LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS

CLASSROOM ORGANISATION

SINGLE CLASS

At Northcross the majority of classrooms are single teacher environments, where students work with desks in their class space – some classes have preferred tables.


TWIN CLASS / MODERN LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

These Classrooms provide students with a two-year interactive learning environment where students are instrumental in setting their personal learning pathways for their time at Northcross. This learning environment encompasses students with positive learning skills, who are able to successfully interact in group situations and can accept the challenges of learning from the Year 7 and 8 blend of skills and attributes in the class. Students in this environment are eligible to apply for the Sports Class or Performing Arts Class in Year 8.


INDEPENDENT LEARNING CLASS

We provide at least two composite classes, staffed by carefully chosen teachers, for those who can cope with an independent learning programme. The students selected need to be divergent thinkers capable of self-discipline and initiative. Students involved in this two-year programme are not eligible to apply for the Year 8 Sports Class or Year 8 Performing Arts Class.


SPORTS CLASS

Northcross will again be offering Y7 students the opportunity to apply for the Sports Class in 2024. At Northcross we pride ourselves on catering for a range of learning styles. The Sports Class works similarly to the Multi, Independent and Single Cell Classes, only the curriculum is delivered using sport, physical education, fitness and other related areas as the learning context. This learning environment is not necessarily just for the elite sports people. Year 7 students can apply and trial to become a member of the class for their Y8 year. The application process includes submitting a CV/Resume and attending a Testing Day

Sports Class 2024 Registration Form (Students will need to use their @nxschool.kiwi account to register.)

Sports Class 2024 CV/Resume Template (Students will need to make a copy in Google Drive and then edit.)

Sports Class Presentation 2024.pdf

Sports Class and Single Cell Class Differences.pdf


PERFORMING ARTS CLASS

The Performing Arts Class is similar in make up to a single cell class yet with the curriculum delivered using the many aspects of the performing arts as the learning context. The class roll is approximately 32 students with one very enthusiastic teacher who is keen to see students take their performing expertise and academic achievements to higher levels and across a range of disciplines. This has been an outstanding success during the last few years and is now one of the permanent class environments being offered for Year 8 students. Year 7 students make an application to trial for this class.


NORTHCROSS IS A BYOD SCHOOL – YOU CAN BRING YOUR OWN DEVICE

At Northcross we offer the opportunity for students to bring and use a variety of electronic devices as learning tools in class. These devices will assist the students within their learning activities. We require that the devices have a 10" plus screen with a keyboard. This would include laptops, notebooks, tablets and IPads. As a personal learning device, our preference is towards the laptop and notebook that is running Windows or the latest Apple IOS. Phones are not considered to be part of the learning device programme as they do not possess all the capabilities necessary for the range of learning activities and applications required at school. It is important that if students commit to bringing a learning device to school, this needs to take place every day to be an effective tool in their learning. All students who do commit to bringing a learning device to school will be required to adhere to the BYOD student agreement. There will be a Northcross Personal Learning Device evening at Noel Leeming in Term 4 so parents and students can see the specific devices available. More information will be available at the time of enrolments. All students in classroom environments at Northcross will still have shared access to school computers and devices, ie. computer room, library and mobile pods.


STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

At Northcross we recognise that our students have a wide range of abilities and emotional needs. Those students with special needs (CWSN) are identified at the start of the year from interviews and information from the primary schools – and as occasions arise throughout the year, e.g. after our testing. Learning assistants currently work with small groups and individually as well as in the classroom. There are a variety of programmes available to cater for personal needs. Outside agencies e.g. RTLB, GSE and Marinoto, etc. are also included in some specially designed individual education plans. A school counsellor is available to support students with their concerns and emotional needs. Applications for this service can be by student self-referral, parents and teachers.


ESOL

Northcross has two very experienced ESOL teachers to provide support in learning English and extra English for children who need development in English generally. Students are tested regularly as to their ongoing progress, and graduate to different groups and then eventually to their own classroom as their English reaches a proficient standard.


GIFTED AND TALENTED STUDENTS

Northcross Intermediate School strives towards identifying our Gifted and Talented Students through using a multi-identification programme. From this Northcross aims to offer extension programmes for students who have a recognised talent. We continue to enter students in all appropriate local and International Academic competitions.


FUTURE PROBLEM SOLVING Northcross has had teams in FPS for many years.

FPS caters for highly creative thinkers. The students learn a six-step process of problem-solving which gives them the ability to think critically and analytically about significant issues. It also fosters their creativity and vision to explore scenarios with originality and flexibility and to work as a team to achieve their goals. There is a cost in the FPS programme that covers national registration. All teams have the opportunity to be selected to attend National Finals and, if successful, World Finals


NX Upcoming Events

Tue December 5
7:00pm - 8:30pm
Wed December 6
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Wed December 13
7:30pm - 9:30pm

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