Junior Secondary Programme
Annual Plan Target
The Year 10 Junior Secondary programme at KingsWay is a dynamic and exciting programme that closely aligns with what research tells us about effective teaching at this age group. Year 10 serves as a bridge between Middle School and Senior School and assists students to successfully transition between emerging adolescence and adolescence.
Background
Year 10, or traditional Form 4, is known across the country in different circles as the 'nothing year' or holding pen before students begin the real work of NCEA. The issue that schools face is that Year 10 students are still emerging adolescents with associated unique needs but fast approaching adolescence, meaning that they have little in common with younger emerging adolescents. The consequence is that Year 10 is the year where many students disengage from learning. This phenomenon is not unique to New Zealand but globally documented in research. Consultation with stakeholders highlighted the need to address this challenge at KingsWay.
The Junior Secondary programme, while being distinctive, aims to incorporate the best of Middle and Senior School practice. Moreover, the leadership will include the best evidence research practices to ensure successful outcomes for all students. The Executive Leadership remain committed to high academic progress and achievement and are integrally involved in developing and monitoring this initiative. We have scheduled parent information evenings later this year following a time of consultation and development.
Progress
In the past several years, KingsWay staff and leadership researched and visited schools both locally and internationally that have success with their Year 10’s. The Executive Principal and other experts presented the Board with reports in 2019 outlining research and consultation findings, and a motion passed to initiate a separate Junior Secondary programme in 2022.
In 2020, renovations of the Old Primary area commenced. Stage 2 of the upgrades are due for completion in September this year. The Board recently appointed Vanessa Gatman as the inaugural Head of Junior Secondary. Vanessa is well known to the KingsWay community as a Middle School teacher and Across School Community of Learning Leader. She has extensive experience and qualifications and high expectations for students.
The initiative leaders, Lisa Lambert (Head of Middle School) and Graeme Budler (Executive Principal), appointed a Junior Secondary Task Force to develop the programme in 2021. This group meets regularly, is guided by best evidence practice, and aims to work alongside all stakeholders to design an exceptional Junior Secondary programme for 2021.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or queries or wish to be part of the parent steering group.
Status: Programme development.