Our School
‘Learners of Today, Prepared for Tomorrow’ABS aims for our students to be literate and numerate life long learners. They are thinkers and self managers who have a positive attitude to learning, with the knowledge and skills to be able to effectively communicate as global citizens. |
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Thinkers are curious and take risks in their learning. They seek, use and create knowledge by asking questions, being creative, critical and metacognitive. They use a range of thinking tools to organise their thought processes to reflect on, and solve problems.
Self managers are enterprising, resourceful, reliable and resilient. They know when to lead, when to follow and when and how to act independently.
Students with a positive attitude to learning are highly focused and able to set and work towards achieving goals to the best of their ability. They use a variety of methods including; goal setting, purposefulness, competitiveness and perseverance.
Effective communicators are students who are able to give and receive information efficiently; orally, visually and in written form. They can competently use a variety of technologies and genre in each of the learning areas.
Global citizens respect themselves, others and the environment. They value diversity and understand the importance of their place in our world and that they can make a difference.
Core Beliefs
1. A positive learning environment will exist, enabling children to develop a love of learning and to achieve their highest level of competence.
2. Literacy and numeracy are the foundation of learning.
3. The school will provide appropriate resources including staff to deliver high quality programmes.
4. Quality will be enhanced through innovation and best practice.
5. The school will build effective partnerships with our community.
6. Children with identified needs and abilities will be provided with effective strategies for learning.
7. Diversity and individuality will be recognised and valued.
8. The school is committed to promoting a safe, healthy and sustainable environment.
9. The school will promote values that equip children to become responsible citizens.
10. The school will communicate achievement on the basis of valid information
The Culture and Values of Our School
Ashburton Borough School was opened in 1872 and was the only Ashburton School for some years. In the intervening years the school has served its community well; enjoying the loyalty and support of its families, some over several generations. The school enjoys a mix of both urban and rural children which has contributed significantly to the atmosphere of Borough. ABS continues to grow and prosper, being at the forefront of education among Ashburton Schools. It strives to maintain the tradition of the past whilst promoting the needs of the future.
ANZAC Service
We hold an ANZAC day service every year at Borough School, to remember the courage and sacrifice of all the members of the armed forces who served in the two World Wars and other conflicts around the world, especially those from our community and from Borough School. Principal Mr Winterbourn, community |
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representatives, teachers, students and War Memorial
parents take part in the service
Roll
The school has a roll of approximately 400 students and is a co-educational full primary school. The school has a maximum roll of 430 including Lagmhor students. Borough School has negotiated with the Ministry of Education to have no zoning allowing the school to draw off its original catchment - the county / borough of Ashburton.
High Expectations in all Areas
Ashburton Borough School has high expectations for academic achievement. It recognises the importance of a balance between academic, culture and sporting dimensions of school life. It is the mission of the school to ensure that all students are provided an education which enhances their learning, builds on their needs and respects their dignity, this education shall challenge them to achieve personal standards of excellence and to fulfill their potential.
Learning Support Centre
Amongst the pupils in the school are some who have been main-streamed on a full-time or part-time basis. These children have an allocation of teacher-aide time to help them work alongside their peers in a regular classroom setting. Other needs children are supported by in-house programmes funded by the school.
Mrs Galloway provides extension and enrichment programmes to extend capable students. Junior classes undertake the movement and coordination programme PMP lead by Mrs McGregor, enrichment groups cater for capable mathematicians, year 5/6 children are given the opportunity to undertake the LEARNZ programme and Science Challenge and Primary research is offered to middle and senior children. All year 4 - 8 students are involved in an enrichment programme one afternoon a fortnight where they have the opportunity to choose an Arts, Social science, Technology or ICT enrichment course of personal interest for the year.
Click here to go to Extra Learning Centre Wiki for more information
Environmental EducationThere is a strong commitment among the school community to learn about, develop and implement sustainable environmental practices within Borough school and among our families. The school has worked consistently for the past eight years, under the leadership of teacher John Hooper, towards achieving the top Green-Gold Environmental award. Please see |
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our environmental education pages for more Native Bird Garden
detail of enviro practices and enviro action projects
Community Involvement
The school has a very supportive school community who hold a number of fundraising activities each year. Parent involvement in school matters is at a high level and is actively encouraged and expected.
The Ashburton Borough School Board of Trustees is a skilled governing body that has a wide range of expertise and contribute in a positive manner to all facets of school life. An emphasis has been put on achieving a wide range of policy statements that give direction and guidelines for most situations. There is an underlying concern for staff and pupil welfare. The school enjoys a very harmonious relationship with its Board of Trustees.
Specific Goals and Objectives of the School NZ Curriculum Goals & Objectives
GOAL: To enhance children’s learning
Objectives:
At all times accept the obligation to meet New Zealand Curriculum objectives as set out by the Ministry of Education.
At all times accept the obligation to prepare every learner to make the transition to full membership of New Zealand Society.
Specify local curriculum goals and objectives that take into account the needs and interests of the students, the special skills and qualifications of the staff and the aspirations and resources of the local community.
Every year approve a policy statement that details how the school will deliver the curriculum. This policy will include time allocation, resources, staff preparation and options and progressions available to students.
Every year ensure that the curriculum is implemented through learning and teaching programmes developed by the staff. These programmes will be read as part of the charter but are not part of the approval process. They will include specific learning objectives and outcomes realistically stated in terms of a range of achievements.
