Preparatory students walking through the campus chatting

Preparatory School

Kura Whakataka

At St Andrew’s College Preparatory School, students in Years 1–8 thrive in an engaging, creative, and innovative environment. Supported by excellent teachers, they become part of a vibrant co-educational community. Beyond knowledge, we prioritise developing key learning skills, strategies and understanding. Our student-centred approach fosters independent learners and responsible individuals, equipping them with the values, skills, and confidence needed for a lifetime of learning and a smooth transition to secondary school.

Preparatory School students and teacher in class.

"It’s important we develop our children to become strong learners in their own right – that they have the highest level of EQ. This is fostered through diversity in every classroom. We want to have a mix of learning abilities and styles, and boys and girls together. Anything which challenges personal development is encouraged, as this leads to increased confidence."

Jonathan Bierwirth

Principal of Preparatory School

Our Leadership Team

Jonathan Bierwirth, Principal of the Preparatory School.

Jonathan Bierwirth

Principal of Preparatory School

    Alex Kelley, Deputy Principal of Preparatory School, Sport.

    Alex Kelley

    Deputy Principal, Head of Preparatory School Sport

      Vicki Pettit, Deputy Principal of Preparatory School, Head of Teaching and Learning.

      Vicki Pettit

      Deputy Principal, Head of Teaching and Learning

        Heather Orman, Assistant Principal, Head of Junior Department.

        Heather Orman

        Assistant Principal, Head of Junior Department (Years 1–3)

          Megan Feller, Head of Middle Syndicate.

          Megan Feller

          Head of Middle Syndicate (Years 4–6)

            Kelly McBride, Year 7 Team Leader, Head of Learning Enrichment.

            Kelly McBride

            Year 7 Team Leader, Head of Learning Enrichment

              Morgan Sheppard, Year 8 Team Leader.

              Morgan Sheppard

              Year 8 Team Leader

                Two Preparatory students stood by the stream

                Our vision

                We want our students to be active participants in a dynamic community of learners and inspired to become valued citizens and enthusiastic learners for life. We nurture the development of talent and creative ability through a balanced exposure to academic, cultural, service, social, spiritual and sporting opportunities.

                St Andrew's College student-centred learning diagram

                Student-centred learning

                At St Andrew’s College Preparatory School, student-centred learning lies at the core of our approach. Our inspired and passionate teachers engage happy and motivated learners. Students actively understand and articulate their learning journey, seeking feedback and cultivating a mindset centred on critical thinking and learning. The quality of our teaching staff significantly impacts the learning experience at St Andrew’s. Our dedicated educators are committed to nurturing each child's potential and their own professional growth, ensuring your child learns from the very best.

                Preparatory School students sat in an Art lesson wearing aprons

                The modern learning environment

                IIn the Preparatory School, we prioritise one teacher per class to foster a vital connection between teacher and student. Unlike the modern learning environments prevalent in many New Zealand schools (where 60 or 90 children share two or three teachers), our approach ensures optimal results. A strong child-teacher connection enhances learning potential and yields the best possible outcomes. Independent research and our own longitudinal evidence surrounding that connection is very clear.

                Preparatory student sat at desk writing

                Learning at StAC

                The Preparatory School’s student-centred learning environment caters for all learning styles and abilities and offers a level of diversity that nurtures and expands all children’s development. The children’s learning is personalised through differentiation; the focus becomes each child’s genuine next steps. This allows each child to work at his or her appropriate level irrespective of year level. The teacher uses a ‘guide by the side’ approach to stimulate deeper thinking and understanding through quality questioning.

                Preparatory students doing art at desk

                Student leadership

                We provide many opportunities for our students to develop and demonstrate leadership qualities in the Preparatory School. Our comprehensive co-curricular programme serves as a prime context for students to refine these skills. Whether leading sports teams or cultural groups, students learn to motivate, organise, communicate, and demonstrate resilience. Leadership roles include prefects, sacristans, librarians, sports captains, house captains, road patrol leaders, and science monitors, among other in-class responsibilities.

                Our curriculum

                At St Andrew’s College Preparatory School, we prioritise enhancing learning strategies and skills. Our students actively forge meaningful connections and apply knowledge across diverse situations. Guided by the New Zealand Curriculum, our approach recognises the unique context of St Andrew’s. We envision our young learners as confident, creative, and connected lifelong learners. Our curriculum is anchored in clear principles, values, and five key competencies essential for sustained learning and active participation in society.

                Teacher working on white board with students sitting on the mat

                Assessment and reporting

                Assessment plays a significant part in our education system and should strive to involve all children in knowing how successful they have been in their learning. This is an integral part of developing lifelong learning skills. Teaching and learning in the Preparatory School has many strengths and a considerable part of this is the ability to reflect modern learning pedagogy in teaching as well as through our approach to assessment. As this shift in education continues so has our view of assessment.

                Two Preparatory students in playground wearing sun hats

                e-Assessment and online testing

                We actively integrate innovative assessment methods, leveraging online tools and apps. e-asTTle remains our primary assessment tool for evaluating Year 4–8 students’ reading and writing abilities. Beyond whole-school cohort testing, individual teachers employ shorter e-asTTle tests with small groups to inform targeted learning steps. This tool provides valuable insights to teachers, students, and parents regarding achievement levels aligned with the Curriculum outcomes for Levels 2 to 6. Notably, e-asTTle fosters student self-awareness of progress and facilitates meaningful parent discussions. Additionally, we utilise the e-asTTle writing rubric for self-assessment during classwork.

                Preparatory student on a laptop with headphones.

                Student portfolios

                Student portfolios play a pivotal role in our children’s learning and accomplishments. Students can document their work, set goals, celebrate achievements, and share their learning with a broader audience. In the Junior and Middle Syndicates, students utilise the online platform Seesaw for their portfolios. Seesaw enables teachers and students to upload current work samples, while parents and family members can view and provide comments. For Senior Syndicate students, the portfolio is electronically shared via OneNote, ensuring a seamless transition to Secondary School, where OneNote is also employed as a teaching and learning tool.

                Preparatory student in the library

                Well-being and pastoral care

                Looking after the well-being of our students is a vital part of the school day. Our deliberate decision to continue to offer a one teacher to one class of children is counter to the current trend in New Zealand state schools but allows our classroom teachers to develop an in-depth understanding and empathy for the small group of students in their care.

                Two students steaming dumplings in food class wearing aprons

                Gifted and talented

                Our well-established Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) programme is set up to be responsive to the individual needs, strengths and interests of gifted and talented students. High achievers in sport and culture are also well supported at St Andrew’s through a range of programmes and initiatives. In the Preparatory School we have a large group of high achieving students on a Priority Learners’ Register, which keeps track of their activities and monitors their progress.

                Preparatory students in the Senior College foyer

                Learning support

                Where required, student learning is supported by the school’s learning support team. The programmes offered are considered crucial for building self-esteem and addressing delayed learning. We have a full-time reading specialist and several teacher aides, and offer support in subjects such as reading, mathematics, spelling and writing. This support is based on individual student needs and is priority assessed. Counselling facilities are also available to parents with student concerns.

                Preparatory students in class with a teacher.

                Learning with ICT

                Our students actively engage with digital tools both inside and outside the classroom, fostering responsible digital citizenship. Our distinction as one of New Zealand’s most innovative Microsoft 365 schools reflects our commitment to cloud-based collaboration. Through our 1:1 Computing programme, Year 7 and above students bring their own devices, connecting seamlessly to online resources via the College’s wireless network. Real-time information sharing between teachers and students enhances the learning journey. Year 6 students are increasingly opting to bring personal devices, although it remains optional. Class devices appropriate for Years 1-6 are available, ensuring technology enriches learning authentically.

                Teacher and Preparatory student working on laptop

                Sports

                Our students enjoy a vibrant sports programme. Guided by our Head of Preparatory Sport, we ensure it aligns with current trends, caters to student needs, and serves as a bridge to Secondary School. Sports are mandatory for Years 4–8, including participation in annual athletics, swimming, cross-country, and duathlon events. Our diverse offerings span cricket, touch, football, rugby, netball, basketball, hockey, tennis, and water polo. Students can engage in inter-school sports competitions at local, regional, and national levels. A strong sports exchange system, and an annual sports tour are other highlights.

                Group of Preparatory students with sports equipment

                Co-curricular, cultural activities and clubs

                Our students immerse themselves in a rich tapestry of co-curricular and cultural pursuits. From Speech and Drama to Dance, Highland dance to Ballet and kapa haka, chess and art clubs, our offerings are diverse. Professional singing instruction and access to a wide array of instruments empower students to join jazz and concert bands, choirs, chamber groups, barbershop ensembles, rock bands, and our globally acclaimed Pipe Band. The annual Preparatory School production, involving all Year-8 students in both performance and behind-the-scenes roles, stands as a cultural highlight.

                Preparatory student in traditional dress doing haka at Prizegiving

                Beyond the classroom

                For over 25 years, our Outdoor Education programmes have provided high-quality outdoor experiences. In Year 7, students are introduced to a variety of skills and concepts that will be further developed during future camps. Safety and enjoyment take centre stage, allowing students to explore a diverse range of outdoor activities. They face both individual and team challenges, fostering an understanding of teamwork and decision-making. As they navigate the Year 8 programme, students hone their decision-making and risk management abilities through a mix of individual and team-based activities.

                Preparatory School Junior Department trip to Willowbank, Christchurch.

                You may be interested in ...

                St Andrew's College students in Preparatory School uniform.

                Uniform

                St Andrew’s College uniform is available exclusively from the College Shop, Thistles, and from our Second-hand Uniform Shop run by the PTA, both located on campus.

                St Andrew's College driveway

                ERO Report

                The latest ERO Report for the St Andrew's College was published in 2021.

                Co-ed students talking outside.

                Fees

                Fees are reviewed each year, with careful consideration given to the factors and costs required to deliver the high-quality education the College delivers.

                Contact Information

                Enquiries

                For further information please contact Enrolments Preparatory School, Louisa Steel.