Prospectus · 2018-12-06 · 8 QUEEN MARGARET COLLEGE | PROSPECTUS Curriculum We are an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School authorised to teach the Primary Years Programme

LIVE. LEARN. LEAD | QUEEN MARGARET COLLEGE 1

ProspectusQueen Margaret College

2 QUEEN MARGARET COLLEGE | PROSPECTUS


Kia Ora Welcome

Welcome to Queen Margaret College, Wellington’s leading independent girls’ school. We provide a world class education for girls from Year 1–13 and also have a co-educational Preschool and boarding facility onsite.

Our students are empowered to live, learn and lead in our holistic environment, which provides ample opportunities in leadership, sport and cultural activities. Although our school is built on the values of Presbyterianism we welcome girls from all religions and backgrounds.

We believe in the importance of girls’ education. Our College is small enough to ensure every girl is appreciated as an individual but sufficiently large enough to offer a full range of subjects, along with a range of sporting and cultural activities.

As a school, we constantly challenge ourselves to ask, what impact we are having on our learners, how we are going and where to next. Similarly to the futures of our students, the school’s possibilities are endless, and together we strive to develop the dispositions and skills necessary for us to remain leaders in the education of young women from New Zealand and around the world.

In 2018, we opened our dedicated boarding facility, Queen Margaret House, providing the only onsite accommodation for domestic and international young women wishing to study in Wellington. Our goal of being a school with an international reputation is truly enhanced by this magnificent addition to our school.

I look forward to meeting you and introducing you to life at Queen Margaret College.

Jayne-Ann YoungPrincipal


Learning at QMC 5–7

What Sets QMC Apart? 8–9 Preschool 10–13

Junior School 14–17

Middle School 18–21

Senior School 22–25

International Students 26

Boarding 27

Our Story 28–29

More About Us 30–31

Enroling at QMC 32–33

Contents


Learning at QMC

Our learning philosophy is driven by the best international research and practice. We know that quality learning is based around relationships, expectations and the flexibility to meet the needs of learners.

QMC is dedicated to understanding the impact we are having on our students both academically and pastorally. We act on that understanding and believe there is never an end to improvement. Through seeking feedback from staff and parents and capturing student voice we always seek to provide excellence.

Feedback should be all about how we can each improve from where we are. The big questions we ask are:

• How are we going?• Where are we going?• How are we going to get there?

Great feedback cycles requires us all to seek, receive, act on and give feedback appropriate to need.

Our inspired and passionate teachers make classrooms safe spaces to make mistakes, provide challenges, have high expectations and develop fantastic relationships. Our teachers are specialists in their respective areas and work hard to make sure every girl is motivated and engaged.


Curriculum

We are an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School authorised to teach the Primary Years Programme (PYP) in our Junior School, the Middle Years Programme (MYP) in the Middle School and the IB Diploma in the Senior School. Senior students are offered a dual qualification pathway of either the IB Diploma or NCEA. Queen Margaret Preschool implements the framework of Te Whāriki which is supported by the PYP.

21st Century Learning

At Queen Margaret College we use the latest education research and technology to ensure our students learn skills for their future and for learning to occur in the most effective way.

We have a Bring Your Own Laptop (BYOL) programme, where all students from Year 6 to 13 have a laptop. This allows our students to safely access resources, do their work in class and communicate with the QMC community. We are an international school so keeping in touch and keeping up is vital for our students.

Girls learn to write code, programme, create science lab simulations, create 2D and 3D outcomes for multimedia art

QMC Learners are at the heart of everything we do

Opportunities for all

Inspired and Passionate Teachers

Teachers who understa

nd the

impact they have on all le

arners

Quali

ty Teaching Learning is our focus

21 st CenturyLead self a

nd othe

rs

Students who apply learning

dispositions take risks and

share high expectations

Engage in skill competency

for their futures Leadership opportu

nities

are taken up at all levels

No barriers

Q M CLEARNERS

Language of Learning

Holistic care


and technology projects and use our 3D printers and laser cutter to design and create original pieces for their subjects.

Using a range of technologies is a strong feature in all classrooms in the Junior School as well. Ipads are provided by the school in our Year 1–5 classrooms and laptops in Year 4 and 5. Students engage in multiple uses of technology to enhance their thinking and master digital skills as needed.

“New Zealand’s education system is ranked top of the world in educating for the future,” London-based Economist Intelligence Unit.

Quality Teaching

At Queen Margaret College we value the importance of getting to know each student as an individual. Our teachers are specialists in their respective subject areas and are passionate about making sure every girl is inspired and engaged.

Our teachers recognise the value of physical and mental development of students and using individualised programmes where necessary. Our goal is to deepen the resilience of our community, encourage risk taking and have strategies to know what to do when you don’t know what to do.

Individualised programmes and small group activities are offered to students with learning difficulties and learning strengths.

Our Manager of Student Support Programmes is available to offer your daughter guidance with her learning in school and beyond when considering her future pathway and career. Students are kept informed about programmes and scholarships available to them and are given opportunities to pursue their interests in workshops in and outside of the school.

Community Service is actively encouraged and all girls are provided with opportunities to be involved with community events and charities through volunteer work. Service furthers girls’ understanding of how their in-class learning connects to the real world and builds their community spirit.

"The greatest difference for any student is the teacher and the learning, not the environment in which that learning occurs," Jayne-Ann Young, Principal.

Leadership

Queen Margaret College believes in growing future leaders and we foster this by providing a variety of leadership opportunities throughout the whole school.

These opportunities help to develop skills that can be used throughout your child’s school years and for life. Significant leadership roles are available to students in Year 13 as they can become part of the College Prefect team.

Potential Student Leadership roles include Class Leaders, Student Coaches, House Leaders, Sports Captains, Cultural Captains, Mentors, Prefects, Peer Tutors, Ambassadors and House Sisters. Our students are also provided with strong female role models within the school.


What sets QMC apart

Dual Pathway

We are the only girls’ school in the Lower North Island to offer students the dual qualification pathway of either the International Baccalaureate Diploma or New Zealand’s qualification, the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) in the Senior School.

IB World School

Queen Margaret College is an IB World School and the only girls’ school in New Zealand to offer the full IB programme made up of the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the IB Diploma (DP) Programme.

Holistic Learning

An education at Queen Margaret College is much more than what takes place in the classroom. Learning is a holistic experience and we encourage our students to make the most of all opportunities provided for them. All students participate in Education Outside the Classroom (EOTC) providing opportunities to build strength and resilience as an individual and work in teams to reach goals. Students are encouraged to participate in a range of sporting and performing arts opportunities. 85% of students participate in a sport and we have over

“Girls outperformed boys in collaborative problem solving across the OECD by 29 points, and in New Zealand this difference was particularly large (41 points),” PISA Collaborative Problem Solving Report. Boarding

QMC is proud to offer the only boarding facility for girls Year 9 to 13 in Wellington. Queen Margaret House opened its doors to our first girls in January. This brand new purpose-built boarding house is located onsite and has 40 single bedrooms, three lounges and a kitchen and dining room. Girls also have access to the college’s facilities, including our state-of-the-art gymnasium.

Student Wellbeing

The research is clear, wellbeing has a massive influence on student learning. When our young people feel safe and supported in their school environment they are more engaged and ready to learn.

14 different performing arts and cultural groups. Our learners are educated in a strong female-led environment with small class sizes and expert teachers in a wide range of subjects.

Academic Success

Qualification Pass Rate

IB Diploma 100%

Average IB Score 33.7 (out of 45)

Average World IB Score 30

NCEA Level 3 100 %

NCEA Level 2 100%

NCEA Level 1 98%

Placing in NZ for NCEA 6th

University Entrance 100%

Scholarships earned in 2017 $260,000

Girls only school

Our school allows young women to become leaders where they can speak up, take risks and gain confidence in a supportive friendly environment. We believe that at QMC your daughter can do anything she sets her mind to. While succeeding in academics is important, we want our leavers to know they can be whoever they want to be.

expert

dualpathway University Entrance

Year 13

groupsconnections wellbeing

focuslearning teachers

100%IB Diploma

girls only

NCEA Level 3

global

scholarshipssport

arts performing cultural

subjects

Preschool

qualifications

connections

wellbeingstrong women

learn

IB World SchoolboardingIB Diploma scholarships

high expectations teachers

IB


“Kindness is essential,” Laura Davison, Director of International Students. Our Pastoral Care programme is at the heart of Queen Margaret College and supports all students’ educational development. This includes caring for your daughter’s emotional, social, spiritual, physical and mental wellbeing. The school’s culture of compassion and care enables each girl to develop the skills to build lifelong friendships. This concept of care extends to the small classroom with

teachers who are respectful, warm, and effective communicators; creating a positive nurturing learning environment and fostering relationships that allow each girl to shine.

The Pastoral care framework is implemented by dedicated and experienced staff, including Form Teachers, Deans, the Chaplain, a Nurse and a Guidance Counsellor. We work in partnership with our families to provide care, advice or a helping hand.

“We know our learners," Jayne-Ann Young, Principal.

Global Connection

Queen Margaret College is very proud of its global connections and relationships with schools around the world.

We offer our students language based exchanges with our sister schools in six different countries. Providing a global perspective and the chance to learn about different cultures in a real-life context is essential for all of our futures. Our international students are welcomed into a school community that celebrates cultural diversity.

Yr 13Yr 1 to 6 Yr 7 to 10 Yr 11

IB Diploma

Yr 12

NCEA Level 2

MIDDLE YEARSPRIMARY YEARS SENIOR YEARS

PYP = PrimaryYears Programme MYP = Middle Years Programme

PYP NCEA Level 1

NCEA Level 3

IB Diploma

MYPNCEA Level 1

begins Year 10


Queen Margaret Preschool is committed to providing the highest quality early education for children aged 3 and 4 years old as they prepare for their transition to primary school and embark on their lifelong learning journey.

Our learning philosophy is shaped by the belief that young children are capable learners and are well positioned to acquire early literacy and numeracy skills and concepts in a stimulating environment. Here you can expect the very best start to education for your child in a well-structured and nuturing setting.

With a stunning, purpose-built facility that provides children easy indoor outdoor access, combined with a wide range of resources, we are able to provide learning experiences that are diverse, exciting and provoke children’s inquiry.

Our teachers are all fully qualified and engage with children individually and in small groups throughout the day ensuring their teaching strategies are focused on each child’s individual strengths and understanding.

I look forward to welcoming you to Queen Margaret Preschool.

Emily DomicanHead of Preschool

Preschool


Curriculum

The Preschool programme is implemented under the framework of two curricula, the national curriculum, Te Whāriki, and the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), which provides an excellent foundation for the start of school. The two curricula align well as they both focus on the holistic development of the child encompassing social, physical, emotional and cultural growth as well as cognitive.

The curriculum is delivered by qualified teachers who know how to extend and challenge students, drawing on their interests and recognising individual strengths and abilities.

Programme

Implementation of our daily programme is semi-structured and provides opportunity for children to investigate, explore and extend their strengths and interests.

“Teachers know the children well. They work alongside them engaging in their play, sustaining conversations

and extending their learning. Warm,

purposeful, affirming interactions

support social development. Positive

guidance is evident and cooperation

well modelled… A focus on literacy

and numeracy is strongly evident,”

ERO Report, 2018.

The daily timetable allows for play-based inquiry and teacher facilitated group times including regular art, gymnasium and library sessions with specialist staff.Teacher facilitated group times are a regular part of our daily timetable that support the development of skills and dispositions that will support a successful transition into primary school.

The Preschool is open Monday to Friday and offers the following hours:

• School Day: 7.30am - 2.45pm(7 hours per day)

• Extended Day: 7.30am - 5.30pm (10 hours per day)

We operate 48 weeks a year with a four-week close down period during the summer holidays. We offer 20 hours ECE subsidised fees for both school day and extended day enrolments.

Communication

Children's portfolios are available for parents online through Storypark. Portfolios provide parents with invaluable information about their child's learning and development and give parents a platform to provide feedback and share information about their child with our teachers. Children are able to access their portfolios any time throughout the day and are encouraged to upload their own stories, film clips and photos with the support of our teachers.

“Queen Margaret Preschool is an amazing start to your child’s journey in education. The staff are so dedicated and consistently go above and beyond always exceeding our expectations. You couldn’t ask for a better place to invest in your child’s future,” Current Parent.


Transitioning to School

The transition from Preschool to the QMC Junior School is seamless as the Junior School is located nearby creating a sense of familiarity and confidence.

In order to prepare your daughter to enter the Queen Margaret College Junior School, she will participate in weekly school visits in the new entrants classroom. These school visits give Preschool students the opportunity

to become familiar with the College’s Year 1 class. The visits provide a smooth transition from Preschool to Junior School ensuring that when your daughter starts, she already has an excellent relationship with her teacher and classmates.

For girls and boys not continuing on at Queen Margaret College, our Preschool staff will liaise closely with their next school.

We meet with our families to talk about

their child starting school. The QMC Year 1 teacher also visits

the Preschool regularly to get to know the

children.

1.

Preschool students start their visits to the

Year 1 Class to meet their prospective

classmates and form friendships.

2.Parents attend transitioning to

the Junior School information evenings

to find out more about the QMC Junior School. Meet with Enrolments

Director.

3.

Child starts at QMC Junior School, continuing their

learning in the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP)

that started in the Preschool.

4.

“Our Preschool is committed to providing the highest quality education as your child prepares for the transition to primary school and they embark on their lifelong learning journey,” Emily Domican, Head of Preschool .

Preparing for School

QMC holds information sessions throughout the year for parents wishing to find out more about their child’s transition to primary school.


Stepping into the Queen Margaret College Junior School marks the beginning of an exciting journey. Our Junior School provides a joyful and nurturing environment where a strong sense of community exists amongst students, teachers and families. Our students are easily motivated and engaged, and our programmes offer learning opportunities that encourage the development of critical thinking skills.

We aim to foster independence, resilience and confidence in our students. Our programmes of learning, along with opportunities for the creative arts, second language learning from Year 2, education outside the classroom and our wellbeing programme all contribute to this goal.

Strong links with the wider College are developed through our school-wide house system providing sporting, cultural and service opportunities. This creates a vibrant spirit across the entire school as well as nurturing support and friendship between students of all ages.

Teachers take an active interest in individuals and families and we welcome parent involvement in our classrooms. Working alongside parents for the best outcomes for their daughters is paramount to the Head of Junior School and all teachers.

Kathleen McDonnellHead of Junior School

Junior School


Learning in the Junior School

Children are natural inquirers therefore guided inquiry learning, fostering of curiosity and development of critical thinking and collaborative skills through the Primary Years Programme (PYP) form the basis of all classroom programmes in the Junior School.

Year 1–2

We believe a child’s early years at school are a time to develop interests and their own learning theories. Our teachers observe and develop each child by planning uninterrupted play time, building strong relationships with students and their families, creating and maintaining responsive and interactive learning spaces and offering many opportunities for exploration and expression. Teaching of numeracy and literacy skills is a key feature of this programme to build a strong foundation in Year 3–5.

Year 6

In addition to exploring the six themes identified in Year 3–5 and refining their literacy and numeracy skills, students in Year 6 have the opportunity to choose an issue to explore through a teacherguided inquiry process. This leads to the Year 6 Exhibition which celebrates the skills and learning dispositions students developed over their time in the Junior School. It also acknowledges our learning community for the ongoing collaborative role they play in the lives of students.

Specialist Classes

We have a number of specialist teachers that enhance learning for our Junior students. All Junior School students take part in a specialist music class once a week. This builds confidence with instruments and allows girls to experiment with creating sound.

Year 2–6 students participate in two sessions of French each week. The Accelerative Integrated Methodology (AIM) is used to deliver the programme. This means the classes are in French only, children learn through stories, plays and music and only learn grammar on a needs basis.

We also have a specialist Visual Arts teacher who runs art programmes with each class. Having a specialised art programme allows students to fully immerse themselves in the creative process and refine their technical skills.

A specialist RE teacher visits Junior School classrooms once a week. This programme explores the development of key values and contributes to our wellbeing education.

Year 3–5

In these years, the emphasis is on developing independence in learning by providing broad opportunities to build our students’ abilities across many areas of academic, sporting and cultural endeavours and fostering confidence by learning to express and justify ideas.

There is a strong focus on exploring six themes including the Arts, English, Mathematics, Science, Technology and Humanities. We continue to build on numeracy and literacy skills set down in the early years.


Beyond the Classroom

Students participate in a range of activities outside the classroom including trips to Te Papa, Zealandia, City Gallery, the National Library and the Museum of City and Sea. Year 6 students attend a camp annually and participate in exchanges with other schools to build resilience and confidence. Students can also join a number of clubs including Art, Gardening, Chinese and Robotics.

Sports

All Junior School students take part in physical education as part of the curriculum and we encourage our students to take part in a physical activity or sport.

The following options are available to our Junior School students; Athletics, Badminton, Cross Country, Flippaball,

Floorball, Futsal, Hockey, Miniball, Netball, Touch Rugby and Underwater Hockey. The girls also take part in Swimming Sports and Year 1–8 Athletics Day.

Performing Arts

In addition to the weekly Specialist Music classes from Year 1–6, Year 6 students can choose between the Band and String Programme. Violin, viola and cello are taught to the String Group. In the Band Programme, students can choose from flute, clarinet, saxophone, trombone, trumpet, bassoon, oboe or percussion.

Dance and drama are incorporated into units of work throughout the year. In alternate years, all Junior School students have the opportunity to participate in a musical or drama production to build confidence, relationships and collaborative skills.

Student Wellbeing and Support

Taking time to have warm, caring and positive relationships in an environment built on respect and empathy is integral to our Junior School teachers and classrooms.

We aim to build self-confidence, resilience and independence and to nurture a strong sense of self, along with an acute awareness of others. Tolerance, honesty, cooperation, manaakitanga (respect and care for others) and kotahitanga (unity) are actively promoted, encouraged and celebrated.

Students who require support to learn literacy and numeracy skills can work with our specialist teachers who work part-time in the Junior School as required. Those who require extension beyond the classroom take part in our Gifted and Talented Programme (GATE). Our GATE coordinator designs engaging and challenging activities over the course of the school year.

Leadership

Students are encouraged to show leadership by taking responsibility for thoughts, actions and behaviour. Class leaders are elected from Year 3–6 and change each term to allow for maximum opportunities for leadership. House Leader Representatives are elected in Year 6 and these students take an active role in leading house activities in the Junior School and work alongside Middle School Leaders and Senior House Prefects.

Community Service

Junior School students are encouraged to take action as a result of learning. This action takes many forms but is often a response to a community need and focuses on raising awareness and funds. For several years, the Junior School has supported the Mary Potter Hospice through the Strawberry Festival and a sponsored sports event. Encouraging compassion, responsiveness and responsibility for self, others and the environment are all features of community service in the Junior School.

PYP Model


The Middle School ensures every girl is fully equipped to learn the skills needed to succeed in the Senior School and beyond.

Our Middle School specialises in the academic, pastoral, wellbeing and social needs of girls from Year 7–10. During these pivotal years, students learn in an environment where they can explore and pursue their unique talents in order to reach their potential. In Year 7 and Year 9 girls work alongside older students in Year 12 and 13, allowing them to gain confidence in themselves and interact with older role models in the College.

Our creative and innovative teaching programmes, integrated with technology, are designed to foster passion, confidence, problem solving and curiosity in all students.

Since 2016, Queen Margaret College has been fully authorised to teach the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme which all students follow alongside the New Zealand Curriculum.

We work in partnership with families to ensure students are nurtured and become passionate learners, resilient women and future leaders.

Rena Day Head of Middle School

Middle School


Learning in the Middle School

The Middle Years Programme (MYP) emphasises learning, community service, attitude development and preparation for participation in an increasingly global society. Building on the skills and knowledge developed through the Primary Years Programme in the Junior School, the programme is ideal preparation for the dual qualification pathway offered in the Senior School of either the IB Diploma or NCEA. Students can choose to take different elected subjects, depending on their interests and future goals. We encourage them to think about their education as a whole and transfer their knowledge of one subject to another.

We develop learners who have a growth mindset, empowering them to develop their talents through hard

work, good strategies, and effective feedback. Students learn how to learn using communication, research, self-management, collaboration and critical thinking. Developing these skills helps students meet deadlines, concentrate, bounce back, persist and think positively. In our rapidly changing world, these are fundamental skills for students to prepare for increasingly complex life and work environments.


Education Outside the Classroom (EOTC) enriches the curriculum and is an essential part of students’ learning and personal development.

At the beginning of each year, Middle School students experience challenging outdoor activities as part of EOTC Week. Year 7 and 9 go on a camp

outside the city and Year 8 and 10 explore Wellington. Students regularly have the opportunity to participate in sporting and musical exchanges and Year 9 and 10 students can go on international exchanges with Queen Margaret College’s sister schools. In the past, students have visited Australia, Singapore and Tahiti.

We offer a range of trips, workshops and clubs to encourage our students’ curiosity and deepen their thinking. Popular areas of interest include robotics, creative writing, problem-solving, film-making and astronomy.

Sports

Students in the Middle School are encouraged to participate in a sport they enjoy at a competitive level or just for fun. We offer a number of


sports including Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Cross Country, Flippaball, Floorball, Futsal, Hockey, Netball, Skiing, Squash, Tennis, Touch 7s Rugby, Underwater Hockey and Waterpolo. From Year 9 students can also choose Cricket, Equestrian, Football, Golf, Handball, Rowing, Shooting, Touch Rugby and Volleyball. Students can also choose to coach from Year 9.

Middle School students take part in Athletics Days, Swimming Sports and have high level performance training opportunities available to them.

Performing Arts

In the Middle School, Performing Arts options include Music, Speech and Drama, Dance, choirs, Poly Club and productions.

Music and Drama are taught as part of the curriculum where students participate in musicals and performances. Students can choose to join the orchestra, the Banditas band or the Stringendos String Group in Year 7 and 8. The Honours Band can be joined from Year 7–10.

A number of choirs are available including the Celesta Choir in Year 7-8 and the Sweet Margaritas and the QMC Chorale in Year 9–10.

We have specialist itinerant teachers who take private lessons in a variety of lessons including musical instruments, speech and drama.


Year 7–10 is a time of immense change as a girl grows from child to teenager.

MYP Model We value the importance of getting to know each student as an individual. Mentoring programmes are implemented for all new students particularly at Year 7 and Year 9 allowing them to gain confidence and interact with older role models in the College. These programmes familiarise younger students with school facilities and help our new girls and their parents to quickly feel at ease.

Individualised programmes and small group activities are offered to students with learning strengths and difficulties. Our students can choose to compete in a variety of extension opportunities as well. Students who are exceptionally gifted and talented work with the Manager of Student Support Programmes to devise an individual action plan. Students with learning difficulties receive additional support depending on their needs. We are flexible and cater to the time and resources the student requires.

Leadership

The Student Ambassador Programme is a leadership opportunity for Middle School students. Student Ambassadors represent the school at Open Days, guide families around the school and are role models for other students in the Middle School. Year 8 and Year 10 students also get the opportunity to be House Leaders and liaise with other leaders in the Junior and Senior Schools.

Community Service

Service as an outcome of curricular studies furthers students’ understanding of how their learning connects to the real world. Students complete a self-driven Community Project in Year 10 where they address a need in an area that interests them. This allows further connection between learning and the real world, with students expressing a real sense of purpose and satisfaction at the project’s completion.


Senior School

The Senior School strives to foster and develop independence in every student, encouraging them to step outside their comfort zones in all areas of their lives. As a school with a dual qualification pathway, we understand the value of choice and our IB Diploma and NCEA results at Levels 1, 2, and 3 are consistently the envy of many.

The three core elements of the IB Diploma Programme encourages our girls to think about the nature of knowledge, involves students in a range of enjoyable and significant experiences, and enables them to investigate a topic of special interest they choose themselves.

The flexibility of NCEA allows us to create a learning programme responsive to the needs of each student. At the same time, our focus continues to be on providing a sound foundation in the skills that are essential for further study in a discipline with the mindset to meet the future with optimism and flexibility.

Learning is not just reserved for the classroom. Opportunities to show leadership, give service and participate in sport and cultural activities are taken up by all Senior School girls with the same enthusiasm. It is the weaving together of talents, and eagerness for learning, which help students develop the skills needed for the next step in school or tertiary studies.

Jacqui Brown Head of Senior School


Learning in the Senior School

Our students can choose from two education pathways of either NCEA or the IB Diploma Programme (DP) depending on their strengths and goals.

NCEA is our national qualification for senior secondary students. NCEA challenges students of all abilities in all learning areas and is the foundation course for the dual qualification pathway in Year 11. Those continuing with NCEA in Year 12 choose 5 subjects to study alongside English. In Year 13, NCEA students study 5 or 6 subjects.

The DP is a two-year programme in Year 12 and 13 and is a balanced yet challenging qualification that promotes international understanding. Students choose 6 subjects from 6 different subject areas and the DP core subjects; Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Creativity Activity Service (CAS) and the Extended Essay (EE). Out of their chosen subjects, three are chosen to be studied at a higher level with the remaining three subjects studied at standard level.

In Year 13, students sitting either Level 3 NCEA or the IB Diploma have the opportunity to sit the New Zealand Scholarship examinations. Our students regularly receive a significant number of scholarships totalling hundreds of thousands of dollars through New Zealand Scholarship and tertiary institutions.


Our EOTC trips and activities offer an opportunity to extend and enhance learning outside of the classroom. Each year level takes part in a different multi-day experience; Year 11 students hike the Abel Tasman, Year 12 participate in the Wairarapa Experience and Year 13 attend a Leadership Camp.

Queen Margaret College encourages international experiences which foster language development and global citizenship. Throughout the year students are offered opportunities to travel abroad or host billets. We offer international experiences with our sister schools in Chile, Japan, USA and Australia. We also offer language trips to France and China and a service trip.

SportsAll students are encouraged to take part in a sport. Sports on offer in the Senior School include Athletics, Basketball, Badminton, Cross Country, Dragon Boating, Equestrian, Floorball, Football, Futsal, Golf, Handball, Hockey, Netball, Rowing, Skiing, Tennis, Touch Rugby, Underwater Hockey, Volleyball and Water Polo. Students also have the opportunity to take on coaching roles and take part in Athletics Day and Swimming Sports.

High performance training is also available through our Sports Department for students demonstrating a talent for certain sports.

Performing Arts

We offer a superb Performing Arts Programme for our Senior School students. Students can choose to study Music and Drama as part of NCEA or the IB Diploma.

Other Music opportunities include the Sweet Margaritas Barbershop Chorus, Queen Margaret Chorale, Queen Margaret Orchestra, Poly Club and Dance.


Drama and voice opportunities include Debating, a Major Musical Production held every two years and the Sheilah Winn Shakespeare Competition.

We also have specialist itinerant teachers who take private lessons in a variety of lessons including musical instruments and speech and drama.

All girls take part in our House Performing Arts Day, run by our Senior Music and Drama Prefects.


We want our students to have the best opportunities while at school and after leaving. Liaison personnel from different tertiary education providers visit the College throughout the year so Senior School students can hear about their options. We also have a Student Support

Programmes Manager who offers support and guidance to Senior School students deciding on their futures.

Student wellbeing is an integral part of pastoral care in the Senior School overseen by Form teachers, Deans and Head of Senior School. Focus on leadership of self and the wider school community is incorporated into school programmes. Speakers throughout the year address mindfulness and managing stress.

Additional assistance is provided for selected students to ensure success in their studies and that each student meets their goals.

Extra extension activities in the Senior School are geared to develop critical thinking skills and creativity. Activities include debating, public

speaking competitions, essay writing competitions, creative writing competitions and peer tutoring (whereby students tutor other students at a lower level).

Leadership

Year 13 students model leadership through their involvement as Peer Tutors, acting as mentors to Year 7 students, and in their roles as Class or School Prefects. Queen Margaret College has a Head and Deputy Head Prefect, House Prefects, Year Level Prefects and Prefects for Sport and Performing Arts. We support Prefects by assigning them a staff mentor and encourage all students to show leadership in their daily actions and interactions.

Senior School students have a pastoral breakout session each term focused on leadership and wellbeing with outside speakers or activities. Our programme encourages students to take on increasingly challenging leadership roles, suitable for their age and leadership development. Year 11 students attend a workshop day, Year 12 develop leadership working with Year 9 students in the House Sisters programme, and Year 13 students look forward to their time with Year 7s in the Minties and Mentors Programme.

Community Service

Community Service is actively encouraged in the Senior School. As well as participation in activities to raise funds and awareness for charities in New Zealand and globally, we offer service trips for Senior students wishing to make a difference to a community overseas. As part of our focus on community service, Year 11 support 'Foster for Hope' by organising a practical pyjama drive, Year 12 students regularly collect for various charities around Wellington and Year 13 students organise the school to be involved with various fundraising activities, including Relay for Life, Valentine’s Day for Heart Kids and the World Vision 40 Hour Famine.

IBD Model


Our international students are welcomed into a school community that has a reputation for academic success and values cultural diversity within the school.

We provide a world class education for girls in a safe and supportive environment meaning our international students can reach their potential academically.

Our international students have a 100% pass rate in both NCEA Level 3 and the IB Diploma and are accepted into universities worldwide including Edinburgh, Melbourne, New York, Auckland and Korea.

International students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities including sports and performing arts

groups. Girls develop leadership skills and confidence through taking part in our Education Outside the Classroom and community service programmes.

The International team at Queen Margaret College is committed to providing quality pastoral care for our students and helping them adjust to their new environment.

We know it can be hard being so far from home so our Director of International Students and our Boarding House Manager are here to make sure our international students are well supported as they settle into life in New Zealand.

Our International girls also have access to Form Teachers, Deans, the School Nurse, the Guidance Counsellor and the

International Prefect. Our International Prefect organises events and activities to help international students embrace and teach others about their culture. We also have a number of staff who are native speakers in other languages including Chinese, French, Japanese and Spanish.

All International students who study at Queen Margaret College must be living with a parent or board at Queen Margaret House, our brand new purpose-built boarding facility.

“I came to New Zealand for more choice and opportunity,” Amber Jiang, International Student.

International Students


Boarding gives girls confidence and independence. It helps with self-sufficiency and self-motivation. By boarding at Queen Margaret House, we believe your daughter will form lifelong friendships and succeed academically.

Our brand new 40 room boarding facility, Queen Margaret House, is for Year 9–13 students. Queen Margaret College is the only girls’ school in Wellington to offer 5 or 7 day accommodation options during term time to domestic and international students.

Queen Margaret House offers its students a nurturing and supportive home environment. Boarders receive nutritious meals, excellent living conditions and support for learning. A family atmosphere is fostered and we encourage regular contact with family members.

Our girls are encouraged to contribute, participate and support each other, this helps them to foster new friendships and value each other as individuals. Every evening, time is put aside for academic studies which is seen as an important part of each day. Girls are also encouraged to take part in a variety of recreational activities, within the boarding house and at school.

Our Boarding House Manager is in charge of the pastoral care of all our boarders. The Boarding House Manager is supported by additional supervisors and catering staff who work together as a team to make sure the girls feel safe, welcomed and valued.

The boarding house has single bedrooms, three lounges, kitchen and dining facilities and a Japanese

bath. Students also have access to the College Gymnasium, Fitness Centre and Performing Arts suite.

As Queen Margaret House is just a short walk away from the middle of Wellington, your daughter will be able to experience community events, movies, shows and activities while exploring the capital city.

“I like living here because it’s so comfortable and welcoming. Everyone is really nice and supportive of each other,” Sachie Kuwano, Year 12 QMH Boarder.

Boarding



Queen Margaret College first opened its doors as an independent Presbyterian girls’ school on 19 February 1919 with 53 pupils. Our Scottish Presbyterian founders, The Hon. John Aitken and The Very Rev. Dr James Gibb, had a resolute belief in girls’ education. The College’s original purpose, as stated in its first prospectus, was ‘to provide for girls a sound intellectual and moral education and to build up strong Christian character on a broad religious basis and thus to produce the best type of girlhood and womanhood’.

Since its founding our school has been strengthened by the 13 strong women principals of the College. Today our students stand on the shoulders of these past principals and our Old Girls, who have gone on to be leaders in sciences, arts and sports.

Queen Margaret College empowers our girls to be leaders, whatever their field. At Queen Margaret College your daughter will have the greatest start to life as she develops into a strong, resilient young woman.

The College will be celebrating 100 years of providing excellent education for young women in 2019. As we look forward to the future the College continues to build on our fine traditions of academic success and our students continue to forge their own paths and create their own history.

Our Story


Facilities

We offer world class facilities to our students to ensure they learn and succeed in the best environment. Facilities include the Library, specialist science labs, technology rooms, housing a 3D Printer and Laser cutter, a state-of-the-art gym, fitness centre, a large number of classrooms dedicated to learning languages, outside tennis and netball courts, a music hub, state-of-the-art performance space, itinerant music rooms and a photography studio.

Our purpose built Preschool and boarding facility, Queen Margaret House, are also located onsite.

House System

There are five houses students belong to: Berwick, Braemar, Glamis, Lochleven and Stirling. Each house has its own colours, badge and motto.

Belonging to a house provides students with the opportunity to make friends and take part in sport and cultural activities as part of a team which builds a sense of community and a place to enjoy friendly competition.

Location

Queen Margaret College is in Thorndon and the heart of Wellington, providing ready access to all that a cosmopolitan capital city has to offer. We are situated close to embassies, high commissions and the New Zealand Parliament.

Open Days

We hold a number of Open Days throughout the year to give people the opportunity to get a good feel for the College. Visitors are invited to chat with our staff, take a guided tour with our Student Ambassadors and hear from our Principal, Jayne-Ann Young, about Queen Margaret College.

Our Community

When a student enrols at Queen Margaret College, we welcome them and their families to our community.

Queen Margaret College Parents’Association (QMCPA)

The QMCPA plays a key role in organising and supporting social events for parents and students and helps fundraise for specific projects. Attending QMCPA events is a great way to meet other parents and members of the school community.

Old Girls Association (OGA)

The Old Girls’ Association's aim is to connect with Old Girls' as well as current pupils at QMC. They support a number of events including the Leavers' Dinner and Mentors Breakfast. Scholarships are provided for Spirit of Adventure and boarding at QMH. They also host Back to School Drinks for Old Girls' and the annual Old Girls' Weekend.

The Foundation Trust

The Foundation is a charitable trust established in 2005 to raise funds for

the ongoing development of College facilities and resources. The Foundation seeks to promote, preserve and enrich the special character of Queen Margaret College.

Transport

The College is located a short 10 minute walk from the Wellington Railway Station and Bus Hub. From the Railway station girls can catch a train on the Johnsonville, Hutt Valley, Waikanae and Wairarapa Lines. Buses are available to all suburbs in Wellington City, the Hutt Valley and Northern Wellington. Train passes and Snapper Bus Cards are available through the school.

Uniform

Uniform is compulsory at Queen Margaret College from Preschool through to Year 13. Our blue, white and gold uniform represents a long-standing tradition at Queen Margaret College and creates a sense of belonging. Students are expected to maintain a high standard of dress and grooming during school hours, travelling to and from school and when representing the College at functions.

Visit Us

You are welcome to visit us at any time that suits you. We encourage our prospective families to book a tour, meet with the Principal or even spend a day with us to ensure you make the best decision for your child.

More about us



Enroling at QMC

Complete an application

If you would like your child to join QMC, apply online at www.qmc.school.nz. When you apply, you will need to attach copies of your child’s birth certificate if born in New Zealand, passport if born overseas, immunisation certificate, latest school report plus any standardised test scores.

Meet with us

After we receive your application and registration fee, our Enrolment’s Director will contact you to arrange an interview time that suits you to come into the College.

On acceptance

We will send you an offer letter and once the enrolment fee is received we will be able to confirm your child’s place at the College.

Do you want to know more about QMC? Would you like to book a tour or attend an Open Day? Get in touch with our

Enrolments Director: [email protected] or visit www.qmc.school.nz.


53 Hobson Street, Thorndon, Wellington, New Zealand 6011

+ 64 4 473 7160www.qmc.school.nz

Documents

Prospectus · 2018-12-06 · 8 QUEEN MARGARET COLLEGE | PROSPECTUS Curriculum We are an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School authorised to teach the Primary Years Programme