Starting Primary School (Year 1)
Starting school is a big transition for every five year old. We aim to work with families to make this transition as smooth and enjoyable as possible. We have written up a list of ways you can help your child prepare to start school.
Find out more about the Primary School (Years 1-6).
Starting Middle School: Years 7 and 9
Students join our Middle School at two key entry points: Year 7 and Year 9. We recognise that beginning at a new school, or moving into a new stage of school life, can bring both excitement and uncertainty. Our transition process is designed to help students build relationships, understand their new environment and develop a strong sense of belonging.
Before students begin, we work with families and contributing schools to learn about each student’s strengths, interests, learning needs and any support that may help them settle successfully. New students and their families also have opportunities to meet members of our Middle School team, helping us begin to know and understand each young person from the outset.
Beginning in Year 7
Approximately half of our Year 7 students are new to Middleton Grange, while others transition from our Primary School. During Term 1, students take part in activities that help them form friendships, build confidence and become part of the wider school community. These include a Peer Support programme facilitated in small groups by carefully selected Year 12 leaders, as well as a Year 7 activity day.
Each Year 7 student is placed with a Whānau Teacher who teaches them across several subjects and becomes a significant adult in their school life. This provides valuable continuity and a consistent point of connection as students adjust to new routines, teachers and expectations.
Year 9 is another important entry point, bringing together continuing Middleton Grange students and students joining us from other schools. Students are placed in a whānau class, which provides a relational base and helps them establish connections within the year group.
During Term 1, selected Year 13 Camp Leaders regularly join their class for whānau time, allowing them to get to know the students and begin building positive connections. Later in the term, the Camp Leaders attend camp with the whānau class. Through shared activities, challenges and experiences, students strengthen relationships with one another, connect with senior student mentors and develop a greater sense of belonging within the Middle School.
Our wider pastoral care network includes Year-level Deans, Assistant Heads of Middle School, counsellors, careers advisers and a Student Support Coordinator. Together with teachers and whānau, they provide students with guidance, care and support when needed.
Starting Senior College (Year 11)
Year 11 brings together students from MGS, the Christian Education Network, Home Schooling and various other schools to engage in the new academic challenge of the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA). In their first year of Senior College, students focus on establishing an effective work ethic that aspires to the school’s high expectations and encourages students toward personal excellence in all of their endeavours.
Individuals’ gifts, abilities and faith are valued and given opportunity to develop through sundry experiences that are offered in a range of disciplines, both in and outside the classroom. While the focus is on settling in and learning new systems and processes, students may strengthen in character through participating in Service and Missions events.
An extensive Pastoral structure wraps around students and provides on-going nurture, guidance and support throughout the 3 years of Senior College. This includes the Vertical Group (a mix of Y11-13 students), two Deans per Year Level, Head and Assistant Head of Senior College, Careers and Guidance counsellors.
Find out more about Senior College (Years 11-13).
Choosing a School
Choosing a school that best meets the needs of your particular child and family is an important decision which will impact your child’s future.
The Ministry of Education has developed some guidelines on choosing the right school, which you may find helpful in making your decisions.
