(1,1) -1- ACG Parnell Cover.indd 15/3/07, 7:16:02 AM
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SENIOR, MIDDLE and PRIMARY SCHOOL ealand
Bright Minds Bright Future
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T h e P E R S O N A L I S AT I O N o f E D U C AT I O N
What does the individual want to achieve - educationally or in life? How can we, as a key part of the learning team, help to make a genuine difference to the life of each of our students? What is the best use of time, both within and outside the school environment, to help students achieve their dreams, goals and ambitions?
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ACG VALUES and HISTORY The Academic Colleges Group (ACG) has an ever-growing record of performance to back its initial vision. Co-Founders, John Graham CBE MA DipTchg and Dawn Jones OBE MA DipEd DipTchg, are both well-known and highly respected educators.
The importance of team work, developing a love of learning, the absolute worth of the individual and active encouragement of the pursuits of excellence and achievement are held in the highest regard.
Their vision for the new colleges was shaped by their past experience as the principals of two of New Zealand’s bestknown and most successful schools.
We approach education at a special level where the primary focus is on the needs of the individual student. We ask questions that build around the individual. We personalise the learning experience by tailoring programmes to meet each student’s individual needs and which reflect their ability and prior learning. At ACG Parnell College, our student-focused approach to education has shaped and defined the core values that are central to the College. These are: • A unique learning environment that helps students enjoy their studies and inspires them to be lifelong learners • The individual is valued and his/her accomplishments are celebrated • Specialist teaching in every subject throughout the College • Active encouragement of the pursuit of personal excellence and achievement • A highly-qualified, experienced, caring and motivated group of selected teachers who are committed to bringing out the best in each student • Innovative and creative programmes designed to encourage students to think both creatively and critically • A personal tutor/mentor system. Our History ACG Parnell College (formerly ACG Junior College), opened in 1998 as one of the first independent Years 7 to 10 middle schools in the country. Following the successes of ACG Senior College and ACG New Zealand International College, which both opened in 1995, the impetus was provided for the founding of a specialist school for a younger age group.
We would like to thank our parents and teachers who have given us the opportunity to experience a unique and challenging education in an environment where excellence and creativity are the expectations. Anja & Thomas (ACG Parnell College students)
Both were accustomed to the concept of educational excellence but their vision was to create a unique place of learning - one that was fashioned on the very best of international models but with a distinctly New Zealand flavour. It was to be schools that would provide individuals with the knowledge, skills and focus needed to prepare them for future success at tertiary levels. In 2001, ACG Strathallan was established in Karaka, south of Auckland. This superb facility provides world-class education through the Strathallan Infant Preschool Centre (for infants and children from the age of three months to two years), Strathallan Preschool (ages two to five), Strathallan School (Years 1 to 6) and Strathallan College (Years 7 to 13). Modern architecture, high quality teaching, combined with a stunning and spacious natural setting on the picturesque Hingaia Peninsula, make the campus a unique and stimulating learning environment. ACG International Schools were opened in Jakarta in 2005 and in Ho Chi Minh in 2007 with a vision to provide similar opportunities for families to experience the ACG educational values from Kindergarten to Year 13. ACG is part of a worldwide network of schools that are connected to the University of Cambridge and the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO) through their curriculum and assessment programmes. ACG has affiliations with the University of Auckland and AUT University through its foundation studies programmes. ACG is also engaged in international consulting, including projects in Vietnam, Oman and China. As opportunities present themselves, we shall seek to add new programmes and campuses, both in New Zealand and overseas, in order to meet the challenges of an everchanging and discerning educational market.
A C G VA L U E S A N D H I S T O R Y
ACG Parnell College offers a learning environment that helps students enjoy their studies and inspires them to be lifelong learners. A dedicated group of professional educators is committed to creating a school that focuses clearly on the learning needs of its students.
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ACG PARNELL COLLEGE: Years 7 to 13
ACG Parnell College is co-educational and its programmes are broad-based to ensure that students develop diverse skills that will enable them to take a range of subjects at senior levels. Learning at ACG Parnell College is characterised by enjoyment and discovery. A clear focus on academic work teaches students that nothing of value is achieved without energy, commitment and effort. Class periods at ACG Parnell College are longer than most secondary schools and run for 70 to 85 minutes. We believe that such lessons allow students and teachers to delve into ideas and issues in a concentrated and unhurried way. The teaching method ensures individual attention from teachers in the classroom as well as the opportunity for all to participate fully in interactive class work, such as discussions and team debates. All students are challenged to set goals for themselves. These are recorded and both teachers and tutors work with students to evaluate achievements and set new goals. Discovery and independent learning beyond the classroom are supported through our exciting online learning system Blackboard. Unique and specific course and subject resources support the development of each of our students while being monitored by our staff and allowing for parent access and oversight. The inclusion of a comprehensive Thinking Skills Programme across all subjects enables students to develop critical and creative minds and deeper understanding so that they are well prepared for the demands of their learning both in the College and beyond. Extension activities are in place in each curriculum area to challenge, accelerate and enrich able students. A strong focus on literacy and numeracy is a feature of the College. Thus, English and Mathematics receive special emphasis at all Year levels. Information Technology is used extensively in all curriculum areas and specific skills are covered in ICT Skills classes in Years 7 and 8. The importance of learning a second language and the value gained from the intellectual discipline involved are recognised as an important part of the curriculum. Spanish is associated with new opportunities in South America as well as in Europe and the USA, and Chinese is a key language for New Zealand’s future. Spanish is taught to all students in Years 5 and 6, and both Spanish and Chinese Mandarin are taught to all students in Year 7. Students may choose either of these languages to study at Years 8, 9 and 10, and these languages become part of the subject options available for students in Years 11 to 13.
Music, Art and Drama provide each student with a lively performing arts programme both in class and in extracurricular activities. A band programme is in place for all Years and includes orchestra, jazz, stage and rock bands. The College also recognizes the importance of sport and outdoor education and makes full use of the Domain and other excellent facilities nearby. A wide range of team sports is offered, including basketball, cricket, cross-country, waterpolo, soccer, netball and tennis.
University of Cambridge International Examinations ACG Parnell College offers the Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) in Years 11 to 13. Preparatory work is incorporated for the IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) into Year 10 programmes and students may sit IGCSE papers in Mathematics and Science. University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) is one of the world’s leading providers of international assessments. CIE is part of the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES) which is a department of the world renowned University of Cambridge. CIE was formally established in 1998 to provide high quality, leading edge qualifications that meet the ongoing demands of educators and employers the world over. Today, CIE provides international courses, examinations and qualifications to over 170 different countries. In New Zealand, over 40 schools are members of the Association of Cambridge Schools in New Zealand. In recent years, all four local ACG Colleges were awarded recognition as Top Cambridge Centres in New Zealand. Why CIE? • Flexibility: Students may choose the level of their study to suit their ability • Rigour: Demanding courses that stretch able students • International Benchmarking: International qualifications that benchmark students’ results against the best in the world • Portability: CIE qualifications are accepted and recognised by universities, education providers and employers across the globe. For more information about CIE, please visit our website.
COLLEGE: YEARS 7 TO 13
ACG Parnell College is sited in Parnell/Newmarket, a short distance from the centre of the city. It is easily accessible from most areas of metropolitan Auckland. The College campus lies adjacent to one of the city’s finest open spaces, the Auckland Domain. Central to the Domain is the world-renowned War Memorial Museum, which houses an outstanding display of Maori and Polynesian art and culture, as well as a wide range of other treasures. This fine facility and the Parnell Community Library provide students with unparalled resources just a short walk away. Sports facilities, such as the Newmarket Olympic Pools and Fitness Centre and the Parnell Tennis Club, are also close at hand.
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PRIMARY SCHOOL: Years 1 to 6 It sets assessment procedures that are closely linked to the curriculum. It provides an emphasis in the important areas of technology and second language learning, as well as the traditional core learning areas of English, Mathematics, Science, Social Sciences, The Arts, Health and Physical Education.
In keeping with our philosophies, emphasis is placed on providing a curriculum and learning environment that actively encourages students to reach their potential. Individual attention is maximized in each classroom. The School offers a level of specialist teaching rarely seen in primary education. Specialist teachers in Music, Art, Physical Education and Science allow students to enjoy experiences that will provide an important basis for future achievement.
• Language and Languages (English)
The Essential Learning areas are:
• Mathematics • Science • Social Sciences • Technology • Health and Physical Education • The Arts The Essential Skills areas are:
The curriculum is a combination of the best of British, New Zealand and Australian curricula; their resources and methodologies. The primary school curriculum is driven by the University of Cambridge International Primary Programme (CIPP) in Reading, Mathematics and Science. Our aim is to develop further this international curriculum by including elements from additional countries. The University of Cambridge International Examinations and assessment, along with aspects of the New Zealand Curriculum Framework and resources from Australian curricula, are the foundations for learning and assessment within ACG primary schools. They are designed to suit families preparing for both a local and international working environment. The Curriculum Framework provides teachers with direction for their teaching and learning programmes. It identifies essential learning areas and skills and identifies required achievement aims and objectives for students.
Our son has thoroughly enjoyed his first year at ACG Parnell College. The combination of enthusiastic students, Excellent teaching is at the supportive heart of highteachers and challenging learningshould programmes has quality learning. Students be motivated by teachers love their subject, are highly given him who the motivation to succeed. skilled in communicating their knowledge, Paul (ACG College parent) enjoy whatParnell they are doing and gain immense
pleasure from working with young people. Schools should have a sense of purposeful industry along with the excitement that emanates from new experiences. They should be places where individuals feel valued and
• Communication skills • Numeracy skills • Problem-solving skills • Social and co-operative skills • Self-management and competitive skills • Work and study skills ACG Parnell College Primary School provides an excellent base for future development. It is a stimulating and productive environment where the teamwork between teachers and students develops a positive work ethic and a love of learning.
PRIMARY SCHOOL: YEARS 1 TO 6
Years 1 to 6 at ACG Parnell College focus on English and Language Skills (speaking, reading and writing) and Numeracy Skills. This focus is underwritten by social and co-operative skills and technologies for learning (ICT or information and communications technology). There is a strong emphasis on the value of academic work while attitudes and values that are deemed important are also affirmed.
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ACG PARNELL COLLEGE: International High ACG Parnell College’s Reception Programme for international students is a high school programme that combines English Language and one or more academic subjects. It aims to provide international students with the English language skills required to achieve success in a full high school programme. The programme allows for a gradual integration into the mainstream classes as students develop their language skills. On introduction to the International Reception Programme, students take English and Mathematics. Students will also participate in a recreational activity, such as outdoor sports, swimming, tennis or soccer. Sample weekly timetable: English Language ....................................................... 20 hours Mathematics ............................................................... 5 hours Physical Education .................................................... 1.5 hours The English language course consists of 10 modules and takes a maximum of 3 terms (approximately 30 weeks), to complete. The English language course aims to: • Provide learners with the linguistic, academic and cultural skills required to study effectively in an English-speaking high school education environment • Encourage students to analyse systems and structures of language, syntax and grammar • Develop specific areas of vocabulary to prepare students for academic subjects • Increase learners’ competency in the four skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking • Introduce students to language learning strategies which will enable them to become successful independent learners and assist them in developing examination techniques.
I would recommend ACG Parnell College to anyone who wants independence, good teacher-student relationships and good results. Sarah (ACG Parnell College student)
(Years 7 to 13)
At the end of each term, students are tested for English competency. The level of performance in the test will determine how many academic subjects, in addition to Mathematics, students will be able to take in the following term. When the required standard is achieved, students may progress to a full high school programme of study. Additional subjects may include one or more of the following: Years 7 to 10 - Science, Humanities, Spanish, Information Technology, Thinking Skills and Physical Education Students who have an English language level below the requirement and/or who have not been interviewed by the College will be tested on arrival. Following this placement test, students may be placed in the College’s Reception Programme. Minimum English entry standard for entry into a full high school programme: Years 7 to 10 - IELTS 4.5 (a minimum of 3.0 in all bands) or recognised equivalent Years 11 to 13 - IELTS 5.0 (a minimum of 4.0 in all bands) or recognised equivalent A typical full high school course of study includes: Year 11 -
English Language, IGCSE Mathematics and three or four other IGCSE subjects
Year 12 -
English Language, AS Mathematics and two or three other AS level subjects
Year 13 -
English Language and three AS level or A2 level subjects
Generally, students prepare for the IGCSE examinations in Year 11, the AS Level qualification in Year 12 and the A Level qualification in Year 13.
I N T E R NAT I O NA L P RO G R A M M E
School Reception Programme
OUR NEW CAMPUS
Our NEW Campus ACG Parnell College has developed an outstanding independent co-educational facility in Titoki Street. A 10,000m2 building was completed in late 2006. The building includes a wide range of specialist facilities, such as a gymnasium, a large library and a cafeteria, sophisticated art, technology and computer rooms, drama spaces, “wired” classrooms and laboratories. The Parnell College Café offers an early welcome to parents and students who wish to enjoy breakfast there together. The success of our Colleges has provided the impetus for the development of a larger ACG school providing for more families. ACG Senior College has become a focus for exceptional educational success while ACG Parnell College has provided an outstanding middle-years programme to its
students. The remarkable development of ACG Strathallan as an Infant Centre to Year 13 school has also encouraged ACG to establish a comprehensive Year 1 to Year 13 school in central Auckland. Our efforts to cater for the needs of the individual have seen us develop a range of schools for those originating from within New Zealand and overseas; young people and their families who have put their trust in us to provide them with a first-class education. People who seek to achieve, who relish challenges and who are committed to being the best they possibly can be deserve the very best we can offer. We look forward to welcoming you to ACG Parnell College.
Excellent teaching is at the heart of high quality learning. Students should be motivated by teachers who love their subject, are highly skilled in communicating their knowledge, enjoy what they are doing and gain immense pleasure from working with young people. Schools should have a sense of purposeful industry along with the excitement that emanates from new experiences. They should be places where individuals feel valued and welcomed, and where each student feels appreciated and accepted. At school, all students should be encouraged and challenged to do their very best. Above all, schools should be places where learning is central to everyone. John Graham and Dawn Jones (Co-founders of ACG)
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Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students CODE: ACG Parnell College has agreed to observe and be bound by the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students published by the Minister of Education. Copies of the Code are available on request from this institution or from the New Zealand Ministry of Education website at www.minedu.govt. nz/goto/international.
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IMMIGRATION: “Full details of visa and permit requirements, advice on rights to employment in New Zealand while studying, and reporting requirements are available through the New Zealand Immigration Service, and can be viewed on their website at www.immigration.govt.nz.�
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ACCIDENT INSURANCE: The Accident Compensation Corporation provides accident insurance for all New Zealand citizens, residents and temporary visitors to New Zealand, but you may still be liable for all other medical and related costs. Further information can be viewed on the ACC website at www.acc.co.nz.
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ELIGIBILITY FOR HEALTH SERVICES: Most international students are not entitled to publicly funded health services while in New Zealand. If you receive medical treatment during your visit, you may be liable for the full costs of that treatment. Full details on entitlements to publiclyfunded health services are available through the Ministry of Health, and can be viewed on their website at www.moh.govt.nz.
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MEDICAL AND TRAVEL INSURANCE: International students must have appropriate and current medical and travel insurance while studying in New Zealand. It is a requirement for all international students studying with ACG to have comprehensive medical and travel insurance cover. Students can either have the cover arranged by ACG or produce evidence at the time of application that they have insurance cover from another company that meets the approval of ACG.
As at March 2007, every effort was made to present accurate information in this publication. The College reserves the right to change information without notice where this is considered necessary or desirable.
2 Titoki Street and 39 George Street
SENIOR, MIDDL
Parnell/Newmarket, Auckland PO Box 9825, Newmarket, Auckland, New Zealand Email: parnellcollege@acgedu.com
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Telephone: 09-308 1666. Fax: 09-308 1668
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