Question: I don't want my children 'protected from the real world' so why would I send them to Hebron? Answer: This 'real world' attitude is like teaching your child to swim by throwing them into a lake and yelling "now swim!" Some will learn to swim but common sense tells you that it is a risky way to teach swimming. Amazingly, some parents are willing to take the same sort of risk with their child's spiritual and intellectual development. Normally these parents have the attitude that "I survived," and they frequently ask themselves if their schooling make them confident and equipped to lead or even live as a Christian. Any child development expert will tell you that until the child is morally mature, they are extremely vulnerable to 'external influences'. Schools are a place of moulding and forming. Like it or not, our kids are 'conformed' to other students, their teachers and the school philosophy. There is no such thing as a neutral education, even if the school thinks that they are providing one. At Hebron we inspire students to conform to Christ.
Question: How does a medium-sized Christian school get such good academic results?
Answer: Hebron's academic record has been phenomenal and a credit to all of the teachers involved. Reproducible academic excellence is the combination of many factors including excellent teachers, educational methodology, a curriculum based on a biblical worldview and low student to teacher ratios. However, academic excellence at Hebron is also attributed to the fact that we recognize the "whole child" is developing, including moral awareness and an active spirituality. This holistic teaching methodology is a significant factor and is not offered at your local public school.
Question: Is Hebron some kind of elitist school for rich kids?
Answer: This is a legitimate concern to voice, but not valid for Hebron. Hebron students come from a wide range of socio-economic backgrounds and many parents make significant sacrifices so that they can afford to send their children to the school. In comparison to most other schools, Hebron embraces the diversity present in all schools, with a common bond of Christian principles and values.
Question: I believe that my kids will grow spiritually stronger if they are educated in a non-Christian school. Wouldn't you agree?
Answer: While it is true that we all grow through trials, it is very naive to believe that Christian schools do not offer these same opportunities for growth. In reality our classrooms and playgrounds offer ample opportunity for challenging relationship and personal development. For example, we cannot eliminate bullying but we do handle it with Christian principles that most often significantly reduce its frequency and intensity.
Question: I am prepared to spend the 'big bucks' and send my child to one of the more expensive private schools. These schools cost more so they must be better...?
Answer: The "you get what you pay for" argument, in many cases is absolutely true! There are some excellent private and public schools in Auckland and they can provide a very good education for your children. In fact, Hebron has an excellent record for placement of students into other high quality schools. We would, however, remind you of the following issues: a) many of these schools, although once overtly Christian, are now known for their academic results and not for their Christian teaching (this is a result of having to cater to an increasingly secular cliental); b) these schools are targets for a very diverse group of students, with all of the associated issues so well publicized in the newspaper; and c) although it is dangerous to compare average results, it has to be said that Hebron's academic results now exceed almost all of these other private and public schools. So simply stated, why pay the 'big bucks'?
Question: What are the Christian principles and values that the School teaches?
Answer: Hebron has identified the following key character traits and values, that are included in the educational curriculum: integrity, humility, fidelity, courage, temperance, justice, servant leadership, patience, fairness, encouragement, nurturance, industry, simplicity, modesty, human dignity, service, quality, excellence and the Golden Rule. These character traits cannot be caught from one hour at Sunday but must be consistently and continuously modelled at home and at school. This takes time and energy and at Hebron the principles are reinforced through the consistent and daily example provided by teachers, staff and other Christian students.
Question: What flavour of Christianity are we talking about?
Answer: Hebron is a non-denominational Christian Education provider and as such we focus on the foundational principles of a relationship with God. This means teaching biblical truth about God's plan of salvation and the value He places on each child, God-given principles for living, service to the community and an understanding of our contribution to the kingdom of God. Hebron does this through teaching a biblical belief system and the character building principles, mentioned above, in a Christian educational curriculum.
Question: When will Hebron start a Year 13 (Form 7) class?
Answer: Hebron will provide a Year 13 class, starting in 2006. This has been done at the request of parents who were previously faced with the choice of pulling their children out of Hebron at Year 10 or Year 12. This new change allows for a complete 'school life' at Hebron, including the schooling years where Hebron has shown its ability to encourage students to their full potential and obtain excellence in NCEA exams.
Question: What is Hebron's commitment to NCEA?
Answer: Hebron provides an education that uses the State curriculum framework but which teaches from a Christian worldview. An awareness of God and His dealings with mankind permeates every subject. Secondary school students study for the national NCEA examinations and Hebron is committed to NCEA. We have been actively involved at NCEA Levels 1 and 2 as they have been rolled out and some of our teachers act as supervisors and coaches in the training of other NCEA teachers. The point here is that we are not some isolated Christian island but instead are an educational powerhouse that is raising up the next generation of children to lead New Zealand, using Christ as a model.
For further information:
If you would like more information about the school then please contact as follows:
Hebron Christian College
1 McLean Street, Mt Albert
PO Box 77-105, Auckland
Ph/fax: (09) 846 2159
Email: admin@hebron.ac.nz
Website: www.hebron.ac.nz