Senior School Philosophy
‘…in the 21st Century we do not know what the future is. We can’t specify in advance the kinds of finished product knowledge and skills students need for successful and happy lives. Therefore we need to ensure that all young people leave school with the kind of raw materials or competencies that allow them to respond to almost anything.’ (Bolstad and Gilbert, Disciplining and Drafting, or 21st Century Learning, p123, NZCER 2008)
In the Senior School we understand that this is the ideal and that our framework is the New Zealand Curriculum. NCEA is a tool we use to assess our senior school students skills to make them pathway aware and so productive members of the community when they leave William Colenso College.
We have a varied curriculum and pedagogical approach which provides:
Our curriculum needs to be responsive, fluid and grounded in our community, while reflecting the NZC and allowing for the diversity of our learners. We know that the main support for this is our relationships with the individual students, which allows us as a school and teachers to provide both Manaakitanga and Mana Motuhake for them (care for the student as a culturally centred individual, combined with high expectations for their behaviour and performance).
Our curriculum follows on from the Middle School by teachers working to provide ‘varied teaching and learning experiences that are intellectually stimulating, actively engaging, and cognisant of diverse learning styles.’ We move this forward by looking at the future pathways students choose for themselves, with guidance. We need to ensure that we as a group are aware of the industry and tertiary demands and we provide programmes to meet those demands.
Ultimately our students must leave us as self-regulated learners who have developed a self-efficacy about themselves in our society today.
Senior School Links to the Values
There are three values that have be highlighted through the school’s involvement in PB4L
Manaakitanga – Care and Respect.
Whanaungatanga – Belonging
Hirangatanga – Striving for Excellence
By focussing on the students chosen pathway the senior school supports student engagement, behaviour management and key competency development using the school values shown above.
Senior School Links to the Strategic Plan
Responsive Outcomes for all Students
Responsive Systems and Processes
Effective use of
Responsive Learning Opportunities
Responsive Relationships
Improved Engagement
Senior School Links to the NZ Qualifications Framework
According to the NZQA website, the New Zealand’s Qualifications Framework
“… is designed to optimise the recognition of educational achievement and its contribution to New Zealand’s economic, social and cultural success.”
The NZQF allows William Colenso College to:
Structures of the Senior School that support the Senior School Curriculum
The Senior School Curriculum is supported by the following structures: