The Junior School
Learning in Years 9 and 10, the Junior School, is driven by our Alfriston College vision, values and Independent Learning Actions.
Our vision is for all learners to be life-long, independent learners who belong, value learning and expect success. This is achieved through our values; Tū Maia, Ahuatanga, Matatau and Whakapapa and our 10 Independent Leader Actions; Caring, Creativity, Collaboration, Curiosity, Enterprising, Joy, Thinking, Resilience, Perseverance, Wisdom.
Class Types
Learners participate in three types of learning in the Junior School; Nests, Pods and Flights.
Nests
All learners undertake full year literacy and numeracy classes during Year 9 and 10. These are Whaanau-based classes. In Nests the focus is on the development of functional reading, writing and numeracy strategies and skills in preparation for life and the NCEA co-requisites.
Flights
Flights are the home of all New Zealand Curriculum learning areas. Each term learners choose three Flights from different areas of the NZ Curriculum. Each Flight is one 90 minute lesson a week for a term. Most Flights are year level based. Some are a composite of Year 9 and 10 learners.
Pods
All NZ Curriculum areas are available in Pods. Each term learners choose two pods from different areas of the NZ Curriculum. Each Pod is three 90 minute lessons per week. Most Pods are year level based. Some are composite classes of Year 9 and 10 learners.
Choosing
Whaanau Mentors will monitor learners’ choosing and their coverage of the NZ Curriculum.
Assessment
Progress in Nests, Pods and Flights is formally assessed each term. Progress in Literacy and Numeracy is assessed using a combination of online PATs and school-based assessments. Achievement and progress are reported in our weekly Effort and Progress reports.
