Educational trends come and go but historically, well-tested, knowledge-rich learning bears fruit in every season. It produces young people who can think clearly, reason with intelligence and communicate effectively on a wide range of subjects.
The Altum classical method teaches students to recognise what is true, to appreciate beauty and create it themselves. It inspires them to strive for the highest good, not only for themselves, but for their families, their communities and New Zealand. The method is deliberately challenging. Only through such rigorous learning will students be prepared to make a meaningful and effective contribution to society and the world.
A classical education is built on an interconnected curriculum. Each subject is taught in line with the others, creating a more complete picture of knowledge rather than isolated fragments. The stages of learning build as students move forward.
Words shape thought. By connecting with great texts and discussing them in class, students develop the ability to reason and communicate with precision. This sets them up, not only for academic success, but to become thoughtful and effective members of society.
An Altum education isn’t just about acquiring knowledge, it’s also about cultivating character. Students are encouraged to pursue what is good, true and beautiful. Each year we expect to see growth in the areas of wisdom and responsibility.
Classical education draws from a rich heritage while engaging thoughtfully with the present. Students encounter the great ideas, literature and art that have shaped our culture, learning to appreciate and critique them.
Rather than chasing trends or quick fixes, classical education values depth. Students spend time wrestling with enduring questions and gaining insights that remain relevant across generations. This approach nurtures wisdom and teaches discernment.
Altum Academy is restoring a classical understanding of education; one that recognises that knowledge and virtue are inseparable. We believe truth can be discovered through reason, inquiry and disciplined imagination. This classical approach is thriving in the UK, Australia and the US. It is built upon the seven liberal arts and the great works of literature, history, philosophy and science. We’ve taken the best on offer and crafted a curriculum that is grounded here in Aotearoa New Zealand.
See detailed curriculum
A classical-style education is structured around a three-stage model called the Trivium. In the primary school stage (Grammar), students memorise facts. Students then learn to think critically and debate in the intermediate years (Logic). The last stage (Rhetoric) is learned in high school, when students learn to persuasively articulate arguments.
This is an approach to teaching that builds a foundation of facts and concepts across subjects. The idea is that knowledge is cumulative. Having a broad base of information will enable students to think critically, make connections and engage with complex ideas.
This style of teaching requires a clear and deliberate explanation of what the student needs to learn. It’s a structured, intentional approach where the learning goal is stated, the concept is modelled, practice is guided, understanding is checked, then responsibility released.
This timetable gives you a snapshot of what a typical day might look like at Altum.
Life at Altum extends far beyond books and study. We believe that a well-rounded student thrives in body, mind and spirit. Altum Academy offers a considerable array of athletic and leisure opportunities designed to cultivate teamwork, perseverance and fitness. Games, clubs and sports foster a community spirit, strengthen bonds and give students opportunity for extra-curricular pursuits.
Christian grew up in a rural, farming community and attended a very traditional boarding school, before making the move to Christchurch with his family after finishing school. In Christchurch, he simultaneously pursued an education degree and a sporting career, eventually returning to education in New Zealand after years spent in Scotland, England and South Africa. Christian worked at independent schools in the Far North and Hawke's Bay, before spending nearly six years back in the state sector as a deputy principal. He holds a Bachelor of Education and a Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning from the University of Canterbury and a Master of Secondary School Leadership degree from Victoria University. As a passionate outdoorsman, every available moment is spent in some form of outdoor pursuit - these days, with his two young children.
Dr Johnston was an Associate Dean of Education at Victoria University and is currently leading the education work for the New Zealand Initiative as Senior Fellow. Dr Johnston chaired the Ministerial Advisory Group for Education. He is a member of the advisory group to NZQA and NCEA. He is also a cognitive psychologist with a background in literacy research and educational assessment.
Lorraine Taylor-Tams has over 35 years of education experience; with 20 spent as a primary principal across four diverse New Zealand schools. She advocates for knowledge-rich curricula, explicit teaching, and equitable, “pay-wall free” access to classical learning. She believes schools must redress inequity and asserts that when students have not had the privilege of growing up in print-rich homes, schools must take deliberate action to create future opportunities for all students irrespective of background.
Jonathan Ayling is Executive Director of Altum Academic Charitable Trust. He brings broad leadership and political experience from such roles as CEO of the FSU, ministerial staffer, and senior parliamentary advisor. He writes a weekly NZ Herald column and serves on several boards. Jonathan holds postgraduate qualifications in politics and ethics and lives in the Wairarapa with his family, where they own a commercial vineyard.
If you have a question that isn’t answered in this space, you are welcome to contact us at contact@altum.school.nz
Altum is a school with a classical-style education system that teaches Latin, so it’s fitting that our motto should be in Latin; alta per adua – the high things through the hard things. We believe the great things in life are achieved through hard work and perseverance. A great education is no exception, requiring industry and intellectual challenge.
In Latin, “altum” means both “high” and “deep”. At Altum Academy, responsibility empowers students to become masters of their own fate. They are encouraged to reach for the heights of academic excellence and the depths of good character.
The kārearea (New Zealand falcon) is a native bird with great sight and far-reaching vision. It flies to heights greater than a kilometre and moves with speed and precision. The shield behind it speaks of the solidity of a firm educational foundation. Its boundaries are clear and defined. Above the kārearea is the Southern Cross constellation, a lofty symbol of Aotearoa. Below it is the interlocking ACA monogram.
The kārearea is perched on the motto, reinforcing our belief that the high things are gained through the hard things
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- Plato
