Day and class structure
The timetable is designed to allow students to maximise their learning through a number of contexts and experiences. It also allows parents to be able to have effective input and be fully and actively involved in the education of their children.
Mornings:
The school day at the villa is from 8.30 am to 12.50 pm within classes and work groups to cover the New Zealand and Project Based Curriculum. Children are able to work at their own level and with others of like ability. Expectations of their input is high and very little 'down-time; is timetabled. A significant amount of work is overtly taught by staff to ensure that the New Zealand Curriculum is fully covered. This includes classes for Maths, Science, English, Social Studies and Technology. This teaching is done within the context of the projects that the year groups are currently working through. The children also have a significant amount of time to direct their own work as individuals and in groups. Research, thinking and presenting skills are developed in depth. During the morning sessions, the children primarily work in their year groups. Changes are sometimes made for individuals, to provide a better match to project, interest and need. Their year groupings are the basis for the organization of the afternoon programmes. Year 10 students are taught in a manner that keeps in mind preparation for their transition into the final years of schooling. The children will be well prepared for entry into Year 11 at a secondary school of their choice or at the Villa NCEA Academy and have an excellent base upon which to excel in the new qualifications framework or overseas administered exams.
Afternoons:
In the afternooon programme (1.30 pm - 3.15 pm), the year group rotates through 5 activities per week:
Art - Like all subject areas, the students are able to incorporate aspects of art into their project-based learning, including the opportunity to present their material in varied and creative ways. This includes the study of artists and their work in their historial and social context, and always involves practical art projects where students can explore a variety of art techniques, including painting, printing, sculpting, photography, and ceramics; creating works that link back to the theme of their current project in other subjects. There is also a designated afternoon each week for each year group for art and a specialist teacher is employed to oversee that time and give guidance.
Sport - Development of sporting skills and good attitudes towards sport and physical activity is a key curriculum aim for the school. Each week, two afternoons will be set aside for sports and health events for every student.
During that time, parents are able to withdraw their children for specialised coaching (at their own expense). The school will compete in inter-school sports events where the numbers required allow it. The school also has links with high-quality coaches and sporting providers.
Where it is a stated interest for a child, sporting development will be included as a part of a student’s I.P.B. and will be seen as an area to emphasise.
Part of our learning philosophy is that learning can happen anywhere, with that in mind, the uniform is designed for outdoor use as well as for the students to look good. All students require appropriate sports gear (PE kit is provided) and also a hat and sunscreen for the hotter months and a jacket for the cooler weather.
Community Service+, Year 7 & 8
Community Service, Year 9 & 10
Community Based Learning
Music -Students are able to incorporate aspects of music into their project-based learning. There is also a designated afternoon set aside each week (for every student) to study music. This is a practical in-class music programme involving Guitar and Keyboard Skills.
This time can also be an opportunity for students to attend private music tuition and we welcome private music teachers at the school (by prior arrangement). As in a normal school situation, this tutoring is at the parent’s expense – the difference is that the child is not having to be withdrawn from normal classroom time. Speech and foreign language extension could also be an option that parents seek to take up during this time. Music tuition is provided by Remuera Music Academy with students attending an afternoon session once a week at the Remuera Road campus: www.rma.ac.nz