WELCOME TO CAMBRIDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL

Cambridge Middle School is one of only seven Middle Schools in New Zealand.  Middle Schooling in Cambridge educates students in Years 7 – 10, the emerging and early adolescent years.  It is our belief that these years are crucial years in a child’s life, a time of rapid growth in both their physical and emotional development.  Too often students leave the Intermediate System and venture off into our Secondary System ill-equipped to cope with six periods/day with six different teachers giving six different types of homework due for completion on the same day.   Not only does our education system put pressure on them, but they also have added peer pressure to cope with. 

Middle Schools allow the students to continue their education pathway with homeroom based teaching.  All relevant curriculum areas are covered, but with one teacher in charge the students are given the opportunity of further developing their social skills.  They have the security of consistency throughout their day and working with someone who has time to work alongside them.  The additional two years at our school will not hinder their educational development but it will enhance their prospect of doing better once they reach secondary school.  We are able to offer leadership opportunities for our Year 10 students and every chance is given to them to take up challenges which will enhance their employment prospects in later years.   Self-esteem is a powerful tool and should never be underestimated.   It is our aim to have the students leave us with their heads held high and their self-esteem in tact.

Our school is set amongst beautifully established trees creating a wonderful learning environment.   We are well resourced and have a proactive Board of Trustees. We also have an active fundraising committee constantly applying for grants from a variety of sources including Lotteries and Pub Charities.

Cambridge Middle School participates in all Inter-Intermediate/Middle Schools sporting events, is actively involved in the Literacy Quiz (Waikato winners and representatives to National finals), WaiMaths, Science Fairs, BP Technology Challenge and believes in advantages of Education Outside the Classroom.

Over the coming years, we can expect Cambridge Middle School to continue its innovative educational initiatives to meet student needs.  Students will be expected to accept the challenge to shape their future and in so doing, live the school motto “Reward in Endeavour”.

STRATEGIC PLAN

Profile:

Our strength and character will be maintained through an open and honest partnership.   This partnership involves our stakeholders – school, parents, whanau.  As partners, we will all share a common vision  - excellence in education which caters for individual differences and carried out in a safe environment as possible.

We will achieve our vision of excellence in education by identifying and meeting individual needs, closing the gap between groups of students, celebrating success and actively promoting the achievements of all our students.

We will be consistent in maintaining high standards, enabling all students to be valued, to reach their potential and to know they have PRiDE in their heart.

To prepare our students for a pathway of unchartered waters, we will continue to operate innovative programmes allowing for the different styles of learning.  Students will be constantly encouraged to accept the challenges that we provide and to attempt a variety of new opportunities placed before them.

The contribution of our staff to achieve our vision will be valued and Professional Development will be encouraged with a passion.   Resourceful people are one of our greatest attributes.

Cambridge Middle School will continue to ensure that learning takes place in a safe environment where everyone feels comfortable, secure and culturally at ease.

Our vision will be underpinned by :

•  The National Education Guidelines

•  The National Administrative Guidelines

•  The Education Act

•   The School Charter
   

Mission Statement

To prepare students for an ever-changing world by :

Offering quality education in a safe learning community where
each individual is valued, supported and encouraged to be a risk taker. 

Fostering/encouraging respect for society.

School Vision

Cambridge Middle School places importance on whole child development.  We foster and acknowledge best practice from staff and students.  Our expectation is that students will strive for the highest standards of courtesy, co-operation, respect and pride.

We will be a well-resourced school, which provides opportunities for individuals to participate in a variety of programmes – academic, social, cultural and sporting.  These programmes will recognise the various groups that make up our school community.

We will strive to maintain opportunities for staff to develop professionally to ensure that we are an innovative, up-to-date, risk-taking school of the highest calibre.

Our vision will be achieved in consultation and with the support of all stakeholders.  Resulting from this, we will have a positive high profile in the local and wider community.

Curriculum Requirements – NAG 1

To provide quality learning programmes for all students, that are relevant, enjoyable, challenging and which will give them the skills, attitudes and values to prepare them for life.

Strategies :

Through the Curriculum Framework and the NEG’s and NAG’s, plan to meet the needs of all of our students.

Ensure a focus on Tikanga Maori throughout the school and provide an option of Te Reo for those who wish it.

On the basis of good quality assessment information, identify students and groups of students :

• who are not achieving
   

• who are at risk of not achieving
   

• who have special needs

Provide an appropriate career guidance programme.

Provide a balanced curriculum within our innovative environment taking cognisance of different learning styles.

Documentation and Self-Review – NAG 2

To ensure that the Board of Trustees clearly articulates the school vision, reviews its own performance and continues to develop a strong partnership between school and community.

Strategies :

To develop a transparent process that involves all stakeholders of the school’s community in shaping the future of the school through the development of a Strategic Plan.

Continue to upskill the Board of Trustees enabling them to govern and support the school.

Maintain effective and efficient procedures to review and report on school performance.

Employer Responsibilities – NAG 3

To staff Cambridge Middle School with educators who will make a positive impact on the lives of students as they strive to achieve.

Strategies :

To implement Professional Development that meets the current needs and envisaged needs of our learners.

To actively promote staff within our school so that they have access to a career path.

To continue to employ the best person for the job.

Ensure staff are aware of their responsibilities.

Financial and Property Management – NAG 4

To ensure adequate funding is available to provide innovative programmes that are well resourced according to our charter.

Strategies :

Through our self-review programme, track trends that will allow our needs to be realised.

Monitor and control school expenditure through a robust audit process. 

Stay up-to-date to ensure we do not miss out on any Ministry initiatives.

Maintain a transparent accounting system.

Health and Safety – NAG 5

To provide a safe physical and emotional environment for students.

Strategies :

Annually review policies ensuring physical, emotional and cultural well being of all stakeholders.

Ensure that all Ministry directives are followed.

Administration – NAG 6

To ensure that all administrative systems and processes enhance the achievement of students and assist in realising our vision.

Strategies :

Ensure that timetables and Organisation booklet reflects both our Mission Statement and our Vision.