the operation of the School and its Campuses. The School is conducted in accordance with the doctrines, and teachings of the Holy Bible as held, believed, taught and practised by the Brethren. All Staff are required to respect the Ethos, Values Statement and Guiding Principles and not influence, or seek to influence, students as to these doctrines, tenets and teachings. Values Statement In coming to this School each student, parent and staff member shall uphold the values of the School which include: Integrity uprightness and honesty; Purity modest and decorous conduct, governed by the Holy Bible; Care & Compassion kindness, consideration and generosity to the whole community (Brethren and non-brethren); Respect for all people, property, opinions and those in authority; Responsibility for our actions, progress and the environment; and Commitment to self-discipline and the pursuit of excellence. Ethos At this School, students are encouraged to develop their full potential and acquire the discipline of learning how to learn, while upholding fundamental Christian teachings and beliefs, especially those of purity, integrity and godliness. The truth and authority of the Holy Bible and strong family values underpin the commitment of the School to provide quality in every facet of education - curriculum, teachers, facilities, management and discipline - in a safe, secure and caring environment. Beliefs Teachings and Practices of the Brethren The Guiding Principles of this School are based on the teachings of the Holy Bible as accepted, believed, interpreted, taught and practised by the Brethren. The principles of Brethren beliefs are outlined in the booklet Living our Beliefs and include the following: God is revealed in the Holy Bible as the Creator, and is to be worshipped as such. Chastity outside marriage, the sanctity of marriage only between a man and a woman, strong family relationships and a strong family unit are essential teachings of the Holy Bible. Strong family relationships lead to a distinctive and separate way of life in which social activities include only participants of the Brethren Communion. WESTMOUNT TRUST PRINCIPAL HEAD OFFICE CAMPUS TRUSTS SLO S C / Leaders CAMPUS CEO S CAMPUS CO-ORDINATORS STAFF / TEACHERS CAMPUS FACILITIES Head Office Structure Guiding Principles The principles of belief, teachings and practice of the Brethren set out above give rise to the following Guiding Principles for the operation of the School and its Campuses: The Trustees of the School, as practising members of the Brethren, are committed to a way of life that is governed at all times by the Holy Bible. The conduct of the parents, students and staff must consistently reflect Biblical values. The Trustees can in their absolute discretion determine what conduct or activity is in accord with the Holy Bible and the beliefs, teachings and practices of the Brethren. They may also determine the outcome of any conduct, behaviour or activities which they consider is in conflict with the Holy Bible and exercise their authority to remove such conflict from the School. The Trustees uphold chastity and the sanctity of marriage as first principles, essential for the moral protection of the children. Careful attention is paid to protect all students from morally dangerous material. All staff must conduct themselves modestly and decorously, especially with respect to setting a proper example to the students. A dress code applies and is to be upheld by all staff at all times. A strict differentiation between male and female dress must be maintained. The wearing of short trousers by male staff is not considered appropriate, and female staff must wear dresses or skirts (at least kneelength), and clothing must be modest and not revealing or low cut in design. Unorthodox or casual dress, and unshaven appearance or long hair for men is inconsistent with the attitude and image promoted by the School. 10 Interaction between staff and students should be positive and professional at all times and staff are not to encourage familiarity with the students. Discussions with students regarding lifestyles, politics, religion, relationships, club competitive sports, Brethren community events and personal lives are to be avoided. Inappropriate relationships or liaisons between students are prohibited and gender segregation is to be maintained. Parents, Students, and Staff are expected to conduct themselves in a moral and responsible manner at all times. Smoking, bad language, drinking of alcohol and the use of drugs of addiction are not permitted at school, at any school venue or at any school related function at any time or for any reason. All teaching programmes and resources used at the School are to be approved by the School Board to ensure their compliance with the Ethos, Values Statement, beliefs, teachings and practices of the Brethren, Guiding Principles and all statutory, curriculum and registration requirements. Teaching staff are responsible for ensuring that all subject material and resources (including texts, media, magazines, film, digital media and electronic downloads) comply with these standards. The School provides every student with the opportunity to be educated to a tertiary education entrance level. Tertiary education and career choices are the preserve of the student and their family, and are not to be influenced by the School or staff. WESTMOUNT ADMINISTRATION EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT STAFF ENCOMPASSING Curriculum Human Resources Reporting Learner Support Audits MOE Timetabling Appraisals ERO HOD Support Events Management NZQA SECRETARIAL SUPPORT TEAM 11

7 Education Trust 164 Coronation Rd, Mangere Bridge, Auckland 2022 P O Box 13979, Onehunga, Auckland 1643 Ph (09) Fax (09) admin@westmount.school.nz