Curriculum

Academic Programme

The school follows the New Zealand Curriculum Framework but it has a distinct Christian perspective which is consistent with the special character of the school. Emphasis is given to the basic academic skills of reading, writing and mathematics. We have teachers who specialise in art, drama, dance and music, and opportunity is provided for children to develop their talents in these areas as well as all the other curriculum areas.

Computer use is integrated into the school programme, particularly from Year 2 upwards. Each class from Year 2 to Year 4 has three or four computers in the classroom. The Years 5-10 classes have access to a computer suite of 30 computers.

The needs of each child are assessed and all the students are encouraged and motivated to work to their full potential. Provision is made to extend the gifted pupils as well as helping those with special needs by providing remedial and extension programmes.

Sports

The school is a member of the Christian Schools' Association and competes in their combined sports' days - this involves swimming and cross-country. We are also part of the local zone of primary schools and this involves swimming, cross-country, winter sports and athletics. Our Years 5-8 students are also involved in regular sporting activities with other schools for ten weeks during the winter terms. The Years 9 & 10 students participate in events provided for Christchurch secondary school students as members of Hillview teams. The elite Years 9 and 10 sportspeople are also eligible to represent Middleton Grange School in their chosen sports.

Cultural

As well as the normal music classroom programme, the children also have the opportunity to learn an instrument by receiving tuition from itinerant music teachers on a fee-paying basis. We have an increasing number of musical instruments that are available for hire. We participate in the Christian Schools' Annual Concert and Talent Quest. We have Junior School and Senior School Kapa Haka groups and each year we participate in the Christchurch Schools' Cultural Festival. As well as normal classroom programmes in dance, drama and art we also provide extension classes for those with talents in these areas.