the
one school for girls
PROSPECTUS
E D U C AT I N G H E A RT S A N D M I N D S
WELCOME I warmly welcome you to Diocesan School for Girls. Our Anglican school is rich in tradition and offers girls an innovative, individualised learning environment which nurtures their sense of self, personal identity and dreams for the future. Diocesan is a special experience; a way of life that fosters a lifelong relationship with learning, in the
diocesan is
one with your daughter
pursuit of personal excellence. Diocesan’s excellent education includes: • Encouraging high standards to develop personal excellence in all areas of education • Offering a safe and challenging learning environment which gives girls the freedom to participate and excel • Delivering innovative teaching that builds on students’ own conceptual and cultural knowledge • Focusing on personal and spiritual growth to develop self-assured, confident and principled young women. Educating young people is the most important investment a country and family will make in determining the quality of citizenship that guides our future. When your daughter comes to Diocesan, you entrust us with her well-being and the opportunity to give her an education that will set her up for life. We take that role seriously and warmly welcome you to our school. Heather McRae Principal
Heather McRae, Principal, talking with Junior High students Xaviar and Hannah.
each
one
of us is here to serve
in the broader context of our school motto Ut Serviamus - ‘So that we may serve’. Our motto underscores our belief that it is right to help and to serve others and we aim to teach our students about service through example. Diocesan’s dynamic and visionary approach to learning for life recognises that students today live in a globalised society that presents them with diverse challenges and
When our founder, Lord Bishop Moore Richard Neligan, established Diocesan School for Girls more than 100 years ago, his goal was “to offer, on sound clear simple Anglican guidelines, in a Diocesan School for Girls, the
opportunities. At Diocesan, your daughter will learn to successfully deal with these challenges and make the most of the many opportunities available to her - for the rest of her life.
very best scholarship that can be found throughout the length and breadth of the colony.” Today at our central Auckland site, Bishop Neligan’s vision still inspires the unified educational, spiritual and ethical approach we have to all of our students’ learning from Year 1 to Year 13. We educate both hearts and minds. Moral and ethical values are key points of difference in the all round education offered at Diocesan. This all-encompassing philosophy is part of our rich heritage and has set us apart.
OUR MISSION
A Diocesan girl is instilled with the confidence - and the
Diocesan School for Girls challenges
principles - to deal with the challenges of her life and to
young women to realise their uniqueness
relate successfully, not only within her peer groups and the school community, but also in the wider world.
and inspires them to develop their potential
When your daughter learns the collaborative and
in a Christian environment through
competitive skills that will set her up for life, she does so
innovative programmes, high quality tuition and a wide range of opportunities. 0 1
E D U C AT I N G H E A RT S A N D M I N D S
your daughter is at
one
with the world
Diocesan students love learning because we empower them to recognise and realise their own high expectations. Within our all-girls environment, we encourage students to own their learning and participate in it actively rather than being passively taught.
We closely monitor the academic and personal
school that will help your daughter to progress and flourish.
development of each one of our students at all levels and
We are committed to academic excellence and we judge
cater for their changing and special needs at the different
our educational record on how well we do for every
stages of their school lives.
student, providing each one with the best and most
When students join the Diocesan family, we acknowledge
relevant qualifications to enter their next stage of learning.
their existing cultural and social knowledge. We tap into
Our students are encouraged to learn to their full
this to make each student’s learning relevant, to help
potential and we offer an impressive range of subjects
them develop their own identity and to understand
for different academic requirements including languages
themselves in relation to others.
and art specialties.
Diocesan strongly values partnerships in learning, including
In the Junior School, the International Baccalaureate
recognising the role our parents have as educators.
Primary Years Programme (PYP) for Year 1 to 6 students
Regular reports, interviews and ‘drop-in’ opportunities
is an integrated part of Diocesan’s school-wide approach
all help to develop the partnership between home and
to unifying learning through until Year 13. PYP’s international curriculum framework helps to prepare students for Diocesan’s dual educational pathway. This gives them the choice to study for the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) or the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB) which we are accredited to teach. Please refer to pages 12-13 for more information about PYP, the IB Diploma and NCEA.
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WHY AN ALL-GIRLS’ SCHOOL? We believe that educating your daughter in an all-girls’ learning environment is the best choice you will make. Single-sex settings can better accommodate the large differences in the social, cognitive and developmental growth rates of boys and girls aged between the key adolescent years of 12 to 16. Girls in single-sex schools also achieve significantly stronger academic results than any other group. They are more likely to take Physics and Mathematics - and to do well at them - and are more likely to interact with their teachers. At Diocesan, our teachers adapt their teaching and courses to the way girls learn. Our girls are inspired to thrive and excel and we celebrate their achievements with them. They are encouraged to take up the many and varied leadership roles we offer without competition from boys and develop their relationships in a supportive environment as they work through the challenges of adolescence.
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E D U C AT I N G H E A RT S A N D M I N D S
Diocesan’s code of conduct embodies the STAR values of Service, Tradition, Achievement and Respect.
SERVICE As an Anglican school, our philosophy is to look for opportunities to serve others and this is reflected in our school motto - ‘So that we may serve’. Our peer support, buddy systems and mentoring programmes give students the chance to be role models to their peers and younger students, to learn the value of teamwork and to experience leadership. The girls are encouraged to use their initiative to act in thoughtful and caring ways - both at School and in the wider community and overseas. One of the ways we show our commitment to service is through our student-initiated Community Giving projects which support various charities and community groups.
the
one
shining star
TRADITION Our strong traditions provide the trusted foundations for innovation and excellence in all areas at Diocesan. Taking pride in the School’s history, traditions, achievements and awards also gives our girls a strong sense of identity as they develop into caring and capable young women with fulfilling futures. Our students belong to one of eight Houses which foster involvement, camaraderie and lively competition. The annual House Music and Dance Contest is a
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chance for students to challenge other House teams.
Centre for The Enhancement of Learning supports the
In addition to the Sunday service for each year level
diverse learning needs of all our students.
and House services, Chapel Festival and Founders’
Diocesan students consistently achieve among the
Day are celebrated with Old Girls returning to the
country’s highest academic results in external exams.
School.
Many of our sports teams and performing arts groups
Traditional events include our winter and summer
perform and excel at regional and national levels,
sports tournaments against other schools.
achieving top results and awards in highly competitive
Highlights of the school calendar are the June concert
environments.
in which our Year 13 students perform to celebrate the
Diocesan Old Girls feature prominently as high
School’s birthday and our School Carol Services at
achievers in academic, sporting and cultural pursuits.
the Holy Trinity Cathedral which provide a finale to the school year in December.
ACHIEVEMENT
RESPECT At Diocesan we emphasise respect for others and leading by example. As well as learning to value
At Diocesan we are committed to ensuring that your
themselves, our students learn to value those around
daughter achieves to the best of her ability in every
them for who they are and what they have to offer.
area of her education and life.
We teach and expect our students to behave ethically
We challenge our students to believe in themselves
and with integrity, to be considerate and interested in
and to achieve their personal best in all of their
each other and to support each other.
academic, sporting, cultural and spiritual pursuits.
This philosophy is well supported by the bicultural
Our student-to-teacher ratios provide optimal
commitment within our school and Religious Studies,
opportunities for teaching, learning and individual
which focuses on Christianity, world religions and
initiative.
philosophical enquiry.
Our teaching methods recognise that students learn
We believe that celebrating the uniqueness and
at different rates and in different ways and we
diversity of others helps people to engage in the
emphasise the importance of critical and high level
world around them and to test new ideas.
thinking, creativity and communication skills.
Our firm, fair disciplinary structure and restorative
Our Gifted, Enrichment, Future Problem Solving and
practices promote awareness and respect for others
Philosophy programmes extend our students while our
and foster self-respect.
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E D U C AT I N G H E A RT S A N D M I N D S
families are at
one with diocesan
PASTORAL CARE We believe that looking after your daughter’s learning includes caring for her physical, mental and emotional, social and spiritual well being. Pastoral care is an integral part of the high quality learning environment we provide. It is important for all of our students to settle well into school life and feel part of a giving community where they are stable, secure and make lasting friendships. Our concept of service starts in the classroom with teachers who are warm, effective and respectful communicators with your daughter’s personal welfare at heart. The pastoral care network at Diocesan also includes counselling, health and chaplaincy services as well as careers advice and personalised tutoring to address students’ needs appropriately. In our Buddy and Peer Support Programmes, Year 12 and 13 students work with Year, 7, 8 and 9 students. They familiarise younger students with school structures and facilities, and being a ‘special older friend’ helps our new girls, and their parents, to quickly feel at ease.
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Girls new to Diocesan are paired with buddies selected
In our Community Service Programme, students complete
by our school Deans.
a range of community services. The International
As an Anglican school, we recognise that spirituality is
Baccalaureate Diploma also has a service component.
an important aspect of our students’ learning and well being. Students participate in regular Chapel services and Religious Studies classes. Our restorative practices give students ethical and moral guidelines for building effective relationships and a firm
Networks such as our Old Girls’ League and Parents & Friends’ Association foster friendships and give parents, teachers, students and past students a life-long sense of belonging to the ‘Dio’ community. The Heritage
foundation for making good decisions throughout their lives.
Foundation, Dio Arts and The Sports Foundation are also
COMMUNITY
Our students leave Diocesan with an awareness that
When your daughter enrols at our School, we welcome your whole family into the Diocesan community.
important parts of the School’s extended community. empowers and motivates them to be valuable, contributing members of society for the rest of their lives.
It is part of our philosophy that a stable, collegial community greatly benefits the students and adults who belong to it. As parents, you are always welcome to come and discuss your daughter’s progress and we will always take the time to address any of your concerns. We welcome families of all faiths to join our School and enjoy the benefits of our strong, community-minded approach to your child’s learning and future.
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E D U C AT I N G H E A RT S A N D M I N D S
year
one
to thirteen
JUNIOR SCHOOL Our Junior School is a warm, welcoming and nurturing environment where your daughter will develop a life-long love of learning. Students from New Entrant to Year 6 learn how to learn in a safe, happy and well-equipped environment with
Our one-school approach to your daughter’s education will provide a seamless transition between the different stages of her learning and early life.
group, individual and whole class learning programmes that emphasise fun and stimulate their sense of exploration and curiosity. The International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP), for which we have gained pre-authorisation, focuses on the total growth of the whole child and is aligned to the IB Diploma programme offered as a dual pathway in our Senior High. PYP encompasses each student’s social, physical, emotional and cultural needs as well as their academic development, and is taught by specialised teachers in classes with generous staff-student ratios. Students learn the foundations of literacy and numeracy as part of our academic programme which focuses strongly on these core subjects and also offers specialist
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teaching in French, Science, Technology, Music, Health, Physical Education, Art and Drama. All students learn recorder, violin, and ukulele at different year levels and we offer individualised tuition in piano and orchestral instruments. We have three Junior School choirs and four instrumental groups. In Years 4, 5 and 6 we offer speech and drama as an extracurricular activity. As part of the school-wide Gifted and Talented Programme, the Junior School’s Copernicus Programme allows different groups of eight to ten students to explore their talents each term in areas including art, creative writing, mathematics, web, computer skills, philosophy and photography. Girls are offered a large variety of sports including hockey, netball, gymnastics, swimming, athletics, padder tennis and cross country. Our artificial turf courts cater for both summer and winter sports and the Junior School has its own 12 x 6 metre learner pool in our new Aquatic Centre.
JUNIOR HIGH Students come into our care as girls at Year 7 and go on to the Senior High as emerging young women at the end of Year 10. During this important developmental time in their young lives, we prepare them to make informed choices as they work through the challenging issues of adolescence. At Junior High level, teachers encourage students to have greater ownership of their learning with more opportunities for independent research and observation in specialist teaching facilities. We offer a wider diversity of curriculum subjects and consolidate the depth of students’ literacy and numeracy. Students benefit from being in classes taught by specialist subject teachers who cater for individual interests and the abilities of all students. They also receive pastoral care within their tutor groups as part of Diocesan’s family philosophy. We focus strongly on developing students’ leadership skills and provide a variety of exciting opportunities for leadership roles. Junior High core academic subjects are Arts (Dance, Drama, Music, Visual Arts), English, Health and Physical Education, Humanities, Languages, Mathematics, Technology (Digital Learning, Food, Fabric, Materials), Science and Religious Studies. All Junior High programmes are supported by digital technology. Students develop a variety of skills ranging from broad based research skills to specific programmes
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E D U C AT I N G H E A RT S A N D M I N D S
such as CAD, multimedia, science and language
writing, music composition, dance, technology and
applications.
topical issues.
Information Processing, Food, Textile and Design
Junior High students are encouraged to become involved
Technology are part of our integrated technology
in as many extra-curricular activities as possible to
programme which is taught in well-equipped,
explore their strengths and interests. We offer more than
purpose-built rooms.
30 different sports codes and a range of artistic
Year 10 students who are capable of working on courses
disciplines.
beyond their current programmes may be invited to
For more information about the curriculum please see the Curriculum insert in the back of the Prospectus. Please contact the School for a copy of the Options Book and/or the Extra Curricular Guide.
study an accelerated NCEA course. As part of our Gifted and Talented Programme, our da Vinci Programme gives groups of eight to ten students the opportunity to do in-depth studies in areas they are interested or gifted in, including philosophy, creative
SENIOR HIGH Diocesan’s strong focus on academic achievement is reflected in our dual educational pathway. This offers students the guided choice of studying either the NCEA or two-year IB Diploma so they can gain the most relevant qualifications to realise their future ambitions. Health and Physical Education, as well as sporting and cultural activities, complement the academic curriculum. This covers the core subjects of English and Mathematics and four other subjects in Years 11 and 12, and five in Year 13 for NCEA students. Diploma students take six subjects over their two year programme. High achieving students have the opportunity to study University paper(s) as part of their Year 13 programme. This can be at The University of Auckland as part of the Young Scholars’ Programme or selected papers by distance learning through The University of Waikato. Girls’ career development and decision making is assisted through career education programmes at different year levels and professional career counselling. In Years 11, 12 and 13, Diocesan students develop into
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leaders and role models as they learn and discover how their interests and strengths will help them achieve their ambitions and continue their lifelong learning. The leadership opportunities we offer senior students
For more information about the curriculum, please see the Curriculum insert in the back of the Prospectus. Please contact the School for a copy of the Options Book and/or the Extra Curricular Guide.
- including our Prefect system, buddy system and peer support and community service programmes - help them to learn to engage with change, be resilient and unafraid of making mistakes. Senior students fine tune their time management skills as they take greater responsibility for managing their involvement and commitment to the wide range of extra curricular activities available, including sports and performing arts, which give them the chance to stretch their talents. Events such as the Scholars’ Dinner, Arts Awards Dinner, Sports Awards Dinner and School Ball are an important part of the senior social calendar. Our students leave Diocesan as articulate, confident and spiritually aware individuals who will contribute positively to the world - and the friendships they make in their senior years at Diocesan are ones they will treasure for life.
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E D U C AT I N G H E A RT S A N D M I N D S
PRIMARY YEARS PROGRAMME (PYP) We Educate Hearts and Minds The International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) is a trans-disciplinary programme of international education designed to foster the development of the whole child. This is in line with the IB Diploma Programme being offered as a dual pathway in our Senior High. PYP is designed for students from Years 1 to 6. It focuses on the total growth of the developing child, touching hearts and minds and encompassing social,
PYP CURRICULUM FRAMEWORK
physical, emotional and cultural needs in addition to academic development. PYP draws on research and best practice from a range of educational systems with a wealth of knowledge and experience from international schools to create a relevant, engaging, challenging and significant educational framework for all children. The PYP curriculum framework consists of five essential elements: concepts, knowledge, skills, attitudes, action. The knowledge component is developed through inquiries into six trans-disciplinary themes of global significance, supported and balanced by six subject areas which are illustrated in the diagram, below left.
NATIONAL CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT (NCEA) AND INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE DIPLOMA (IB) Our Dual Educational Pathway Teaching both the NCEA and the IB Diploma programme means Diocesan can maximise your daughter’s choices to ensure she receives a superior education that stays relevant to her needs in a global society. All students are taught ethics and philosophy as part of their Diploma or NCEA pathway to ensure they develop a deeper understanding of critical thinking. During your daughter’s time in Years 10 and 11 she will be supported by teaching staff and Senior Managers in assisting her to make the best possible decision for the qualification pathway that will best suit her future career choice.
NATIONAL CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT The NCEA is New Zealand’s national qualification for senior secondary students. NCEA is part of the National Qualifications Framework. Internationally and nationally the NCEA is accepted as a prerequisite to Universities. Diocesan has a proven record of students achieving at the highest levels of NCEA and offering both qualifications means your daughter’s education can also be tailored to her individual strengths and needs and any specialised areas of interest.
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EDUCATIONAL STRUCTURE DUAL PATHWAY
• A variety of choices • One philosophy – educating hearts and minds
E D U C AT I O N A L S T R U C T U R E D U A L PAT H WAY
All students complete NCEA Level 1. During Year 11, with her teachers’ support and advice, your daughter will decide whether to progress with NCEA Level 2 or begin a two-year IB Diploma in Year 12. Our goal is to ensure that her subjects and options are broad, to provide her
• The Theory of Knowledge • Creativity, Action and Service For more information about NCEA and IB please see the Curriculum insert in the back of the Prospectus. Please contact the School for a copy of the Options Book.
with the best platform for her future. May also sit Scholarship NCEA papers
NCEA Level 4 Scholarship
May change to Level 3 NCEA
IB Diploma
Year 13
NCEA Level 3
NCEA Level 2
IB Diploma
NCEA Level 1/2
NCEA Level 1 New Zealand National Curriculum PYP Primary Years Programme
Year 12
Year 11
Year 10
Year 7 Year 6
Year 1
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE DIPLOMA The IB Diploma is an internationally recognised, challenging qualification that is an excellent preparation for tertiary studies and is accepted by leading universities in New Zealand and around the world. Encouraging independent thinking, academic rigour, community service, inter-cultural understanding and respect for others underpin both our philosophy and the IB’s approach to teaching and learning. The Diploma curriculum suits motivated students of above average ability. The curriculum focuses on international perspectives of learning and teaching but insists students fully explore their home culture and
DIPLOMA CURRICULUM FRAMEWORK
language. Students studying for the Diploma in Years 12 and 13 choose six subjects from six subject areas - studying three or four at a Higher Level and the others at a Standard Level. They also undertake study in three areas unique to the Diploma. • The Extended Essay
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E D U C AT I N G H E A RT S A N D M I N D S
SPORT At Diocesan we have two key priorities in sport - high participation and high achievement. Our participation philosophy is ‘more girls, more active, more fun, more
often’. We also want our girls to become passionate about their sport and many take it to regional, national and international championship level. More than 80 per cent of students take part in our sports programme and Diocesan boasts a rich history of success across a wide range of sports codes. We promote and encourage fair play and good sportsmanship at all sporting events. Led by our Sports Director, our specialist staff and outside specialist coaches create and modify programmes to meet individual students’ sporting needs based on their ages and abilities, guiding our girls to make great sporting choices.
The Gifted and Talented Athlete Programme delivers education and programmes that develop players, and provides a pathway for them to achieve at the highest possible level. We also provide opportunities for coaches and officials to add to their expertise. Sport at Diocesan is well supported by the Sports Foundation, parents and teachers, enabling our students to participate a wide variety of sports trips, competitions and events and we foster strong links with clubs and regional organisations.
PERFORMING ARTS – MUSIC, DRAMA AND DANCE The School encourages girls to be involved in the Performing Arts, not only as a creative outlet, but also to enhance their learning and social development. Having a Performing Arts Director means we maximise the extra curricular learning, performing and mentoring opportunities of all students, from beginners to high fliers, who compete, perform and regularly excel at regional and national levels. Diocesan’s specialist teachers in instrumental music, singing and speech, dance and drama, encourage students to take examinations where appropriate and performing arts teaching is strong at every level. All Junior School students are involved in their annual productions. Year 7 to 13 students have the opportunity to take part in a variety of musical productions. Wonderful instrumental opportunities exist at all levels, from the Junior School Orchestra through to our award-
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winning senior Sinfonia Orchestra as well as our jazz ensembles, rock and symphonic bands. Chamber ensembles include groups who enter the national Chamber Music Contest, Lewis Eady Music Contest and smaller ensembles include groups put together under our da Vinci Gifted and Talented programme. Musicians also regularly perform in Play It Strange and Rockquest - alongside New Zealand’s leading rock musicians. We have a strong choral singing tradition and our vocal groups include our elite choir, St Cecilia Singers, Senior Choir, Bella Cantoris and Virtuoso Voce choirs, which rank among the country’s best. Our drama and dance students have excelled in competitions including the School’s Shakespeare Festival, the Sheilah Winn Festival of Shakespeare in Schools and Stage Challenge competitions. Year 11, 12 and 13 students also present plays within the School as part of their drama curriculum. Regular dance workshops are part of our Gifted and Talented programme and dance is well represented through our cultural groups. Mentoring opportunities available to gifted students include
programmes with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and Auckland Philharmonic Orchestra in performance and composition and dance and choreography workshops with the Royal New Zealand Ballet. For more information about Sport and Performing Arts Extra Curricular activities, please contact the School for the Extra Curricular Guide.
EDUCATION OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM Education Outside the Classroom (EOTC) is an integral part of the School curriculum. EOTC Week is an intensive week in Term 1, and reflects the School’s belief that your daughter’s learning also includes her physical, mental and emotional, social and spiritual well being. The EOTC programmes alternate between school based or Auckland regional activities one year, and camping every second year. Each year level has a specific theme such as personal challenges and team building, environment sustainability, community service and, in Senior High, career sampling and leadership.
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E D U C AT I N G H E A RT S A N D M I N D S
the
one
purpose-built campus
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Diocesan’s purpose-built campus is designed to accommodate buildings, sports facilities and recreational areas on a relatively compact site while achieving a sense of space and open vistas, with courtyards and covered walkways linking areas. At the heart of the School are our historic buildings, the elegant Victorian School House and School Hall, and the Chapel complex, including the St Barnabas Chapel, built in 1864. Our purpose-built Junior School building has its own hall, library, music suite, science, technology and arts facilities as well as dedicated spaces for specialist teaching, individual and group programmes. The four-storey Centennial Building houses academic and administrative offices, the library, the Whare Ako for Te Reo Ma-ori teaching and departments including Languages, Mathematics, Humanities and Classical and Religious Studies. The adjoining Patteson Block, which houses the English Department, has classrooms and a 60-seat theatre. Other facilities include drama and music centres, a specialist science block with Chemistry, Physics and Biology laboratories as well as general and research labs.
The Shrewsbury Building which has specialist facilities, is used for teaching Art and Design, Food Studies, Fabric Studies and Materials Technology. The expansive two-level Dawn Jones Sports Centre enables on site coaching of several sports codes. Full school assemblies and full school services, prize giving and concerts also take place there. The whole campus has wireless internet access to support digital learning. Our world-class indoor Aquatic Centre has a purposebuilt fitness centre, separate learner pool and 400-seat spectator gallery. A moveable floor in the main 25 x 20 metre pool can be lowered for deep water sports codes like water polo and raised for learn-to-swim classes. Year 11, 12 and 13 students can relax and study in their own Common Room Building. The School has in place a Master Campus Development plan and the next project is the building of a multipurpose, all-weather turf which will provide year-round sports training and another open recreational space on the school campus. The next stage of the Campus Development Plan will be the Performing Arts Centre.
We provide full and weekly boarding for 35 students from Years 9 to 13 and also cater for short stays; anything from a few days up to a full term. The junior dormitory, common/TV/computer room, housemistresses’ flats, a well-equipped kitchen and a dining room, where all meals are served, are in the original kauri villa. Older girls share twin rooms and junior girls share twin cubicles in the purpose-built double-storey East Wing which has a common room and bathroom for every six girls. Seven Year 13 girls and the Gap tutors are accommodated next door in Senior House. Student desks at Innes House are networked with internet and email access. As well as Innes House having a sunny, north-facing courtyard where the girls can relax and have barbecues in summer, the girls can use most school facilities including the Aquatic Centre, playing fields, tennis courts, Sports Centre, the library for homework and research and the Chapel. There are many advantages to boarding at Innes House including a strong sense of community and the lifetime friendships that are made.
BOARDING AT INNES HOUSE In the Diocesan boarding community we assist our students to learn future life skills. Our boarders live at Innes House where they enjoy a happy, friendly family environment under the care of our housemistress, her assistants and Gap tutors. Innes House is conveniently located opposite the School.
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E D U C AT I N G H E A RT S A N D M I N D S
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS International students enhance the learning environment of our school, provide a valuable cultural mix and are an important part of our school community. In the care of our pastoral care team and International Students’ Director, new students take part in a comprehensive orientation programme at the beginning of the school year which familiarises them with Diocesan’s culture and helps them understand school expectations. Students are then integrated into regular classes from Years 7 to 13 and our Centre for the Enhancement of
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Learning team provides individual or group support in subjects where needed. From Year 11 onwards, girls can study either the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA), which is New Zealand’s main secondary school qualification under the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. For more information on both the programmes please see page 12 and 13 of this prospectus. For full details on the International Student Admissions Process, Entry Criteria, and Student Placement, Registration Fee, Enrolment Fee, Tuition Fee, Fee Refund
NEW ZEALAND
and Fee Protection, please refer to the Application -
Our Open Days are an excellent opportunity for parents
International Students insert at the back of this
and prospective students to visit our campus and take a
Prospectus or view on line at www.diocesan.school.nz
tour of the School with existing students, watch classes
Diocesan School for Girls has been accepted as a
in progress, chat with senior teaching staff and inspect
signatory and has agreed to observe and be bound by
the leading edge facilities in our attractive surroundings.
Auckland South Pacific Ocean
North Island
the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students published by the Ministry of Education. Copies of the Code are available on request from the School or from the New Zealand Ministry of Education website at
Wellington South Island Christchurch
www.minedu.govt.nz
LOCATION Our students enjoy outstanding academic and recreational
Dunedin
facilities within the peaceful park-like grounds of our school in central Auckland - New Zealand’s largest city. The School is located on Clyde St, in Epsom, just a few minutes walk from Newmarket shopping centre and about 15 minutes drive to Auckland’s CBD. It is also conveniently close to motorway entrances and exits, the train station and well serviced by buses.
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E D U C AT I N G H E A RT S A N D M I N D S
ADMISSION PROCEDURES Enrolling at Diocesan School involves a few easy steps. Fill out the application form included with this Prospectus or complete it online at www.diocesan.school.nz Return the completed form, with the registration fee, to the School’s Admissions Office. At the appropriate time, applicants are contacted and an appointment is made for an interview and test. For many levels the application process begins at least 18 months before your daughter’s year and level of entry. However, applications are accepted throughout the year at all levels, and the acceptance process is ongoing. Students who are accepted are formally notified in writing. For International students, and students not living in Auckland, the application should be supported by copies of school reports, references, certificates and standardised test scores, if available.
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Clyde Street / Epsom / Auckland 1051 / New Zealand Phone +64 9 520 0221 / 0800 Dio Girl / 0800 346 4475 / Fax +64 9 520 6778 Email admissions@diocesan.school.nz www.diocesan.school.nz
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