One way we support our students to live out our Special Character is offering some bespoke programmes of learning, designed around areas we know our students are passionate about. We currently offer four different programmes where students are invited to immerse themselves in their passion and build a programme of learning that also meets their NCEA goals. Through these types of experiences we find that there are significant increases to student engagement levels, which flows on to increased success.
The four programmes currently offered are:
The Prosillio Academy:
The Prosillio Academic Programme is designed for secondary school students (years 7-13) engaged in high-level dance and sport training outside of school. “Prosillio,” derived from Latin, means to aspire or step up to challenges with confidence and enthusiasm. This programme caters to students who demonstrate commitment to their dance or sports training, aiming for future professional success. Integrating individual training with their academic timetable allows students to dedicate more hours to their training and build their academic programme around their passion.
https://sites.google.com/aotawhiti.school.nz/the-prosillio-academic-program/home
Digital Media, English and Art
There are many themes that can be explored! Perhaps you have a burning idea for a film, a captivating animation, a dynamic graphic novel, or an immersive game campaign? Our Digital Media Special Programme empowers you to take the reins and design your own learning experience. Choose a theme that sparks your imagination and explore it through English, Media Studies, and Digital Art.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Z_VSLPIZabJGDJJ0TbJIs8bF7NrRe9o-IGldr5NJlUM/edit?usp=sharing
The Football Institute
This programme is a collaboration between the Christchurch United Football Club and Ao Tawhiti Unlimited Discovery School. The Football Institute supports its student athletes to seamlessly blend and manage a programme of football with their education. Maximising time and minimising stress. Setting each student up for a successful future in Football, whatever that might be. Three days a week students are based at the CUFC grounds in Yaldhust where they are given small group and individual football skills training with high quality football coaches, as well as an English and Physical Education programme, at NCEA level, designed through a lens of Football. The other two days these students are based at The Ao Tawhiti Campus where students can access the rest of the curriculum and meet their NCEA goals.
https://sites.google.com/aotawhiti.school.nz/thefootballinstitute/home
Senior College of Philosophy
The goal of the senior college of philosophy, classics, & psychology is to treat students as autonomous, mature individuals, who take ownership over their learning. Our aim is to provide a university-style experience for senior secondary students. Successful graduates will gain NCEA Level 3, University Entrance, and 15 points towards a degree at the University of Canterbury (optional). This senior college will suit students on academic, creative, or vocational pathways, who are fascinated by new ideas, and interested in exploring the puzzles we all face in daily life. Students can expect to build a programme of learning from both NCEA courses at Ao Tawhiti and Star courses from University of Canterbury.