In 2000, Gisborne Boys’ High School took on a leading educational role by introducing the Junior Graduation Programme to the Gisborne area. We saw this as a very positive development for assessment, as the programme is designed to prepare students for the rigours of NCEA and other national qualifications. This programme encourages students to improve their skills in order to achieve. The graduation programme focuses on the little things that all students need to do in order to be able to succeed academically.
The focus of the Junior High School Graduation Programme is to promote and foster:
• Self managment
• Atitude and Behaviour
• Completing Classwork
Students are taught and regularly assessed at their own level. They are constantly monitored and parents receive reports each term. Boys must prove that they have a desire to learn and the ability to work at their appropriate level before they are given entry to the next year level. We take education seriously and provide every opportunity for students to achieve their goals.
Parents of students who have been through the programme are delighted at the way it helps their sons to set goals and how it allows them to measure their son’s successes. The graduation programme’s potential to improve the performance of students has been recognised nationally and emulated by a number of other schools.