One of the philosophical arguments struck a particularly deep chord with her: that education should be challenging. Jane was grateful to be gifted a motto by a Catholic priest which reflected this notion perfectly: “Alta per ardua” – the high things through the difficult things.  

Jane also received inspiration from observing evidence-based academic approaches both within New Zealand and internationally which were resulting in extremely positive outcomes. She quickly gained support for her concept of a school from principal Lorraine Taylor-Tams, local accountant Ben Shaw, public commentator Jonathan Ayling and policy expert, Dr Michael Johnston. Jane was delighted that Dr Michael Johnston, one of the educationalists she had been inspired by, accepted her invitation to be Chair. She established Altum Academic Charitable Trust, the purposes and aims of which are outlined as follows:

The Altum Academic Charitable Trust has been established to support the development of academic excellence for students via a knowledge rich, prescribed, explicitly taught curriculum. The trust also seeks to elevate and grow good character within a supportive and nurturing environment based on traditional Christian values and principles.  

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Alongside explicit teaching of the core academic subjects, and no/low device use, Latin and Te Reo were key components of the educational concept. Latin is a key to the door of the English language; it is the next step after phonics in the continuing systematic study of English. It provides the root words for all of the modern sciences; the language of law, government, logic and theology. Latin is a missing element in modern education, doing for the language side of the curriculum what maths does for science, and is the language of western civilisation - the mother tongue. Te Reo, being the indigenous language of our nation, is a cultural asset and the obvious choice for a second language, the academic benefits of which include improved cognitive function and problem-solving skills. Jane’s vision from inception was for a joining together of the cultures; a school and nation in which our Western culture is celebrated and revered alongside our Māori culture.    

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Jane and the other founding members are very grateful to numerous people within the Wellington community and beyond who provided support and assistance that contributed greatly to the application being successful.

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