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.
Bachelor of Arts (Mathematics), Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning (Mathematics, English)
I come from a twenty-year background in education, with around twelve years in teaching, mostly mathematics and eight years working in the education technology sector, in a mix of middle and senior management roles.
During my time teaching mathematics, I have been involved in many extension programs, coaching winning teams for Cantamath (The Christchurch version of Mathswell) and preparing students for Scholarship Calculus and Statistics.
I also have a love of literature and have enjoyed having the chance to teach English at Altum for the first time in my career.
Bachelor of Arts (History/Education), Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning (Social Science & Geography)
This is my 15th year in the classroom teaching both sciences and social sciences. I’ve taught an incredibly diverse student population at a wide spectrum of schools in different modalities in my home in Alaska, Colorado and Washington, D.C.
I love how students with different backgrounds and with different skill sets and different neurology can all contribute to creating a cohesive classroom culture. Combining their unique experiences with mine allows us to establish an environment that sparks curiosity in all of us.
I am excited to bring both my pedagogy and my paradigm to Altum Classical Academy.
Bachelor of Theology (Hons), Bachelor of Arts, Clinical Pastoral Education Certificate, Playcentre Early Childhood Education Certificate (Course Three)
I find real joy in teaching Latin in an environment like Altum, that provides both nurture and challenge to each student.
I have a Bachelor of Theology with First Class Honours in Biblical Studies and a Bachelor of Arts in Classical Studies from Otago University. In both degrees I focused the most on the languages: Hebrew, Ancient Greek (Classical & Biblical), and Latin.
Previously I have worked in Early Childhood Education, for Playcentre Aotearoa; and in adult education, coordinating and teaching in St. John’s Theological College’s distance learning programme. I am an Anglican priest, and I hold a Clinical Pastoral Education certificate.
I have also worked in survivor advocacy and redress design in response to the Royal Commission on Abuse in Care, for both state and faith-based institutions.
Bachelor of Arts (Te Reo Māori and Māori Studies)
I am a Māori cultural advisor and educator who has been teaching Māori language, custom and performing arts for over a decade. I enjoy helping students build confidence in te reo Māori and create engaging learning experiences that deepen their understanding of Māori culture. I value Altum’s commitment to high expectations, meaningful learning, and supporting every student to achieve their best.
Bachelor of Arts (English Literature, Political Science, Media Studies), Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning (Secondary), Graduate Diploma in Second Language Education, Cert TESOL
I am a Wellington-born and raised secondary school teacher with over a decade of ESL teaching experience across diverse age groups and cultural backgrounds from Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, Europe, and Africa.
Currently, I serve as a Literacy Specialist Teaching Assistant and Relief Teacher at Altum Classical Academy, providing targeted literacy intervention and cross-curricular support. I specialise in scaffolding complex texts, differentiated assessment, and multimodal literacy instruction that honours students' mana while building English confidence.
I thrive in Altum's classical education environment, where rich discourse and the trivium approach aligns with my commitment to developing confident critical thinkers.
Bachelor of Fine Arts (Graphic Design)
My family and I recently moved from Christchurch to Wellington to be part of the exciting endeavour of establishing Altum Classical Academy. We have enjoyed settling into our new home and particularly appreciate the beautiful bush and native birdlife on our doorstep.
Coming from a background in graphic design, I spent the past several years homeschooling my three children while travelling extensively around New Zealand in our caravan. I value the opportunity to get to know our students and assist families with their administrative needs. It is a joy and privilege to be part of the Altum Classical Academy community.
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
Choosing a school is one of the most significant decisions you will make for your child so to aid you in your decision-making, here is the Altum Information Pack. Inside, you’ll find more about:
Download your pack now and join our mailing list to receive all the latest news and updates about our school.
- Plato
