Academic focus in boarding

With systems and operations working well in the boarding houses, and a great pastoral care system in place, a key focus in 2023 has been supporting boarders to achieve their best academically, says Director of Boarding, Matt Parr. “We have introduced a number of new initiatives this year to support boarders to reach their academic goals. Almost our entire boarding house staff are educators first, so we understand the journey the students are on.”

Boarders already participate in the Boarders' Prep programme, a structured time each night from 6.30pm, when they gather in ageappropriate groups at various locations around the College to work on their homework or engage in further study. “During Prep, boarding house tutors manage their space and are the first point of contact for any learning questions boarders might have, although this is not their main role. Our new initiatives are providing additional support, whether boarders are struggling academically or needing assistance to reach their goals in specialised learning areas.”

In Term 2, the Prep Learning Support programme for junior students was increased from two nights to four nights a week, with five dedicated staff members now available to provide extra assistance to Year 9–10 students who require additional help.

Junior Prep students who have completed their assigned work during Prep are encouraged to engage in additional home-learning resources developed by English teacher, James Jenkinson, a former boarding house tutor at St Andrew’s. These resources offer a range of tasks, from lessons on technology, to writing letters, sending formal emails, and even writing book reviews for online platforms like Reddit. “This programme helps the junior students to cultivate a positive study routine and mindset, preparing them well for the challenges of NCEA ahead,” says Matt.

A new system of Prep grading has also been introduced to track boarders effort and use of their Prep time. Tutors provide each student with a rating out of five every night during Prep, which is used by House Managers alongside data from student fortnightly scores from the day school. “This grading system aims to foster a positive environment, focusing on support and improvement rather than reprimanding students. It gives us a good understanding of each boarder's progress, enabling intervention and further support if necessary.”

To supplement the in-house support, the College has established a partnership with Hazlett Tutoring, an independent tutoring company. Students have the option to book oneon-one appointments with specialist tutors to receive personalised assistance in specific subject areas. “We support these private arrangements, allowing tutoring sessions to be conducted during Prep time, which eliminates the need for boarders to go offsite,” says Matt.

Matt says it is great to see boarders flourishing academically, and the boarding house teams take great pride is seeing them move in a positive direction. “They don’t have to be superstars in the classroom, but we do ask them to work hard and be the best they can. That is the te taki tino ma way. We will continue to do whatever we can to ensure the structures and systems are in place to support boarders to reach their goals.”