Frequently asked question by parents

Is my child safe in the city?

The College is fortunate that we are on the edge of the city, close to bus stops and food outlets. To date, no major event has harmed our students. We ask that students are sensible when in the city. Year 11 students have on average 22 out of 24 periods a week in the College and therefore are not out in the city a great deal.

Students only have a short break in the morning and afternoon. Lunchtime is only 40 minutes.

Are students free to do what they want in their non contact periods?

Essentially yes. If a student wishes to waste the time then that is their choice. However, within a number of weeks this will impact on their performance in that they will not receive the grades they desire and their teacher will be talking to their parents or the Dean.

Because students have a lot of freedom, do they tend to waste the time?

The answer is simple. We do not have a school full of brilliant students and our pass rate indicates that students have had to work for their results. Some take longer than others to realise this. Student progress is overseen by Deans and those students who are struggling or not working hard are monitored.

What about drugs?

The College has a zero tolerance in relation to drugs.

Are students permitted to smoke?

Absolutely not and even if they smell of smoke they will be sent to the Deputy Principal. If a student was found to be smoking on three occasions, this would be cause for serious action.

How much discipline is required in the College?

There is very little discipline required on a day to day basis. Because we run a strong pastoral care system, students are well-behaved, on time for class and focussed. It would be a busy week if the Deputy Principal had to do more than 10 minutes of discipline and it would not be for any major issue. The Principal has about one or two major issues to deal with per year.

Where does the College stand on bullying?

We have a non- harassment policy at the College. Any form of bullying is dealt with immediately and taken seriously. However, it must be said that this happens rarely.

Where do you eat lunch? Is there a canteen?

Some students choose to go out of the building and have lunch in Aotea Square or in a cafe. Many have lunch in the College either in the annex to the library or in classrooms. There is a Common Room for Year 13 students.

We used to run a canteen but students preferred to go into the city to buy lunch.

What is your staff turnover like?

We have a very stable staff with very few leaving each year. Some retire and the odd one goes on to promotion. Many of the staff have been at the College for between 5 and 10 years.

If my son/daughter needs help, what do they do?

If it is a personal issue, they could see their teacher, tutor teacher, Dean or even the Principal. If it is academic difficulty, then the student needs to arrange time to meet their teacher individually for help. There are classes such as Mathematics that are run every Wednesday during Period.com.

Student Questions

Can I do whatever I want with my free time?

We do not call it free time. We call it non- contact time. If you wish to waste it then you had better be able to present work that is of a high standard or you will be asked about this. Students are trusted to use their time well. Good grades do not come by not using your time productively.

If I have first period free, do I have to come to school?

Essentially no, but you cannot be late for Period 2. Our advice is that you come to school anyway and use this time for homework. That way you can complete lots of homework at school and have time at home for the other things in which you wish to take part.

Can I wear what I want to school?

Within reason. The College has a dress code that does not allow ripped or torn clothing or such things as unusual hair colour. Our rules are simple and we ask that students adhere to them. In essence, students are required to be neat and tidy. They are not permitted to wear anything offensive.

Am I allowed to smoke during the school day?

Students are not allowed to smoke during the school day and even if you smell of smoke, you will be asked to see the Deputy Principal.

What happens if I am away for a couple of days sick?

Students are asked to validate their time away by providing either a note or a phone-call from their parents. It is up to the student to see their teachers and catch up the work missed.

Am I allowed to eat in class?

No. Students are only allowed to have a water bottle. In laboratories, there is no drinking or eating at any time.

Does it matter if I am late for class?

Yes it does. Students are not allowed to interrupt classes through being late unless there is a valid reason. Sleeping in is most definitely not a valid reason. Students who are late at the commencement of the day must sign in with a Dean or Senior Manager at the front desk. During the day, they must sign in with a Dean and failure to have a valid reason could mean that the student is excluded and catches up this work on Friday after school.

What if my bus is late or there are road works? Will I get into class?

Students can text the College and if the reason is valid, a Late Slip will be waiting for the student once they arrive. They are expected to run from the bus to avoid further lateness.

What would happen if I was caught with drugs?

You would be leaving the College. We have a zero tolerance for drugs.

What do you do about bullying?

The College has very little harassment of any kind. Such matters are dealt with immediately. The student who is being bullied is considered at all times and their confidence is kept safe.

Where do you eat lunch?

Some students choose to go out of the building and have lunch in Aotea Square or in a cafe. Many have lunch in the College either in the annex to the library or in classrooms. There is a Common Room for Year 13 students.

Are Cambridge courses very difficult?

All CIE courses are challenging. That is one reason why the College chose to follow the CIE path. Courses are rigorous and academically challenging and hence require dedication and hard work in order to achieve a thorough understanding of the subject matter and develop skills to a high level. However, the courses are not beyond a student of average ability who has a healthy work ethic and an inquiring mind.

How many examination sessions are there during the year?

There are two internal College examinations with each session lasting for 5 or 6 days. One is held early in Term two and one late in Term three. There are also two external Cambridge sessions, one in May and the main one in November. Most students take their IGCSE, AS and A2 examinations in November, while a few students sit papers in May.

How many subjects do students take at ACG Senior College?

Year 11 students take six subjects: English Language and English Literature ( two separate courses) and Mathematics are compulsory, plus three options. Year 12 and Year 13 students normally take four subjects each year. AS and A2 courses require 170 hours of teaching time compared with 120 hours for the old Sixth Form Certificate or Bursary. This time reflects the increased content, level of difficulty and higher skills required to succeed in the CIE system. Four AS or AS and A2 courses keep most students very busy.

How long do lessons last?

Each lesson lasts for 85 minutes. This is considerably longer that many students have experienced at previous schools and initially takes a little getting used to. However, students soon adjust to this. There is much research to show that senior students benefit greatly from this approach. Teachers of course are experienced in breaking lessons up into different activities. To be able to concentrate on one subject for this length of time brings enormous benefits.

How long is the school day?

Classes start at 8.30 am and finish at 4.45 pm. However, students are in charge of their own free time. Students who have a non-contact period first thing may arrive in time for their first lesson at 9.55, or if students have a free last lesson in the afternoon they may leave at 3.05 to go home. Students are only expected to be in College during scheduled lesson time.

Are all lessons compulsory?

Yes. Although the atmosphere at ACG Senior College provides students with much freedom, there are a few important rules which we uphold very strongly. One of these is that all scheduled lessons are compulsory. Students are expected to attend lessons punctually, prepared and equipped to work.

Are students expected to work outside of class time?

Yes. Year 11 students are expected to spend about two and a half hours on each subject per week. At Year 12 and Year 13, students spend approximately 4 hours per subject per week. Most students manage to complete a lot of this work during non-contact periods at the College. Some of this time is spent on specific assignments set by the teacher, while some will also be spent on background reading, revision and organising their notes.

Is the work very hard at ACG Senior College?

Most students succeed at the College through hard work, positive attitude and application. The courses are challenging, but not beyond students of average ability and above, who are prepared to push the boundaries a little. If you don't like hard work then ACG Senior College is not the place to come!

Are there any extra-curricular activities at ACG Senior College?

Yes! Sports teams are organised by students. We have recently had successful soccer, indoor basketball, rugby, cricket, netball, eventing and many more. Other activities include Choir, Garage Band Classes, Rockbands, Individual Music classes, Drama, two annual school productions, Model United Nations, Student Art exhibition; supporting worthwhile charities eg Canteen, FADE, 40 hour famine and School newspaper. Annual overseas trips include a Business Studies trip to Tokyo, New York and London, a Design trip to Melbourne, Language trips to Japan and South America and a History trip to Europe. Lecture series after school and Focus groups at each level (Youth Affairs, supporting charities, Fostering school climate) are other examples of extra-curricular activities available.

Is Physical Education compulsory?

In Year 11, students are required to spend one lesson each week doing PE, plus arrange one 45 minute fitness session. In Years 12 and 13, PE is not compulsory, however, there is a well-equipped gymnasium available for student use. AS and A2 Physical Education are offered as option choices.

How does the pastoral care system operate?

Each student is assigned a tutor teacher who is normally one of the student's subject teachers. Students meet individually every 2 to 3 weeks with their tutor and may approach them for assistance at any time. There is a Dean at each Year level and a Director of Student Services who overseas student welfare.

Is there help with studies outside the classroom?

Each teacher has an office with their timetable displayed on the door. Students may approach subject teachers individually to arrange help as required. Part of the College philosophy is that students are treated as mature and responsible people and students are encouraged to initiate contact with subject teachers whenever required.

General frequently asked questions.

Why did ACG Senior College choose to offer the Cambridge International Examinations (CIE)?

We adopted the Cambridge courses for a number of positive reasons. Academic rigour and a challenging curriculum; well established international courses that can include a large local content; qualifications that are accepted by universities around the world and highly flexible options offering either breadth or depth depending on student needs. Click here to visit the CIE website.

Are CIE courses exactly the same as those available in Britain?

No. At each level, IGCSE, AS and A2, the standard of examinations is equivalent to but different from that available within the UK. CIE courses are completely separate and different from those available within the UK through examining boards such as AQA, www.aqa.org.uk , Edexcel, www.edexcel.org.uk , OCR www.ocr.org.uk , and other boards www.sqa.org.uk , www.wjec.co.uk , www.ccea.org.uk .

Do the CIE courses contain local NZ content or are they based on British material?

CIE have a flexible approach and are very accommodating, incorporating local elements into CIE courses. CIE even offer whole NZ courses, which are called school based courses. Examples are: Classical Studies, Drama, History of Art, Japanese and New Zealand History. These courses did not exist in the Cambridge system until recently, when the local NZ courses were adapted to become official CIE courses.

How are students extended academically?

Our teachers are all subject specialists, usually with a specialist degree in their discipline and experience in and out of the classroom. Students have the benefit of small classes, individual tutoring, the rigourous CIE curriculum, the opportunity to include university courses in Mathematics, Classical Studies and English as well as access to the Senior Scholars' and Junior Scholars' rooms for top scholars. Senior College teachers utilise AFL (Assessment for Learning) techniques in class to help the focus of learning inside and outside the classroom.