Our parents’ stories provide real-life testimony to the power of our holistic approach. The children who come to us from other schools almost invariably find the spark that was previously stifled and rediscover their essential happiness. Those who start at Seven Oaks from the beginning demonstrate maturity and self confidence well beyond their peers in traditional schools.
Our academic results are even outperforming New Zealand’s top private schools. Every two years we measure our literacy and numeracy results in Year 5-8 classes, using the nationwide Progressive Achievement Tests (PAT’s). Our most recent results (2019) continue to show this pattern of high achievement.
“High academic achievement”
Learning areas such as literacy and numeracy are woven into delivery of play-based and thematic programmes. Achievement information shows that children who have been at the school for some time achieve highly in these subjects.
“Real-life learning opportunities”
Children are well supported to understand their own learning and to share their knowledge and understanding with others. They have many opportunities for real-life learning experiences and to build positive relationships with others.
“Individualised learning”
Teachers know students and their families well. A low student to teacher ratio enables greater individual attention. Teachers make appropriate adjustments to planning to meet and extend children’s learning based on their individual interests and strengths.
“Educators value students’ opinions”
Children’s views and opinions are strongly valued. Personalised programs provide children with considerable choice about their learning. They are effectively taught how to reflect on their emotional well-being, progress and achievements and to set personal goals.
“Positive relationships”
Calm, confident educators work in caring, thoughtful ways to nurture individual learning styles. They make themselves available to students and students’ parents and take time to discuss students’ learning and development. There are positive relationships between trustees, educators, parents and students.
“Ecological foundation”
Purpose-built classrooms and large outdoor areas provide considerable opportunities for children to extend their learning and explore their natural environment.
“Educators value students’ opinions”
Children’s views and opinions are strongly valued. Personalised programs provide children with considerable choice about their learning. They are effectively taught how to reflect on their emotional well-being, progress and achievements and to set personal goals.
“Focus on children’s wellbeing and social-emotional intelligence”
Trustees and educators work collaboratively and show a strong culture of care, actively promoting the well-being of children.
Teachers actively assist children to develop as self-motivated and peaceful individuals who feel empowered to make a difference in the world. There is a strong focus on children’s well-being, sense of self and global citizenship, with an emphasis on building character and emotional intelligence.
77 Murphys Road
Halswell, Christchurch
8025, New Zealand
