ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

Good seeds grow in strong cultures. We help develop girls of great character whose academic
​​​​​​​achievements will be just a part of their wonderful life stories.

Iona maintains high expectations and standards. We expect a commitment to hard work and study, and to all domains of college life. We are proud
that the attainment of excellent NCEA results and our position as one of the top-performing schools in New Zealand for
University Entrance are everyday achievements in our college life.​​​​​​​

Iona girls have an edge – an outward-looking, vibrant and energetic approach to life. Our girls understand that they don’t just belong to
​​​​​​​a community driven to succeed, they are active contributors.

Iona is academically non-selective, yet our students consistently achieve outstanding ​​​​​​​academic results.
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  • We encourage our girls to develop a passion for learning and to be intellectually brave and adventurous, and to feel courageous about making mistakes.

  • We embrace innovation without allowing that to displace good teaching and the relationship between teacher and learner.

  • The use of technology is appropriately balanced and presented as a valued tool, not a substitute for learning.

  • We provide real-world opportunities for learning.

  • The learning environment is calm, supportive and positive.

  • Our class sizes are small, allowing our teachers to offer differentiated learning experiences.

  • Our inspiring teachers are experts in their specialist fields.

  • We encourage our girls to find mentors and to help each other succeed.

  • The school has modern and purpose-built state-of-the-art learning spaces.

  • Our curriculum is agile and responsive.