Quality learning outcomes should be a central concern and responsibility for all schools – Iona’s approach to this responsibility is to promote and operate within an atmosphere of high academic expectations. Our structures and curriculum offerings are agile and responsive to the needs of 21st Century learners. It is what our teachers know, do and care about which is most powerful in the learning equation.
The Intermediate School forms a very important phase between Primary and Secondary School and we help girls to bridge the gap between childhood and adulthood.
This is a time when students question their sense of identity and how they fit into the world.
All Year 9 and 10 students in New Zealand schools are required to study core subjects such as English, Maths, Science, Social Studies as well as Health and Physical education.
In addition, we offer a range of different options for your child to choose from, including Technology, Arts, and languages other than English.
The academic programme prepares students to attend universities, polytechnics and other tertiary training institutions in New Zealand and overseas.
Learning choices are flexible and as students move through their years at school they are able to determine the path best suited to their needs.
Sport is compulsory to Year 12 to encourage good health, fun, fitness and self-confidence. Regular participation in sporting activities helps to develop social skills, leadership, teamwork and the drive for excellence. Sport is a significant part of our special character, and we strive to have highly competitive teams across all sports.
Iona is the ideal school for any girl with creativity, enthusiasm and talent. As well as offering girls the opportunity to explore a wide range of visual and performing arts, we have facilities that rival professional studios and venues.
Iona attracts teachers recognised for their expertise, and girls enjoy regular opportunities to see professional performances and to learn from world-renowned authors, musicians and artists.
Our service programme has a “head, hands and heart’ approach.
The aim is to connect the head and the heart through the experience of walking with people who, simply through life’s chance, have not been granted the privileges that some of us share
Iona girls are willing and active participants in meaningful service activities in the wider community.
Service learning enriches the giver and the receiver. By giving to – and supporting – community groups, our girls learn the character-enhancing qualities of care, charity and compassion.
After all, it is the whole girl who will eventually leave school and embark on life’s journey. How well prepared she is may well determine her success in life and her ability to contribute as a global citizen. The future of our girls depends on what we do today. Our wellbeing strategy is a preventative approach. We believe a wellbeing strategy is one of the hallmarks of a great school.
The ethical responsibility of teachers, leaders and the governors of Iona is to consider, promote, balance and respond to all aspects of the student, including their physical, social, emotional, academic and spiritual needs. These considerations require deliberate expression and action across all curriculum areas, pastoral care, strategic priorities and teaching practices. Student wellbeing is not only an ethical and moral obligation for teachers, leaders and trustees but also a legal responsibility (Education Review Office – Wellbeing for success: a resource for schools).
A student’s level of wellbeing at school is indicated by their satisfaction with life at school, their engagement with learning and their social-emotional behaviour. It is enhanced when evidence-informed practices are adopted by schools in partnership with families/whanau and community.
Optimal student wellbeing is a sustainable state, characterised by predominantly positive feelings and attitude, positive relationships at school, resilience, self-optimism and a high level of satisfaction with learning experiences. Our job is to prepare Iona girls for a world about which we know little. But what we do know is that a degree and good academic results will not be enough to secure their future. Iona graduates will have to demonstrate that they have character and not just intellect. This is where learning and wellbeing truly become inextricably linked.
In 2017, we were delighted to launch ‘Iona Equestrian’ in partnership with Golden Oaks Equestrian NZ – a superior purpose-built equestrian facility. At Golden Oaks, the Iona Equestrian experience offers a year-round comprehensive programme, providing riders across all levels access to their horses during the school term as well as professional mentoring and training to develop their riding and horsemanship skills.
Iona’s extensive range of co-curricular experiences in sports, culture and the arts, encourage leadership, teamwork and personal growth. Our girls are able to explore new opportunities and confidently express themselves as individuals.