Academic Support

ESOL Department

The ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) Department provides English language support for students from non-English speaking backgrounds. This support includes vocabulary development, along with listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. An emphasis is also placed on helping students adapt to the New Zealand style of education, and appropriate classroom behaviour. Students are tested prior to starting school, and their level of need is determined. These students may be placed into fulltime English language classes, or have ESL as one of their options.

As students make progress in the language, they spend less and less time in the department, until they are fully mainstreamed.

Enhanced Learning Programe

One Year 9 and one Year 10 class are chosen to follow an enhanced learning programme in their core subjects. Students are selected according to their high level of ability and commitment to achievement. The classes are exposed to a wider range of learning experiences. These students are given the option of sitting NCEA Level 1 Science in Year 10 with the aim of extending their range of subjects in the senior school.

Alternative Learning Programe

For students who need extra support and help with their learning there are individualised and small group programmes to facilitate student progress.

Musical Tuition

Musical Tuition is available at minimal cost in orchestral instruments and voice. In many cases instruments (eg. violin, flute) are available for hire at a minimum charge. Musical activity is given full encouragement; orchestra, bands, groups and choirs all rehearse and perform regularly.

Homework

There is a close link between the academic achievement necessary for a successful future and the amount of time put into homework. In general, 1½-2 hours should be put aside from Monday to Thursday inclusive, as well as a period of time in the weekend. A senior student’s commitment may be more demanding. Parents need to be aware that the place in which homework/study is done should encourage learning.

Homework Centres

We strongly encourage attendance at Homework Centres for the many students who benefit from this type of learning environment. The library is open after school for all students and a number of language support homework centres operate in the afternoon or evening. Information on times, venues and staff involved is available from the Administration Office.

Term Planners

These pocket sized cards are issued to all students. They contain the key dates and times for the term ahead and allow students to record the dates for key tasks and assessments.

Study & Examination Preparation

As part of our Achievement Initiative all students are taught study and examination skills. The Learning Extension Department, subject teachers and senior staff present a co-ordinated programme which covers goal setting, short and long-term time management, swotting skills and examination technique.

Learning Extension

The Learning Extension Department provides a range of support for students at MRGS. These include academic and practical support for students with mild to moderate special needs, including Special Assessment Support for students with diagnosed learning disorders.

This Department also provides in-class support through the use of highly skilled teacher aides working together with classroom teachers and administering a range of programmes to raise academic achievement for all MRGS students such as the Cross Age Peer Tutoring Programme, the School Wide Literacy Programme (Year 9), and the Study Skills Programme.

Information Technology

Mount Roskill Grammar School has a sound programme of computer-assisted learning. The School has ten computer rooms (both IBM PC and Apple Macintosh) for computing and general curriculum use, as well as pods of computers located in the Library and in the Music, Art and Media Studies departments. Internet access can be enabled on all School computers. Students and staff are required to sign a Computer & Internet Use Agreement before using the School’s computing resources.