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Kindergarten to Year 13

A progressive education system is one that is centred around developing and encouraging the necessary life skills needed for children to be the ‘best human’ they can be. Our current way of educating is not this, but rather it is predominantly focused on memory-based learning followed by examination and assessment. The irony here is that much of what is learnt is not retained by the child nor will it be used in their future.

At Spectrum Academy, we take a different approach to education and learning. We believe education should be student-centred based around their interests and passions while extending them from where they are at, in unimaginable ways.

"Our students today deserve an education that will be an integral part of the potentially challenging life-long learning journey of living in the 21st Century and beyond. We are not there yet! If we are bold enough to do things differently, it is possible." Karen Tui Boyes

Spectrum Academy offers a student-centred approach to learning that includes project-based learning, executive function skills, learning to learn modules, study smart techniques and parent education. We focus on preparing students for an ever-changing world. This includes nurturing the students qualities of:

  • self-awareness
  • self-belief
  • self-care
  • self-confidence 
  • self-respect


Watch the latest Spectrum Academy Information Webinar hosted by Karen Tui Boyes 

Spectrum Academy Information webinar replay from 30 November 2023


Find out how we prepare

students for life!

Our Vision

Our Pillars 

To offer personalised flexible, future-focused education, to ignite learning, inspire growth and instil innovation.

 

Our aim is to prepare students for life by educating them to... 

  • be happy, healthy, fit and strong
  • be self-directed lifelong learners
  • be critical, creative thinkers and problem solvers
  • be respectful people who have excellent communication skills, attract respect and inspire others
  • have a career, job or business that they love
  • be financially safe, secure and free

We use the Habits of Mind as a foundation for teaching and learning... 

What is a Habit of Mind?

A Habit of Mind is knowing how to behave intelligently.

It is knowing what to do when you are unsure or unclear of the next steps or when you DON'T know the answer.

Future-focused learning is not just about gathering information, it is about knowing how to act on it, knowing what questions to ask and being able to thinking critically about content and origin. The Habits of Mind offer students the behaviours that shape effective inquiry and encourage independent learning.

The 16 Habits of Mind give learners of all ages and at all stages, a framework for autonomous, lifelong learning. They show us how to behave intelligently, independently and reflectively.

Every three weeks there will be a focus on one Habit of Mind with weekly lessons and information for students and parents. This will explain the behaviour, give examples and suggest activities and ways students and parents can practice and use this Habit in Learning in learning and at home.

At Spectrum Academy we base our curriculum, for all ages and levels, on ensuring the five Key Competencies are woven into the learning. These are:

  • Thinking: being able to think, problem pose, seek, create and use knowledge
  • Relating to others: being able to relate to a diverse range of people in a variety of contexts
  • Using language, symbols, and texts: having excellent oral and written language, (literacy skills) and have the maths (numeracy skills) to be prepared for life
  • Managing self: having the skills to be self directed, self-monitoring and self-managing
  • Participating and contributing: being actively involved in groups and communities at home, locally, nationally and globally

Our 8 learning areas cover:

  • Literacy/English
  • Numeracy/Mathematics
  • Health & Physical Education
  • Social Sciences
  • Learning Languages
  • Science
  • Technology
  • The Arts

The curriculum is delivered by our Learning Coaches (fully qualified NZ trained Teachers) alongside Parents as Learning Partners.


Your child (and family) will be paired with one of our experienced learning coaches who will work alongside you and your child to develop an education experience linking to their curiosities, unique talents and personal goals. A weekly 1-1 check-in and goal setting sessions will ensure your child is on track and enable your coach to personalise the learning. 


Class sizes will be limited to 10 students, with frequent opportunities to receive 1:1 support and small group 1:5 sessions. 


Your role is to encourage, support and work with your child and Learning Coach to help us develop the best educational, personalised outcomes for your child. 


Depending on the age and independence level of your child will depend on how much input you will give at home. 

For younger children this might be 3-5* hours a day, while secondary students may only require a 30min-1hour check-in each day with your child and Learning Coach. 


Entry to Team Blue's class today was a towel and googles as we learned about Diana Nyad an inspirational long distance swimmer.

Yes, please send me more information...