Diocesan School for Girls

Early in 1903 Bishop Moore Richard Neligan arrived in Auckland to begin his ministry as the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Auckland. Having considerable experience in education and eager to rally the Anglican community around a shared project, he decided to establish an Anglican school for girls modelled on the new British ‘high schools’.

Diocesan Junior School prides itself on being an innovative environment, a place where every decision is based on the current research about how girls learn, develop and thrive. We believe it is important to educate the future female leaders of this country in an environment that encourages the girls to be "more than that ever imagined". This environment is readily apparent in our corridors and classrooms every day. Our girls are an integral part of our unique culture that is Dio. We offer excellence in teaching and learning and take pride in our unparalleled, research-based teaching methods. At the same time, we place high value on an inclusive environment that is nurturing, collaborative, diverse and fosters sisterhood and friendship.Pre-school Years 1 - 6 Anglican Identity.

Our Junior School students have so many opportunities to take their learning beyond the classroom through Sport, Performing Arts and our progressive Education Outside the Classroom programme. It's all about teaching new skills and helping our girls to develop self-confidence to aim for excellence in everything they do.

In the Junior High School, we offer a wide range of subjects, allowing students the freedom to expand on their interests while continuing to strengthen skills in numeracy and literacy. Students work alongside exceptional teachers who mentor them to reach their full potential across all subjects and excel in their areas of strength. All students also have access to the latest digital technology and learn in state-of-the-art learning spaces.

Our curriculum has been specifically designed to meet the needs and interests of students. The core subjects are Arts, (Dance, Drama, Music and Visual), English, Social Studies, Technology (Food, Fabric and Materials), Mathematics, Health and Physical Education, Science and Religious Studies. Students also have great opportunities for language learning, with 7 language options including Latin, Japanese, Mandarin, French, German, Spanish and Te Reo.

In the Junior High School students will explore new territories online, learn to think critically about new technologies and develop digital literacy that will prepare them for the future. Girls in Years 7-8 use their own iPads with applications that enhance their learning and from Year 9 students will learn to work independently from their own laptops.

In Junior High School, all students will have access to our Creative Industries faculty, established in recognition of the benefits of creative thinking across all subject areas. This faculty brings together The Imagination Station (editing suites, 3D printer and laser cutter), food technology, design and visual communication, digital technology, media studies, digital media design and material design technologies.

Our students have the unique opportunity to choose from two education pathways; NCEA or the International Baccalaureate Diploma, both of which offer a wide range of subjects to suit the individual interests and strengths of each student. Whichever path they choose, every student will learn Ethics and Philosophy to help her develop a deeper understanding of critical thinking along with our Leadership and Service Learning programme.

How it works: Students in Years 1-6 follow the Primary Years Programme (an IB programme). From Years 7-11 students continue to follow the New Zealand curriculum. All students begin NCEA Level 1 in Year 10 and gain this qualification by the end of Year 11. During Year 11 students decide whether to carry on with NCEA for Levels 2 and 3 in Years 12 and 13 or to begin the two year IB Diploma Programme.

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme is an academically-challenging and balanced programme of education that works to develop students who live, learn and work in a rapidly changing world. With a focus on independent thinking, academic rigour, community service, inter-cultural understanding and respect for others, the Programme prepares students for success at university and beyond.

Our teaching and learning philosophy is to encourage learners who are open to challenge, willing to develop their abilities and achieve their personal best, take risks and accept mistakes, make ethical decisions and enjoy learning.

This vision complements the IB Diploma programme which aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable, open-minded, reflective, caring and principled young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through effective communication, intercultural understanding and respect.

The Education (Pastoral Care of International Students) Code of Practice 2016 provides schools with a framework for the care and support of students.We want to ensure your daughter is well supported to make the most of her overseas experience. Our Pastoral Care Team, the Director of International Students, and the International Student Support Coordinator provide comprehensive care for our international students, ensuring their transition into our school is as easy as possible. All her teachers, her host family or boarding staff will take an active interest in making sure your daughter is safe and happy. Regular international student meetings and one on one interviews throughout the year are held to assist girls settle into the school's routine and provide ongoing support.