A Broad and Purposeful Education
At The Cathedral Grammar School, our curriculum is designed to provide strong academic foundations while giving students opportunities to discover their strengths, develop their interests and experience learning beyond the classroom.
From the early years through to Year 8, students build essential knowledge and skills in literacy and numeracy while benefiting from a broad curriculum that includes Science, Music, Art, Physical Education, Technology, and Religious Education.
Our curriculum is enriched by specialist teachers, dedicated learning environments and opportunities that extend beyond the traditional classroom.
Strong Foundations in Literacy and Numeracy
Literacy and numeracy are fundamental to learning at Cathedral Grammar.
Students develop the knowledge, confidence and skills to read critically, communicate effectively, write with purpose, reason mathematically and apply their learning to increasingly complex problems.
Teaching is responsive to students’ stages of development, with small class sizes enabling teachers to know their students well, monitor progress and provide appropriate support and challenge.
Learning with Specialist Teachers
One of the distinctive features of a Cathedral Grammar education is the breadth of specialist teaching available to students.
Across their years at the School, students benefit from specialist expertise in areas including Science, Music, Art, Physical Education and Technology.
Specialist teachers bring deep subject knowledge, dedicated facilities and rich learning experiences to the curriculum, allowing students to explore disciplines in greater depth and discover areas of interest and talent.
Science and Technology
Curiosity, investigation and problem-solving are central to learning in Science and Technology.
Students experience practical, hands-on Science learning, supported by specialist teaching and dedicated facilities.
As students progress through the School, Technology provides opportunities to design, create, experiment and solve authentic problems. Our senior students extend their learning through experiences including Food Technology at Ara Institute of Canterbury, alongside learning in areas such as Digital Technology, Textiles and Engineering.
Music and the Arts
Music and the Arts are an integral part of learning at Cathedral Grammar.
Through specialist Music and Art teaching, students develop creativity, confidence, technical skills and opportunities for self-expression.
Our Specialist Music Programme provides pathways for students to participate in choirs, ensembles, orchestras, bands, instrumental tuition and performance opportunities, while our relationship with ChristChurch Cathedral provides the distinctive opportunity for students to become Cathedral Choristers.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Learning at Cathedral Grammar extends well beyond traditional classroom programmes.
Sport, Outdoor Education, Education Outside the Classroom, leadership, service and co-curricular opportunities enable students to develop independence, resilience, teamwork and confidence.
Our XTEND programme provides Years 5 to 8 students with opportunities to explore interests and experiences beyond the core curriculum, including activities such as sailing, surfing, outdoor adventure, golf, tennis, circus, diving and rock climbing.
Challenge, Extension and Support
Students learn at different rates and have different strengths, interests and needs.
Our teachers work to provide appropriate challenge, extension and support so that students can make progress and develop confidence as learners.
Extension opportunities, competitions, specialist programmes and enrichment experiences enable students to pursue areas of strength and interest, while learning support is provided for students who require additional assistance.
Preparing Students for What Comes Next
Our curriculum is designed not only for success at Cathedral Grammar, but to prepare students for the next stage of their education and for the world beyond school.
Through strong academic foundations, specialist teaching, leadership opportunities, creativity, critical thinking, collaboration and experiences beyond the classroom, students develop the knowledge, skills and character to approach their future with confidence.
