From the Executive Principal

Among the media of the week, I wonder if the reports of NZ Primary and Intermediate Principals maligning the government for falling standards in Maths and Science drew your attention. I sympathise with my state sector colleagues, for the mandated national curriculum and crowded ‘modern learning’ environments make it very difficult for them to address the obvious challenges of their students in realising their potential.

On the other hand, as an independent school, St Margaret’s College is able to tailor our curriculum to meet the needs of our girls, and our class sizes and additional teacher resources allow us to offer an appropriate and challenging programme for each girl, stretching them to achieve their potential.

We recognised the limitations of the national maths curriculum two years ago and have developed a programme that better prepares our girls for success. The success of our programmes in the Junior and Middle Schools is demonstrated this year by our ‘homegrown’ Year 9s making up the majority of the top math classes and, on average, our Junior girls working at a higher Maths curriculum level to their national peers.

Our Science faculty works closely with the Junior School teachers to provide a developmental programme across the school, including units that introduce the girls to Science labs and, unlike many state Intermediate schools, our Middle School boasts specialist Maths and Science teachers, and facilities.

The SMC programme means our girls enter their senior years with a strong platform of skills and knowledge in these important subject areas. That confidence continues, as demonstrated by the high numbers of girls choosing to study Maths and more than one Science in their senior years.

This is a good news story that may never make The Press but is worthy of sharing and celebrating what we do best which is empowering our girls to learn, live and lead.