P R O S P E C T U S
2 0 1 5
Welcome Our school has a long and proud history of providing quality education for girls. Our recently introduced and now consolidated junior curriculum ensures learning experiences which provide a solid foundation for future learning and which also enable students to discover their strengths and passions. Established 85 years ago, our school has developed a broad and innovative curriculum, high academic standards and a wide range of co-curricular activities. Our highly qualified and experienced staff encourages girls to excel in a positive and focused learning environment. As well as wide choice of subjects, support for learning and expectation of high achievement within the classroom, there are many opportunities for leadership and for involvement beyond the classroom. Within the school, our House system fosters involvement and a sense of belonging. Girls at all levels compete fiercely to win house points in all House activities. Opportunities for service and leadership exist at all levels of the school.
Sue Hume, Principal
We expect our girls to take advantage of all the opportunities that the school offers. We enjoy working with each of them and challenging them to live out the school motto – Summa Sequere – by aspiring to be the very best that they can be in every aspect of their school life at Avonside Girls’ High School. However, it is also important to us that when our girls leave, they’re able to take their place in the world and be responsible, contributing and caring members of our society. That’s why we place emphasis on the importance of living out our school values of respect, integrity, self-discipline and contribution. We look to the future of Avonside Girls’ High School with great confidence in the quality of the special girl-focused learning experiences we provide, which enable them to develop to their potential and to be set up for success in the world beyond the school gates. We warmly invite you to be part of that future. Yours sincerely
Principal
1
Our History In 1918 the Board of Christchurch Girls’ High School bought three and a half acres of land at Avonside. In the cottage on that site, two classes of forty students began in January, 1919. Girls studied at Avonside for their first two years of high school and then went to the Armagh Street site. In December 1927 Avonside Girls’ High School became a separate high school. The first Lady Principal was Miss K.M. Gresson M.A. She was an experienced teacher of French and had studied at the Sorbonne. In 1928 there were 93 girls. 1930 saw the school’s first sixth form class. A number of students gained University scholarships in those early days. These successes marked the beginning of the school’s fine academic tradition. A tradition of sporting excellence and innovation began early too. Tennis, swimming, life-saving, cricket and tramping were popular sports from the beginning. Avonside today is an innovative modern school within a traditional framework. Our history provides a sound foundation for an exciting future. 2012 marks a significant point in the Avonside story. It is the year of reestablishment following the damage of the February 2011 earthquake. The changes forced on the school have resulted in purpose-built specialist rooms, safe, single-storey construction and greatly-enhanced provision of computer technology. The school is well-positioned to continue the role it has enjoyed for the past 85 years, of providing effective and relevant learning experiences, equipping students with the tools necessary to take their place in twenty-first century New Zealand. We look forward to the construction of the permanent new school, scheduled for completion mid 2018.
Our Mission To educate and empower young women to succeed now and into the future.
Our Vision Young women at Avonside Girls’ High School are challenged to achieve personal excellence in a progressive and supportive learning environment.
Our Values Respect Integrity Self-Discipline Contribution
2
Learning at Avonside Girls’ High School Avonside Girls’ High School follows the New Zealand curriculum and offers an extensive range of subjects from all essential learning areas. A broad and general curriculum in Year 9 and 10 provides a sound basis for girls moving into the senior school. Our curriculum is designed to offer students stimulating and challenging learning experiences and to ensure they are well prepared for gaining qualifications. We have a particular emphasis on developing students’ literacy and numeracy skills. The senior school offers a range of subjects to cater for all students and to provide clear pathways to further study or work opportunities. Each year students are provided with a course booklet with detailed information on courses in Years 10 to 13. A multi-level timetable operates in the senior school to enable students to study at an appropriate level in a particular subject. The focus in the senior school is to ensure that students have opportunities to be confident and successful learners, ready to move on in the world of further education or work.
Year 9 All Year 9 students study English, Mathematics, Science, Physical Education and Health, Social Studies, The Arts, Technology and Languages. There are some optional choices available within the Technology and Languages programmes. Students in Year 9 study English for four periods a week and all other subjects for three periods a week.
Year 10 All Year 10 students study English, Mathematics, Science, Physical Education and Health, and Social Studies. All students take part in a compulsory outdoor education course as part of the Physical Education and Health programme. In addition they choose three other subjects, one of which must be a Technology subject, and another must be an Arts subject. Students in Year 10 study Mathematics for four periods a week and all other subjects for three periods a week.
Year 11 All students in Year 11 study a course in English, Mathematics and Science. They also choose three other subjects. There are also compulsory short courses in Health, Careers Education and Financial Literacy. All Year 11 students work towards the National Certificate of Education (NCEA) Level 1.
Year 12 All students in Year 12 study a course in English and choose five other subjects. There are also compulsory short courses in Health, Careers Education and Financial Literacy. All Year 12 students work towards the National Certificate of Education (NCEA).
Year 13 Year 13 students study five subjects. There are no compulsory subjects at this level. Students work towards a National Certificate of Education (NCEA) and University Entrance (UE). Scholarship is also offered for our most able students. 3
Year Nine Curriculum English English is the study of all aspects of the language. The Year 9 students continue to develop their spoken and written expression; listening and reading skills; an awareness of how they communicate through the visual media and their ability to understand what they view and watch.
Mathematics and Statistics The emphasis in Mathematics is on building confidence and improving competence in numeracy skills, developing problem solving strategies and learning to think independently over all mathematical strands.
Science Science involves learning about and understanding the world in which we live, and is a major influence in our daily lives. Year 9 students will meet many situations and will carry out experiments and investigations. These will help develop skills in observation, testing ideas, recording and interpreting data, researching and using scientific equipment. They will learn to ask the questions “why” and “how” to clarify ideas.
Social Studies Social Studies helps students’ understanding of the world and provides them with the skills and knowledge to play their role in society. The students’ focus in Year 9 is on the relationships that exist between people and the environment. They will also learn about how societies and communities function and gain an understanding of the diverse cultures and identities of people within those communities. Learning about past events and experiences and how they have been interpreted over time will help them understand the past, the present and imagine possible futures. Economic activities are also studied so that students gain an understanding of their place in the economic world. Year 9 students through social inquiry will explore and analyse values and develop research skills.
Physical Education and Health Through Physical Education students will learn a variety of motor skills, a range of interpersonal skills, positive teamwork strategies and an understanding of basic anatomy and physiology. Students will also develop their sense of leadership and effective communication skills. In Health Education students develop their understanding of the factors that influence the health of individuals, groups and society. Students examine factors associated with mental wellness, reproductive health and positive sexuality. Positive attitudes toward personal fitness and health are encouraged.
4
The Arts Students study all four aspects of the Arts curriculum: Dance, Drama, Music and Visual Arts. They learn in each area for one term. The purpose of our Arts course is to provide an introduction to a more thorough investigation of the Arts in Year 10. Students will develop the skills necessary to work both independently and collaboratively to construct meaning and produce works.
Visual Art Visual Art explores a range of art making skills. Students are introduced to observational drawing in pencil, ink, dye and paint. They investigate art from a range of cultural origins and produce specific artistic outcomes that range from an intricate pattern design to a coloured still life painting and a relief sculpture work.
Music Students are introduced to musical instruments, composing and song writing. They investigate different musical genres and learn music theory. Avonside Girls’ High School employs itinerant music teachers so that free tuition in strings, percussion, wind instruments, the guitar and voice are available. A small charge is made for the hire of instruments. Students who participate in itinerant music lessons are expected to be part of a choir or musical group at school.
Dance Dance explores a range of expressive movement that has intent, purpose and form. Students learn to express personal, group and cultural identities to convey and interpret artistic ideas and to strengthen social interaction. Students will develop practical knowledge and skills in performance and choreography.
Drama Drama is the expression of the human experience through a range of theatrical techniques and forms. It provides students with the opportunity to develop a wide range of personal and performance skills. Students will workshop and investigate a number of theatre forms such as mime and improvisation, building towards a group performance.
5
Languages All students study Languages and choose two 6 month subjects from those listed below. Learning Development is an alternative course in literacy and numeracy for those students identified as requiring additional support. Students in Learning Development are invited to join this class after completion of entrance testing.
Te Reo M ori Te Reo M ori is one of the official languages of New Zealand. Students learn to use and enjoy Te Reo M ori (language) and Tikanga M ori (cultural aspects) which are distinctive of the character of New Zealand life.
French French represents the Romance languages and culture of Europe. It is an international language spoken by people throughout the world, one of the official languages of the European Community and has strongly influenced the development of English.
Japanese Japanese represents the Asiatic languages and culture. The language is written using a combination of Japanese characters.
Learning Development Literacy and numeracy skills are essential in everyday life and in learning. Students will further develop their reading and comprehension skills and their basic number skills. The focus of this course is to ensure students are sufficiently competent to be able to learn well in all curriculum areas. Students will be part of the Learning Development programme for one or both semesters.
6
Technology The Technology curriculum provides students the opportunity to gain experience in design, planning and problem solving in small groups as they design, construct and evaluate projects. All students study Home Economics for one term; they choose three other Technology subjects for the remainder of the year.
Home Economics Home Economics focuses on the requirements of good nutrition and safe food handling. Students learn through practical activities where they prepare, cook and serve healthy food.
Textiles Technology Textiles Technology provides students opportunities to develop a range of skills to plan and construct a textile item. They learn decision making and evaluation skills and practical work is reinforced with written work.
Design and Visual Communication Design and Visual Communication provides students opportunities to undertake design activities which build on their knowledge of the design process and stimulate their creativity. They are introduced to a range of drawing systems and drawing materials which allow them to communicate and present their ideas effectively.
Hard Materials Technology Hard Materials Technology enables students to design, plan and construct projects using a range of materials. They investigate and solve practical problems through the technological process.
Digital Technologies In Digital Technologies students investigate digital practices to support learning across the curriculum.
7
Opportunities for Extension and Learning Support Exchange Programmes and International Trips A trip to Japan is organised every third year for senior students studying Japanese. They visit schools in Japan and experience the Japanese culture and language first hand through homestay. There is an exchange for Year 12 French students with France every other year and also an exchange programme to Tahiti every year. Girls may be offered the chance to join a trip to New Caledonia.
Learning Support Programme The Learning Support team provides specific learning assistance to students, either individually or in small groups. Students can be referred to the Learning Support Department for support by their subject teachers, deans, counsellors, parents or through a self referral. This area also provides assistance to teachers in helping to meet individual student needs. Academic assessments are carried out when necessary and programmes developed to meet the students’ needs. Assistance is available through a Mathematics Tutor, Teacher Aides, Individual Education Plans and the RTLB programme. A peer tutoring programme is available in which Year 13 students assist junior students with their work in the classroom.
ESOL (English for speakers of Other Languages) ESOL is offered to students who come from a background where English is not their first language and who need to improve their English language skills. Students can self select to have ESOL support or they can be referred by subject teachers, deans, counsellors or parents. Testing of English language skills and monitoring of academic progress is undertaken by the ESOL Department.
8
Extension Programme Identification of High Ability Students We aim to identify gifted and talented students early during their time at Avonside. Identified students are placed on a register, where their progress and the school’s provisions are monitored.
Junior School Students who show high ability in a particular subject are catered for in-class through individual programmes, which allow them to explore the subject in depth and at a pace which is appropriate. Where possible, highly able students are clustered together to give them the opportunity to learn with like-minded peers. Two such classes are provided for high ability students at Years 9 and 10. In addition to this, students at Year 9 who have shown promise in music are timetabled to study Music together. This allows them to enjoy an advanced programme with opportunities for enrichment. Occasionally, and with consultation with parents, a student is accelerated a year in a single subject. In addition to their in-class programme, •
enrichment activities in each of the learning areas are offered to these students.
•
a group of students will be offered the opportunity to attend a weekly enrichment course over a term in an area such as Philosophy or a TED.Ed Club.
Academic Competitions and Examinations Students are encouraged to enter a variety of individual and team competitions, including the Model United Nations, the ICAS examinations, subject competitions hosted by Universities, subject associations, and speech competitions in a range of languages. Support is given in and out of class to students who are preparing for competitions and examinations.
Senior School In the senior school, our most able students are encouraged to extend themselves not only through aiming for Excellence in their NCEA qualifications, but also by sitting Scholarship in Year 13. These students are supported through mentoring and the provision of Scholarship tutoring.
9
Guidance Network Avonside Girls’ High School has a network of people available to support students and their families/whanau. These include: • Form teachers who have day to day responsibility for their class. They support the girls, give advice, check attendance. They contact parents when necessary. • Deans have over-sight of their level of students and follow-up form teacher and parent concerns. They also deal with subject choices, achievement and behavioural issues. • Heads of levels (HoLs) have overall responsibility for student achievement and well-being. Parents are able to contact them during the school day. • Counsellors work with students and their families/whanau in whatever way is appropriate. There are trained counsellors who work closely with the Deans and Heads of Levels.. Their service is confidential and students and parents can make appointments with the counsellor for their level to talk over concerns or issues affecting their daughter. Like the deans, counsellors move through with the level of classes they first meet in Year 9, so by the end of Year 13 the deans and counsellors know their students very well. Also supporting our students is a team of medical professionals who work on site and at no charge. This team includes a public health nurse and a family planning nurse. Adolescence is a time of change, challenge and choice. The emphasis is on the student taking responsibility for her life and for the choices she makes. Part of that responsibility is seeking advice and support from the people working in the guidance network. We want to help; we need only to be asked.
Career Education Career education is an integral part of learning at Avonside. Students are encouraged to develop self awareness, explore opportunities, set goals, think broadly and be flexible in their career planning. We aim to empower our students to shape their own lives rather than be shaped by what happens to them. The school’s career resource room is the place to find up to date career information; it is open and staffed every lunch hour to help girls with queries. Girls are taught to use career development tools both online and school based.
Work Exploration Work exploration is available to all senior students. A 3-5 day placement can be arranged and a written assessment is received from the employer. The main object is to give students an opportunity to experience an area of work that interests them, and to learn what will be expected when they join the work force.
Peer Support Programme Effective guidance is not all adult to adolescent. Senior students act as excellent role models and speak the same language. For this reason all Year 9 students participate in the Peer Support Programme which is based on close interaction between Year 9 and Year 13 students. This programme helps students to settle in, to get to know one another and to learn about their new school community. 10
Cultural Activities Students are encouraged to take the opportunities offered to develop their talents and explore their interests in a wide variety of cultural activities. Many of these require a commitment to seeing things through to a conclusion, whether it is for a performance, presentation or display or just for the satisfaction of the student. We are keen for students to take the plunge and try something new. Opportunities include: Chamber Music Competitions Chorale, including the “Big Sing” Clarinet Ensemble Dance Debating Drama – Sheilah Winn Shakespeare Festival Flute Ensemble Irish Band Jazz Band Language Competitions: Japanese, M ori, French, German Orchestra Otaakoro Kapahaka Recorder Ensemble Rock Band Saxophone Ensemble Speech Contests Theatresports Pasifika Culture Group One of our goals is to extend the students’ horizons beyond themselves. We do this through involvement with the community in a number of projects each year, for example: Harvest Festival 40 Hour Famine Breast Cancer Appeals Canteen Z Club
Houses Avonside has six Houses, each named after a past principal and every student is allocated to a House. The names of the Houses are: Gresson Karsten Stevenson Samuel Williams Townsend House competitions throughout the year provide an excellent opportunity for your daughter to meet students in other classes and year groups, and to be part of the rich and colourful fabric of our community. 11
Sport Students at Avonside have a wealth of opportunities to become involved in sport. Many recreational activities are available as well as the regular interschool competitions. At the competitive level we have individuals and teams achieving considerable success.
The following sporting activities are currently offered at school: Aerobics
Multisport
Athletics
Netball
Badminton
Rowing
Basketball
Road Race
Canoe Polo
Rugby
Cross Country
Skiing
Cricket
Softball
Dance
Sport Climbing
Dragonboating
Squash
Equestrian competition
Surfing
Fencing
Swimming
Fitness Room
Table Tennis
Football
Tennis
Futsal
Touch Rugby
Golf
Trampolining
Gymnastics
Triathlon
Hockey
Volleyball
Ice Hockey
Waterpolo
Indoor Netball
12
General Information Absences Parents/caregivers telephone the school on the morning of an absence, a note is not then required. Absences can also be emailed to: absences@avonside.school.nz. Otherwise, students must bring a note to their Form Teacher on the day they return to school. The note should show name, form, dates of and reasons for absences, and be signed by a parent or caregiver.
Alcohol, tobacco, drugs Students are not permitted to bring tobacco, alcohol, party drugs or any other drugs to school. Using any of these drugs at school while in uniform or on a school camp/activity is not permitted and will be treated very seriously as a discipline issue.
Canteen The canteen is open at interval and lunchtime. A wide range of food and drinks is available with an emphasis on healthy options.
Cell phones Cell phones are to be switched off and out of sight in classrooms; continued misuse of cell phones may result in confiscation.
Classroom Behaviour Students are expected to be courteous to staff and other students at all times. Students must be on time and bring all necessary books and equipment. Students must also comply with staff instructions. Behaviour which is disruptive to others’ learning is not acceptable. Rules for classroom behaviour are displayed in classrooms and must be adhered to.
Detention A school detention may be given for infringements of rules. Detentions are held at 1.10pm until 1.45pm on Thursdays. There is no alternative to these times. Students are given 24 hours notice of such detentions.
Environmental Care Everyone is expected to help keep the school environment clean and tidy.
General Behaviour Students are expected to keep the law of the land – our school community enforces laws against theft and assault.
Homework Parents are asked to see that their daughters have adequate time and a suitable place for study and preparation. The following is a guide per evening: Years 9 and 10:
1 – 1.5 hours
Years 11, 12 and 13: 2 – 3 hours Revision or reading should be done if no specific work is set. Homework is study done at home: it should not be confined to completion of work set by the teacher.
Lateness Effective learning requires students to be in class on time. Students who arrive late during the day must sign in at the office before going to class.
Leave • Appointments Dental and medical appointments should be made out of school time. If this is not possible a note (signed by a deputy principal) or appointment card must be brought to the school office when the student signs out to go to the appointment. • Lunchhour leave Students, in general, do not leave the school at lunchtime. Lunch passes are issued at the beginning of the year only to those who go to their own home for lunch every day. A student who wishes to leave the grounds at lunchtime for any reason, on a particular day, must bring a note to one of the Deputy Principals on that day. Permission to leave will be granted only in exceptional circumstances. • Extended Leave If a period of extended leave from school is planned, a letter requesting the leave and indicating the reasons, must be sent to the Principal. This should be, at least, two weeks before the absence, if possible.
Leaving School Students are not permitted to leave the school grounds between 8.30am and 2.45pm without permission.
Property All articles of clothing and other personal property must be named clearly. Students should go to the Main Office to enquire about lost property. Students are discouraged from bringing valuables to school e.g. cell phone,ipod, discman, mp3 player. The school will not be responsible for the safety or recovery of any such items if lost or stolen. Valuables may be left at the office (including large amounts of money).
School Donation The school donation is $100.00 per student ($150 for two or more). Receipts are issued when the fees are collected. The fee provides funds for sports equipment, musical instruments, team travel and library resources. The annual subscription to the PTA is $25.00 per student.
School Hours Monday, Tuesday, Friday Lunch
8.30am – 2.45pm 1.05pm – 1.45pm
Wednesday Lunch Thursday Lunch
8.30am – 2.35pm 1pm – 1.40pm 8.45am – 2.45pm No form time 1.05pm – 1.45pm.
Sickness Students who need to have access to particular medicines, other than inhalers, should leave them at the school office. Any student who is unwell, must report to the office with a note from their teacher. Parents will be contacted by the office staff. Girls must not leave the school without our knowledge. Panadol or other medicines are not given to students without parents’ permission. Parents are asked to keep their daughters at home if they are not well.
Stationery Students will be advised by mail of stationery required. At the start of the year stationery is ordered on line and delivered to students at home.
Textbooks Girls are issued with the textbooks they need. These belong to the school and are on loan to the students. They must be returned at the end of the year or a replacement fee will be charged.
Travel The school is within a few minutes walk of Richmond and Avonside bus routes. Depending on student numbers, girls from Sumner, Lyttelton, Heathcote, Redcliffs, Mount Pleasant, South Brighton, North Beach, Rangiora, Woodend, Kaiapoi and Parklands have special buses to and from the school gates.
Vehicles For girls who drive vehicles to school, some parking is available on vacant sections, which can be accessed from Cowlishaw Street. If passengers are carried, written permission from the parent/caregiver of both driver and every passenger must be filed with the school office.
Uniform Wearing the school uniform means wearing the complete uniform at all times. Brown shoes are part of the complete school uniform. This includes travel before and after school, during the entire school day and on school trips and excursions. Winter uniform is to be worn in Terms 2 & 3 and summer uniform in Terms 1 & 4. At no time should a student wear a mixture of summer and winter uniforms. Make-up and nail polish are not to be worn. Hair is to be clean and tidy and of a natural colour. Extreme hair styles are not permitted. If hair is long it must be tied back in practical subjects. Jewellery is not permitted other than a watch and plain ear studs. Nose, eyebrow, tongue or any other facial piercing (including use of a retainer), is not permitted. Confiscation of non-uniform items Should a student wear jewellery or clothing that is not uniform, it will be confiscated by a teacher and held in the office. Items can be collected by students at the end of the term.
Uniforms School Dress The Board of Trustees requires the Avonside students to be in full regulation uniform. We encourage girls to take a pride in their appearance and ask that parents support the school in seeing that their daughter maintains a neat, clean standard of dress. Only the stated uniform is permitted. Stockists include: Mainland Uniforms, 511 Wairakei Road, Phone 360 3037 Bambi Drapery, 693 Gloucester Street, Phone 389 9583 Uniforms can be made to order through Bambi Drapery.
Summer Uniform Dress: Jersey: Cardigan: Vest: Socks: Shoes: Hats:
green check in regulation pattern and material school red, v-necked or school red cardigan or school red vest white, knee-length or ankle brown leather shoes either brown lace-up or T-bar or brown Roman sandals without socks. students are permitted to wear a sun hat in the grounds during breaks.
Winter Uniform Kilt: Hunting McKinnon tartan, the hem is to be at least 20cm above the ground Blouse: white, long-sleeved, polycotton or brushed cotton, with pointed collar either fitted or non-fitted Tie: junior - dark green senior - red and green stripe (available from stockists and the school office) Jersey: school red v-necked or Cardigan: school red cardigan or Vest: school red vest Tights: brown or dark green or Socks: white/fawn knee length Scarf: green/brown or green/red stripes, or plain dark green, or plain dark red Blazer: dark green. It is compulsory to have a Blazer Raincoats: Moa, Tara red, from Kiwi Stuff, available from Mainland Uniforms and Bambi Drapery.
Physical Education
- Compulsory for Year 9
• Regulation black and green dry fit Physical Education shirt with Avonside Girls’ High School logo, available from Mainland Uniforms and Bambi Drapery • Regulation black dry fit sports shorts available from Mainland Uniforms and Bambi Drapery • Sports shoes • Optional – plain black track pants
General 1. Winter uniform must be worn in Terms 2 and 3. 2. Jewellery is not permitted other than a wrist watch and plain ear studs. Facial piercing, including the tongue, is not permitted. 3. Hair must be tidy. If worn long it must be tied back in all practical subjects. Hair colour must be within the natural range. Extreme hairstyles are not acceptable. Hair bands/ties must be red, green, white or brown. 4 If head scarves are worn for religious or cultural reasons, they must be dark green, red or black.