BBI- Prospectus 2012

Welcome

Bucklands Beach Intermediate School opened in 1976 to provide quality education to preadolescent students in the 11-13 year age group.

This is a crucial stage in children’s schooling. It is a time of rapid change. Noticeable physical changes occur and emotional and social attitudes are going through a key stage of development.

With many students, intellectual interests and abilities begin to broaden in scope. Some develop these to considerable depth.

Years 7 and 8 are part of a period in the life of children when they move from the primary ‘generalist’ based system to a more specialised one offered by secondary schools. Special in-depth education is required to help students through these “middle years”.

Our curriculum is designed to assist and prepare students for this transition. We seek to structure programmes which cater for the needs of all our students, enabling them to reach their fullest potential. We aim to develop competent, confident self-directed learners. Our curriculum is wide ranging and covers not only the academic fields, but the physical and cultural areas as well.

Children pass through these years but once. Our aim is to provice the best quality education possible to ensure each student reaches his/her maximum potential.

Vision

Students will be self-directed, indepedent learners with a love for learning. They will be excited by the learning opportunities provided and will be motivated to become life long learners. They will understand that they can make a positive difference for their own future, with learning being seen as something in which they participate, rather than it being seen as something that is ‘done’ to them.

They will learn to take a high degree of control over their own learning, setting targets and goals for future learning needs following guidance from teachers. They will become reflective learners, with the thinking and metacognitive skills required to enable them to learn how to learn.

Students will develop self-awareness and confidence in themselves as learners. They will be proud of their achievements, realising they are unique with their own individual strengths and abilities. They will be confident decision makers, participating in new learning experiences, and freely celebrating their own successes as well as those of others.

Students will become caring future citizens. In addition to recognising their own uniqueness they will also recognise and respect the uniqueness of others. They will gain a broader understanding of the bicultural and multi-cultural nature of our school and New Zealand society. They will develop an awareness of their individual responsibilities as global citizens.

Students will gain an understanding that there are consequences for their choices, decisions and actions at school, just as there are in the community at large.

Staff will provide the structures, the environment and the support to enable each student to meet with success. They will create a positive school culture based on mutual respect and understanding, inspiring all to strive for their personal best at all times.

It is recognised that for students to be successful we must establish a partnership between students, teachers and parents/caregivers, with all working together in the best interests of the learner. The school will activel promote this partnership.

Student learning shall be the focus for all that we do.

Values

The needs of our students will be paramount.

Diversity and difference will be valued.
Education will be seen as a partnership.
Staff will encourage and inspire all working here.

In achieving our core values students will:

• feel empowered in our school.
• be safe and secure at all times.
• show respect, trust and empathy for others.
• show respect for the environment.
• accept responsibility for their actions.
• regularly set goals and reflect on their own progress.
• strive for success and learn to celebrate their successes.
• take pride in their school.
• respect New Zealand’s bicultural and multicultural heritage.

In achieving our core values staff will:

• develop programmes to cater for the needs of each student.
• ensure each student meets with success.
• create an environment where parents, caregivers and visitors feel welcome.
• ensure a climate of mutual respect is evident at all times.
• support and encourage colleagues.
• respect New Zealand’s bicultural and multicultural heritage.
• demonstrate a commitment to school goals and values.
• model standards expected from students.
• review and reflect upon their own progress.
• be encouraged and supported professionally.

Enrolment

These guidelines are issued under section 11G(3) of the Education Act 1989. The Secretary of Education has given written notice that the Secretary is satisfied that there is likely to be overcrowding at the school unless an enrolment scheme is put in place. The enrolment scheme in force is as follows:

Enrolment Scheme

As of right, all prospective students whose place of current residence is within the area defined below as the “Home Zone” have a right of attendance at Bucklands Beach Intermediate School:
Bucklands Beach Peninsula to Mellons Bay valley including all side roads to the intersection of Gills Rd and Bleakhouse Rd round-about, along Gills Road (both sides) excluding the roads on the Highway side of Gills Road, through to Pigeon Mountain Road (both sides), excluding all roads to the west of Pigeon Mountain Road and ending at the water.

Selection of applicants who live outside the home zone

The order of priority for applicants who life outside the school’s home zone, should places be available, is as follows:

• first priority – this priority category is not applicable at this school because the school does not run a special programme approved by the Secretary;
• second priority must be given to any applicant who is the sibling of a current student of the school;
• third priority must be given to any applicant who is the sibling of a former student of the school;
• fourth priority must be given to applicants who are children of board employees;
• fifth priority will be given to all other applicants.

Performance

“Bucklands Beach Intermediate School is a high performing, multi-cultural school. It has a positive reputation in the immediate and wider community and is perceived as a school of choice in the area.”

“High quality teaching and learning is evident in mainstreamed classes and through the arts and technology programmes. Information communication technologies are effectively utilised to extend children’s literacy levels. … Students are articulate, confident and positive about their learning and their likelihood of success.”

“The school is well managed and effectively governed. A positive working relationship exists between the board of trustees, principal and staff. The principal is a reflective and inclusive practitioner… Strong layers of leadership are evident throughout the school.”

“A strong, shared philosophy underpins school operations. This enables students to be supported and provided with many opportunities to become self directed learners, through goal setting and reflection. Emphasis is placed on developing children’s thinking and the transfer of skills and processes.”

“Staff and trustees are focused on continuous improvement. This has resulted in a reflective culture where intensive, high quality professional development is ongoing.”

“Bucklands Beach Intermediate School is a high performing school that caters well for the needs of emerging adolescents. A drive for continuous improvement, underpinned by extensive professional development and reflection, ensures that high quality teaching and learning programmes continue to be provided.”

Education Review Office “Assess and Assist” Review, 2003 (full report at http://www.ero.govt.nz)

Excellence

Bucklands Beach Intermediate believes in:

• priority on academic excellence
• the importance of language, reading, maths, science and technology
• high standards in personal presentation and behaviour
• the highest quality of teaching by dedicated, qualified, experienced and specialist staff
• the latest in teaching and learning methods
• full use of modern computer technology as a learning tool across all curriculum areas
• a supportive, caring environment which promotes self-worth and self respect
• appropriate programmes which will develop independence, enjoyment and success for each student
• programmes to foster goal setting and decision making
• opportunities to develop leadership skills
• regular homework related to class programmes
• emphasis on two way teacher-parent communication and co-operation
• opportunities to participate in a wide range of musical and cultural activities
• an extensive physical education and sporting programme
• outdoor education programmes for all students.

Our facilities include:

• a well stocked and readily accessible library/ information centre which plays a key role in assisting students and staff achieve the educational aims of the school open 8.00am – 4.30pm
• a fully networked computer system enabling all students to have ready access to the latest facilities
• a networked television system and television studio facilities
• five modern specialist rooms including an extensively equipped workshop
• specialist science teaching
• specialist information communications technology
• a fully equipped specialist music room
• high quality teaching and learning resources
• extensive sporting and cultural facilities
• a large hall with full stage facility
• a performing arts centre
• a large astroturf court area
• large, open playing fields
• a ‘challenge course’ to cater for all physical ability levels
• established, well planned, landscaped environment
• after school classes offering a variety of additional learning opportunities.

Attendance

School Hours

8.40am School commences
3.00pm School finishes

Attendance

All students should assemble outside the school hall on the first day of term. It is not necessary for you to be with your child on the first day. Students are required to attend school whenever it is open unless they are sick of have good reason to be absent. It is important that teachers and parents know where students are. If the following procedures are followed your child’s interests are protected.

In the case of sickness or absence it would be appreciated if parents ring the office to inform us of the reason for the absence. This call should also be followed by a note on the student’s return to school.

In the case of leave from school for doctor, dentist, etc. a note should be given to the class teacher on the day leave is required. Students must sign out at the office prior to leaving the school grounds, and sign in upon return.

These procedures are not only a matter of courtesy but are also a safeguard for your child. Please keep the school informed of changes of address and changes in home or work telephone numbers.

The school has no authority to grant students exemption from lessons during school hours to attend music lessons, dancing etc. We would ask that appointments, whenever possible, be made outside of school hours. This helps avoid unnecessary disruption to class programmes. If for some reason your child is unable to commence school on the first official date you should forward written notification to the school office prior to the end of this school year. Places will not be held for students who have no given written notification and reason for absence.

Information Centre

The school’s Information Centre is open from 8.15am to 4.30pm Monday to Thursday and 8.15 to 4pm on Friday. The Information Centre is run by a librarian and it is available to all students.

School Contributions

To enable purchases of extra items of equipment the Board of Trustees requests parents to make a contribution at the beginning of each year. These funds cover the purchase of sports equipment, additional library books, audiovisual equipment plus many other items for the benefit of students. Materials used in specialist programmes are covered by these fees. It is anticipated that most transport costs for class and sporting visits will be covered from these fees. Parents will be sent a contribution statement early in the year. These may be paid at the new parents’ evening. Should payment prove difficult parents are invited to speak with the Principal, in confidence, to make arrangements for a spread of payment.

Teamwork

Education Outside the Classroom

The school has had a long and very successful involvement in Outdoor Education. Our policy is to involve, if possible, all Year 7 students in a school camp early in their first term with us. In this way, maximum benefits can be gained from this experience.
Year 7 students have been attending the camp at Administration Bay on Motutapu Island for a number of years. We believe that this is an excellent opportunity for students to ‘bond’ as a class and a team. This camp is situated in a beautiful spot. The students share dormitories. A number of parents, teachers and helpers go along and it is an idea opportunity to make friends and learn more about New Zealand’s outdoors. The camp groups travel by ferry to the island and then tramp (with a small day pack) to the site.

We will be seeking parent support to accompany classes on these visits. Our experience has shown that parents who do go find it a very worthwhile experience.

Students will have opportunities to participate in field trips associated with class programmes. These are seen as an important aspect of a particular study and it is hoped all students can participate.

School Rules

We try to operate with a minimum number of rules in the belief that our school should run as a community with the normal rules of society being sufficient. There are a few out-of-bound areas and several safety rules.

We expect:

• courtesy and consideration at all times.
• clean, tidy presentation both of work and self.
• high standards of self-discipline.
• an effort on the part of the students to do their best in all school activities.

Offence notices are issued for a breach of any rule. Rules are clearly outlines to all students, as are the consequences of committing any offence.

School Council

Councillors are nominated by each class and appointed by the teacher. The councillors meet weekly with the teacher in charge. They discuss matters of student welfare and student centred activities and report to the Principal. Councillors are seen as role models for all students and the position of councillor is highly valued.

Community

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

The PTA committee is elected annually with elections in February/March. Parents are welcome to be part of this committee which supports the school in a number of ways. For more information please contact the current Chairperson.

Lunches

A lunch scheme operates within our school. A veriety of healthy lunches including fresh sandwiches, toasted sandwiches, pies, hot dogs etc. is available. Students wishing to purchase a lunch, do so by placing their order before school at the school cafe. A price list is available in the classroom.

The student cafe is also open before school and at morning interval where a range of products which promote healthy eating can be purchased.

After School Classes

After School Classes have been run at BBI for a number of years. These classes have been very popular. They are run in two semesters of 15 or 16 weeks each. In the past the following classes have been offered:

Japanese for beginners, Japanese – advanced, Chinese, ESOL, French, Guitar, Art/Ceramics/Craft, Dancing. Drama and Theatre Sports. These are held in the afternoons between 3.30 and 4.30pm. Information will be sent home early in the school year.

Road Safety

Parents are asked to use the turnaround bay to pick up or set down students whenever possible. Please note that the turnaround bay has traffic flow in one direction only.

Any student who crosses Bucklands Beach Road should use the controlled pedestrian crossing outside the school gate.

Bicycles

Parking space is allocated to those who live over 1.5 kilometres from school. Other students are considered to be within walking distance. It is expected that bicycles are in a safe, roadworthy condition. It is essential that bicycles are locked to the bike racks during the day. It is a legal requirement for all students to wear a safety approved cycle helmet when riding a bike.

School Bus

The school bus leaves the BBI bus bay at around 3.10pm. If you have any queries, phone Howick and Eastern Buses on 273 3660.

Opportunity

Sporting Activities

Students have opportunities to participate in a wide range of sporting activities. All have involvement regularly as part of the Physical Education and Sports programme. There are additional opportunities for students wishing to become involved in after-school activities throughout the year.

In past years the following were offered at various different times: cricket, softball, table tennis, rugby, netball, soccer, hockey, basketball, badminton, volleyball, cross country, athletics, golf, orienteering, trampolining, touch rugby and swimming safety, with many outside competitions available e.g. triathalon, mountain biking, cycling.

It is anticipated that a similar range of sporting activities will again be available in the future and that as many students as is possible can be given oppotunities to participate in the sports of their choice.

Cultural Activities

Students have many opportunities to become involved in a wide range of activities. Much is done as part of the normal school programme. Students who wish may become involved in more specialised groups.

Our school has a fully equipped music room which is the centre for a wide range of music and other cultural activities.

We have a school choir which performs each year at our local music festival. Our orchestra can cater for students who are keen and have some knowledge of music.

Other cultural and dramatic groups operate throughout the year depending upon student interest and teacher strengths.

Monitors

There are opportunities for students to apply to become a school monitor. BBI encourages students to act as leaders and take on responsibilities. Where possible, the school tries to be equitible when making final decisions about these roles.

Visitors

All visitors to the school must sign in at the school office. Parents or visitors are not permitted into the school environs without going to the office first. This is a Health and Safety requirement. Students may also be asked to act as guides when people visit our school. BBI sees this as a way for students to show leadership skills and share the way they learn.

Learning

It is recognised that for teachers to cater to all students’ learning needs, we must establish achievement levels and next steps for learning. Baseline information may be gathered in a variety of ways. Once this has been considered, we can then identify student needs across the school and whether it is necessary to set up support or extension programmes such as English as a second language, counselling support and mathematics extension.

A learning centre facility has been established for students who are new speakers of English and for student who have major learning needs in English. Also, additional rooms have been built for mathematics extension classes. Many other facilities are outlined in this document.

At Bucklands Beach Intermediate we aim to do our very best to cater for all individual students. We encourage clear communication and an environment where students have opportunities to be involved in a wide variety of activities.

As we have briefly outlined in the prospectus, we promote self-directed, independent learners who have a love of learning.

If you wish to find out more information, please browse the rest of this site.

Uniform

A school uniform helps students identify with their school and assists with the development of a corporate spirit. It also performs a valuable role in projecting a positive image to the public. We expect students to wear the correct uniform at all times.

Girls

• Blue check pleat skirt in regulation material and style (length no shorter than 4-5 cm above the knee).
• Blue shirt (long or short sleeves) in regulation material and style (worn tucked in).
• Black leather lace up “school” shoes (low heels) with regulation short white turn-back socks, (not mini sports socks) or in summer Roman or similar style black sandals.
• In winter navy blue tights may be worn.
• Navy blue V neck jersey with school badge.
• Blue, black or white hair tie – plain clips. Hair longer than collar length must be tied back.
• Regulation style sun hat (compulsory from Labour weekend to Easter).

Boys

• Dark navy regulation school shorts.
• Blue shirt (long or short sleeves) in regulation material and style (worn tucked in).
• Black leather lace up “school” shoes with long black socks and garters at knee height, or in summer Roman or similar type black sandals.
• Navy blue V neck jersey, with school badge.
• Regulation style sun hat (compulsory from Labour weekend to Easter).
• Hair longer than collar length must be tied back.

Badges

• Sewn on top left hand side of jersey (available from School Office).

PE/Sports

• Royal blue sports shorts of regulation style.
• Dark blue breathable shirt with school crest and printing.
• Bare feet or white soled sports shoes and white socks.

Jackets

• The BBI jacket is optional and may be purchased from the PTA School Uniform shop. Check newsletters for dates.
• The BBI jacket may be worn to and from school and outside at interval and lunch time. It is not to be worn inside the classroom.
• Students representing the school in activities may have a school jacket/tracksuit on loan for that event. This is borrowed from the school and the student is responsible for returning this in good condition to the school.

Makeup

• Students are not permitted to wear makeup of any kind to school. Nail polish, if worn, should be colourless.

Jewellery

• Only a wristwatch and plain ring (such as a signet ring) may be worn. Students with pierced ears may wear one small, plain stud in each ear lobe.

Second Hand Uniforms

Second hand uniforms and BBI school jackets are available from the school uniform shop. In Term 1, the shop is open every Monday from 8-8.30am and 3-3.30pm.