15 August
It’s that time of year when many parents are considering which intermediate school is the right one for their child.
There’ll be a multitude of questions that families are looking for answers to. Which school will best meet the child’s academic needs? Does the sports programme suit him/her? Where are his/her friends going? Which gives him/her the most opportunity to try different subjects? How will the school prepare him/her for high school? Where will he/she be happiest?
For every family, the priorities will be different. But common to all families is the desire to choose the school that will bring out the best in their child.
At Hereworth we specialise in boys education and pride ourselves on taking a very tailored approach to each of our students to unleash their full potential. We believe we offer the best schooling for boys in their intermediate years for the following reasons:
Small classes
Most importantly we focus on the individual and helping each boy reach his potential. With classes capped at 22, our teachers can give more time and attention to each student, monitoring his progress and offering extension or support when needed.
We are a small school with an annual roll of around 200 boys. This means we are small enough for each boy to be noticed, for his talents to be seen, and for every teacher to get to know him. Boys thrive in this environment where their achievements are seen, and their successes celebrated.
Boys only
We believe that boys learn better in a single sex environment and, in a world so focused on growing up before their time, boys are allowed to be boys at Hereworth. They climb trees, play bull rush and (surprisingly often) get covered in mud! They’re kept active throughout the day and after school sport is compulsory because we know that being active helps boys learn.
Being in a boys-only environment takes away all of the social pressures that are prevalent at this age when boys’ hormones start to influence their behaviour. In a single sex environment, they are free to be boys and navigate their way through puberty in a safe and nurturing environment.
Attitude
One thing that is consistently noticed by high schools and parents of our year 8 leavers is the attitude of Hereworth boys, and it is often the intangible things that make the most impact. We teach boys manners, respect and a commitment to learning. This pays dividends when it comes to preparation for high school. Having a positive attitude and a willingness to commit to school is vital for their longer-term achievement.
Boys leave Hereworth fully prepared for life at high school and beyond. They are used to following a timetable, moving between classrooms and seeing different teachers for different subjects. They know how to organise themselves and manage their time to complete classwork and homework on time.
Variety
Hereworth focuses on the whole boy – the academic, the sportsman, the friend, the performer, the individual. Boys at Hereworth give everything a go, and they do so with enthusiasm because they’re doing it alongside their mates with the support and encouragement of their teachers.
Boys discover their strengths through our unique curriculum. In addition to literacy and maths, he’ll discover science, music, languages, drama, food technology, art, computer science and robotics, soft and hard materials at Hereworth. Our specialist teaching team ensures that passions are fuelled by people who know and love their craft.
Participation
Hereworth offers a leading performing arts programme. Nearly a third of 7 and 8 boys join our award winning choir, and they all take to the stage for the biennial musical theatre production. Boys strive to excel in this area as much as they do in the classroom and on the sports field.
All boys join one of our school teams that play in the local weekend club competition. Sport is an integral part of school life that promotes team work and leadership. Boys get the opportunity to compete in the long-standing prep fixtures against other independent schools around New Zealand; an experience unique to Hereworth.
Teaching Staff
We have an incredibly high calibre of teachers who are all passionate about teaching and nurturing our students to love learning. Our high ratio of male teachers is well above the national average and as role models, this is beneficial for many boys.
Our teachers also coach our sports teams, giving them the chance to see boys in a different environment. With former professional sportspeople on our staff, the boys also get top level coaching to prepare them for weekend and prep fixtures.
So why choose Hereworth?
As a school, we work with each student to progress him towards his goals. We recognise academic achievement as much as we do personal, sporting and cultural successes. We will set him on the path to success at high school with a grounding in sound moral and Christian values. Above all, we support your son in achieving his potential, giving him the very best all round educational foundation he needs.
Kate Field
Deputy Head & Intermediate School Leader
