Measuring holistic performance

IMAGEBG1
School performance is traditionally measured by their academic results via Progressive Achievement Tests or other quantitative tests. Seven Oaks scores outstandingly well in these tests, however our children’s happiness and parents’ satisfaction are the most important measures that motivate us to evolve and fine-tune the education we offer. Our students’ strong academic results are a natural outcome of the attention we pay to their social and emotional growth.

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.

Parent survey results (2021)

What aspects of Seven Oaks education are you pleased with?

Key

Very pleased
Pleased
Not so pleased

Educator’s communication

Holistic growth focus

Experiential learning

Quality of education

School communications

Child's happiness at school

Indoor/outdoor balance

Personalised learning

Seven Oaks Progressive Achievement Test (PAT) results 2019

Percentage above national average by curriculum area

Strong results across the board – the above chart shows that our students' PAT scores exceed the national average by up to 40%

Percentage above national average by length of time at Seven Oaks

Starting early pays off – the above chart shows that PAT scores grow with every year the student spends at our school.

Latest ERO report highlights

“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.

studentvoice

“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.

Nurturing2jpg

“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.

Asset 1-engaging

“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.

“Moving her to Seven Oaks was the best decision we have ever made”

Amazing school. My daughter was not coping well with the modern learning environment at her previous primary school. She was... Read more

Meeghan, parent

“Both of our children instantly felt a strong sense of belonging at their new school”

The decision to move our children to Seven Oaks School was based upon the fact that we wanted our children... Read more

Leeane, parent

“We love the wide curriculum”

Seven Oaks School offers the individual approach we were looking for our children and we would highly recommend it. We... Read more

Jo, parent

“Our son thrives when he can learn in a hands-on environment”

Seven Oaks has been a fantastic fit for our family. In particular, the play-based learning philosophy for the new entrants... Read more

Matthew, parent

“All about developing more than just educational outcomes!!!” 

The right school... Small class sizes. Play-based learning is developing our child amazingly well. Key element for me is it's... Read more

Liam, parent

Hear it from our families

“Moving her to Seven Oaks was the best decision we have ever made”

Amazing school. My daughter was not coping well with the modern learning environment at her previous primary school. She was... Read more

Meeghan, parent

“Both of our children instantly felt a strong sense of belonging at their new school”

The decision to move our children to Seven Oaks School was based upon the fact that we wanted our children... Read more

Leeane, parent

“We love the wide curriculum”

Seven Oaks School offers the individual approach we were looking for our children and we would highly recommend it. We... Read more

Jo, parent

“Our son thrives when he can learn in a hands-on environment”

Seven Oaks has been a fantastic fit for our family. In particular, the play-based learning philosophy for the new entrants... Read more

Matthew, parent

“All about developing more than just educational outcomes!!!” 

The right school... Small class sizes. Play-based learning is developing our child amazingly well. Key element for me is it's... Read more

Liam, parent

“Can’t wait to send our youngest next year!”

We are happy we made the choice to send our 5-year-old son (now 6.5) to Seven Oaks. He has been... Read more

Kurt, parent

“Both our children have thrived”

We chose Seven Oaks because of its holistic, child-centred approach to education. In today’s environment of large class sizes, Seven... Read more

Fiona, parent

“His energy can be focused on learning and not worrying”

Seven Oaks School would have been off my radar had it not been recommended by a leading Christchurch businesssoman, whose... Read more

Di, parent

“Our boys look forward to going to school and they are engaged”

We are delighted with our experience at Seven Oaks School. All of the educators, as well as the head of... Read more

Cecily, parent