Aug 2, 2021 Schools
As New Zealand’s largest independent schools group, ACG Schools provide a continuous, uninterrupted pathway from Preschool to Year 13. Beginning with fundamental literacy and numeracy in their Early Learn- ing Schools and building throughout Primary and College, their goal is to maximise the potential of every child with exceptional learning and personal development.
ACG Schools CEO Clarence van der Wel believes the ongoing success of their students is based upon internationally acclaimed curricula, expert teaching, out- standing extracurricular activities and a comprehensive support system.
“Our classrooms are nurturing, inclusive and values-driven spaces where your child will receive the high levels of individual attention necessary for effective learning. Teacher facilitation and pastoral care are wrapped around everything we do, and this connection empowers students to succeed.”
With boundless options in sport, the arts, and technology, students are encouraged to explore various special interest clubs, teams, groups and activities. These extracurricular programmes enhance each child’s experience at ACG Schools and ensure students become well-rounded, confident individuals.
For ACG Parnell College Principal Damian Watson, the quality of teaching contributes to making ACG Schools such a remarkable place for learning.
“Our teachers are highly skilled subject specialists,” he confirms. “Students and parents speak appreciatively of how our teachers go above and beyond, whether it be fostering passion and creativity in the classroom, developing perseverance and independence in students’ approach to their studies, or running clubs and camps.”
ACG students enjoy exceptional success within the Cambridge curriculum, achieving national and international honours. They are consistently placed Top in World in the Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards across a wide range of subjects, including science, mathematics, English, the arts, music and physical education.
ACG students can be confident that their Cambridge qualifications will be understood and valued in New Zealand and internationally. The programme opens numerous pathways in tertiary study, with ACG graduates accepted to the most prestigious universities around the globe.
This international outlook has led ACG Schools to join Inspired, a leading premium education group. Inspired has more than 70 schools on five continents, and their worldwide reach delivers extraordinary opportunities for ACG students. These involve summer programmes, foreign exchanges, exclusive partnerships and expert local advice on overseas university placements.
Through Inspired, ACG staff have access to educational leaders at the forefront of ideas. Sharing global best practices, knowledge, resources, and training ensures they prepare and future-proof their students for tomorrow’s world.
Everyone is welcome at ACG Schools, and they invite you to take a personalised tour of their campuses. Your child can also become an ACG Student for a DayTM for a first-hand experience of the ACG Schools community.
Recognised for setting a global standard for education, ACG Schools offer the Cambridge International curriculum at all year levels.
Students thrive at ACG Primary Schools
Education is a gift that can never be taken away. Accordingly, parents will search long and hard to ensure their child has access to a school that will help them reach their potential.
Recognised for setting a global standard for education, ACG Schools offer the Cambridge International curriculum at all year levels. With integrated assessment and clear benchmarking, this flexible programme allows young students to make the most of every learning opportunity.
Danny O’Connor, Principal of ACG Strathallan, says the Cambridge curriculum includes well-defined, measurable learning objectives in English, mathematics and science, allowing students to successfully transition from Primary to College.
“This structured approach to teaching crucial numeracy and literacy skills ensures students have a strong foundation as they progress through school. It values disciplinary subject knowledge alongside the development of learning competencies, such as problem-solving and critical thinking skills.”
Additionally, Cambridge emphasises the growth of academic, sporting, and cultural strengths at an early age to provide a rich and well-rounded, holistic education.
The Lower Primary programme (Years 0-3) has been carefully designed to develop students’ talents and abilities in a caring, safe and stimulating classroom environment. Enquiry-based programmes are offered to excite young minds, laying the foundation for successful future learning.
The Upper Primary curriculum (Years 4-6) focuses on enhancing every student’s research skills and problem-solving abilities, empowering them to become independent and confident learners.
ACG Colleges build brighter futures
ACG College students are given choice, challenge and the chance to exceed their own expectations. In the latest PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment) survey, ACG students ranked well above the New Zealand average in reading, mathematics and science.
All ACG schools offer the Cambridge International curriculum as an alternative to the national NCEA syllabus. ACG Parnell College also provides a dual academic pathway at Years 12 and 13, with the International Baccalaureate. Because of the wide subject range within both curricula, they can easily be tailored to all levels of academic ability, helping every student maximise their potential.
ACG Sunderland Principal Nathan Villars believes the Cambridge curriculum delivers invaluable “structure, heritage and transportability”.
“Students enjoy using knowledge and content to build understanding and can be confident the Cambridge curriculum will prepare them well for post-secondary study – not just in New Zealand but anywhere in the world.”
In addition, ACG Schools fosters emotional intelligence, social skills and collaboration. Equipped with tools to better understand, empathise, and negotiate with others, students develop interpersonal abilities, teamwork capabilities and become catalysts for change.
Senior students are encouraged to take an active role in house and school leadership opportunities, while sports and cultural groups create a sense of service. Peer mentoring, coaching and managing sports teams, tutoring and house responsibilities all contribute to building self-confidence and independence.
