The Value of Exams – Message from the Deputy Principal
Today is the final day of exam week for our students. At Ficino School, students are assessed both formally and informally throughout the year. The assessment questions are based on the learning objectives taken from the Cambridge curriculum. This means that the children should are not surprised by assessment questions and are able to show […]
The Importance of Unity
Eighty years ago today, the United Nations Charter was agreed upon following the devastation caused by two horrific world wars. Although there are conflicts in many places today, none have so far escalated to the levels of a third world war. The United Nations has been the primary instrument to keep alive the express wish […]
Diwali – the Festival of Lights
Diwali is a five-day festival observed by Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains. It symbolises the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Occurring in October or November it also marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year. The festival is linked to the ancient legend of Rama and Sita. In the […]
Message from Mrs Preston – The Value of Learning Language at Ficino
In today’s fast-paced world, the ability to communicate clearly and confidently is more important than ever. Here in New Zealand, we are surrounded by many languages every day. Because language and culture are closely linked, children growing up in our multicultural society gain great benefit from learning another language. Internationally recognised education expert, Professor Barbara […]
Ficino’s Unique Renaissance Tour
An excited group of our Year 8 students departed for Europe on Tuesday. This remarkable Renaissance Tour is unique to Ficino School. The students, teachers and parents will travel first to Rome, where they will visit the Pantheon, built in the first century AD, the Colosseum and St Peters Basilica, including the Sistine Chapel painted […]
Message from the Deputy Principal
Today schools across New Zealand are fundraising for the Cancer Society. At Ficino School Daffodil Day provides an important leadership opportunity for our Head Boy and Girl. They are tasked with internally publicising the event and delivering an age-appropriate assembly presentation to the Junior and Senior schools about the impact of cancer. This morning you […]
Use of finest materials at Ficino School
The message a couple of weeks ago spoke of handwriting and how important it is for brain development as well as focusing our attention and encouraging beauty. The other aspect of writing is of course the content. This has hit the media this week, with the Minister of Education proposing a new writing action plan […]
The Unseen Curriculum – Building Resilience
It was wonderful to see our students tackling cross country with such determination yesterday, despite the less-than-ideal weather. There were, of course, some who found the prospect quite daunting, but supporting students to manage the daily stresses and strains of life is a crucial component of the education process. We cannot eliminate these challenges. However, […]
The Importance of Handwriting
Education is making front page news almost every day at present. The swift changes being made to the NCEA programme have been particularly prominent. Also reported recently, are changes the Ministry of Education is making to guidance on handwriting. The following statement appeared on the NZ Curriculum website last month: – New handwriting guidance is […]
The Importance of Small Classes and Focused Attention
The new term has started with cold crisp mornings turning into beautiful sunny clear days. It has been delightful to see the children’s bright and enthusiastic faces to match the sunshine. We have a busy term ahead with a whole variety of trips and events including Kids Sing and the Australian Maths competition, two plays […]
