About Us | ACG Sunderland

Inspiring Students to Reach Their Full Potential with Exceptional Learning and Strong Values

Welcome to our high-achieving, close-knit community. At ACG Sunderland, students from Preschool to Year 13 receive an outstanding education and enriching development opportunities in the classroom and beyond. Our educational philosophy centres around a strong values system, and our motto is 'aspire, succeed, respect'.

Our school inspires students to be the very best they can be: Exceptional learning is at the heart of everything we do. Hand-picked, high-quality teachers motivate students with a personalised approach to education within a nurturing and supportive environment, helping them attain personal and academic excellence.

A Word from Our Principal

It is my pleasure to welcome you to ACG Sunderland. We offer a supportive environment where each child is encouraged and challenged to reach their full academic and personal potential.

As Principal, I am proud of the School’s development since its inception in 2007.

Our core focus is on teaching and learning. At the same time, we recognise that it is important for students to have a balanced and holistic experience during their time here. Sports, culture, music and leadership opportunities are activities that all our students are warmly encouraged to participate in.

I look forward to meeting with you and assisting in planning your child’s education at ACG Sunderland.

Nathan Villars, Principal

Our Educational Philosophy and Values

ACG Sunderland is passionate about delivering an outstanding education underpinned by traditional values and standards. We provide exceptional learning and development opportunities inside and outside the classroom and make sure each of our students is nurtured and supported with strong pastoral care.

Our philosophy is also about welcoming international students into our school, as this contributes to a high level of diversity in our student body and enriches the education of both domestic and international students.

Our vision is to foster a clarity of purpose in each student to achieve their full potential. 'Aspire, succeed, respect' is our motto and the Sunderland Way encompasses the 6 key values taught and lived at ACG Sunderland: Respect, Confidence, Enthusiasm, Loyalty, Service and Determination.

In our school, students will be prepared for a lifetime of learning, equipped with the academic, sporting and cultural skills they need to become balanced and independent individuals in a globalised world.

Sunderland on Service

Service is one of the cornerstone values of an ACG Sunderland education. Our student leadership team in Primary and College motivates the whole school to work towards meaningful projects and organises service and charity events each year. These events get the whole school working together towards a common goal that benefits the school or the wider community. Past events have included students washing police vehicles, writing letters to Starship Hospital patients, fundraising for the Primary school gardens and fundraising for Westpac Rescue Helicopter.

An International Curriculum for World-Class Results

All ACG Schools offer the Cambridge International Curriculum.

Cambridge International is globally recognised and accepted by universities in New Zealand and worldwide, and the world-class syllabus focuses on the skills students will need to thrive in the modern world. Flexible, challenging and inspiring, this curriculum is international in philosophy and approach but can be tailored to local contexts.

The Cambridge curriculum sets a global standard for education, providing our students with an informed curiosity and a lasting passion for learning, that will empower them with the skills they need to excel at university and in their future careers. The Cambridge International Curriculum has seen our students accepted at top universities in New Zealand and around the world.

ERO Report

The Education Review Office (ERO) is the government department that evaluates and reports on the education and care of children and young people in early childhood services and schools. Most recently, ERO has reported on ACG Sunderland in 2019.

Some of the highlights of this report include:

The general instructional mode of teaching suits the school’s strong academic focus and is complemented by the fostering of students’ self-efficacy and ownership of their own learning.
ERO observed positive, highly focused, and well-managed classrooms throughout the school. The school’s achievement information indicates high levels of student achievement across the Cambridge International Examination (CIE) system.
The school is committed to appointing well-qualified teachers with expertise in their specialist areas. ACG and school leaders maintain rigorous quality assurance of staff performance and professional growth.
High expectations of staff and students generate a highly focused learning environment. This reflects the school’s goal of fostering in each student a clarity of purpose to achieve their full potential.

Read the full report here.

Learn how we can make a difference to your child's future, with our exceptional, student-focused education.

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