Local Networking & Services

HOME EDUCATING ON AUCKLAND’S NORTH SHORE & BEYOND

CLASSES > ACTIVITIES > TUITION > SUPPORT

ART

Art with Kate Dunn – Teaching and practical art activities in a relaxed atmosphere; classes for primary aged children. Classes available Thursdays, alongside other HASCA activities, at the North Shore YMCA in Northcote. Contact: Kate Dunn kidsartwithkate@gmail.com, or phone Kate on 416 5349, or 021 046 6831.

Visual Arts with Nina Lawgun – Nina runs various Homeschool Art classes on Auckland’s North Shore for different ages and abilities. These are highly successful classes which have resulted in students obtaining excellence endorsements through NCEA for portfolios completed under Nina’s guidance. Various pathways are available including: NCEA via Te Kura or CENZ credits – discuss your pathway ideas with Nina. Classes are available Thursdays and run alongside other HASCA activities at the North Shore YMCA in Northcote. For more information please visit Beginner/Foundation Art or Senior Art, or email art.englishwithnina@gmail.com

DRAMA

Love Learning Drama – Co-operative theatre, film making, NCEA credit drama programmes, self-confidence building for children age 5 and up. Runs Tuesdays from 9am, at Glenfield War Memorial Hall in Hall Street. Contact: Terry Allen on 413 8168 or 027 482 1581, or email terryallen@xtra.co.nz

Jacqué Mandero, Drama – Homeschool Drama classes, Mondays in Torbay. 10am-11am 5-8yrs, 11am-12pm 9-11yrs, 12:30-2:30pm 12yrs+ Jacque@mandero.com

LANGUAGES

Chinese Language Lessons – Learn Chinese with a professional Chinese language teacher who is also a homeschooling mum. We offer either group classes or private/family lessons to all levels and ages, tailoring lessons to suit your individual needs. Complete beginners are very welcome, as are those wishing to polish up on their fluency. Our teacher, Dr Xiaoying Xu, has taught for over 20 years, published many textbooks and research articles, and was an Associate Professor in Chinese Language Teaching at one of China’s top universities. Contact Xiaoying at 022 1695411 or xuxiaoying69@hotmail.com, or see http://www.chinese4all.co.nz/ for more information.

LITERATURE

English, Literature, & Composition classes with Nina Lawgun – Nina runs various Homeschool Literature and Composition classes on Auckland’s North Shore for various ages at different locations. Classes are based at the North Shore YMCA and run alongside many other classes and activities for homeschooled students as part of the HASCA Hub. Nina has a flexible and encouraging approach to teaching. Her student support and time investment speaks of her passion to helping teens succeed. Nina has been offering classes to homeschool teens for many years now with excellent outcomes. She is well versed with Te Kura, CENZ and other pathways and able to discuss your learning needs. For more information please visit: Homeschool English Classes with Nina or email art.englishwithnina@gmail.com.

NCEA Level 2 English Course with Angie Fraser – Class tuition, up to 6 students, 15 years and older (or competent 14 year old writers!) undertaking NCEA Level 2 English. Ideal for, but not limited to, students enrolled with Te Kura. Angie Fraser has several years’ experience tutoring small groups of secondary students (including her own daughters) with excellent feedback. She is not a qualified secondary English teacher but does have a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and ESL tutoring qualifications. Angie is a kind, caring, and patient teacher. Why NCEA Level Two? NCEA Level 2 English is the minimum literacy standard required for University Entrance. This course will equip students to achieve the 5 Reading Credits and the 5 Writing Credits required for UE Literacy either through internal assessments (not exams) or a combination of external exams and internal assessments. It will give a very solid foundation for NCEA Level 3 studies. Contact Angie Fraser via ninx@xtra.co.nz or call her on 09-4440758.

NCEA Exam Technique Class for NCEA with Angie Faser – While this class will focus on a literature essay for the external exam at NCEA 1 level, the study and exam techniques covered should be relevant for any written examination. So even if you don’t intend to take NCEA study any further, it’s still a great chance to practice sitting a lower-level exam in a relatively non-threatening way. Along with Literature essay writing, we will cover: How to take study notes, Creating a revision document to study, What to memorize and how, What to focus on, How to select and approach an exam question, Creating an outline on the day, and more. Contact Angie Fraser via ninx@xtra.co.nz or call her on 09-4440758.

MARTIAL ARTS

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MUSIC

Homeschool Harmonies Singing Group (Choir) – The Homeschool Singing Group meet weekly on a Friday in Glenfield, on Auckland’s North Shore. The choir is run by talented singer and homeschooling mum, Lisa Dew. Please visit HASCA’s website for more information about this wonderful opportunity or to contact Lisa. A choir will also be offered in Orewa from term 1 2020.

Private Beginner (to grade 5) Piano Lessons – Students will learn classical piano style, with the aim being to teach students to read music and correct techniques so they can access music on their own in the future. Piano is both an intellectual and physical activity, and (as with any sport, instrument, subject etc.) practice is essential in order to make progress. Exam preparation available for students wanting to pursue it. Lessons available in Northcote on Saturdays. Visit: http://scherzopiano.weebly.com/. Contact: Sarah on 027 941 0414 or sarahlouisegibbs@gmail.com

Junior Group Keyboard & Musicianship – Students will work in groups (minimum 3; maximum 4) to play listening & music reading games and learn early keyboard skills on roll-out desktop keyboards. This class is aimed at introducing children aged around 6-8 years to musicianship and keyboard skills in a less structured way within a group setting. Regular practice is still strongly encouraged at this level, as children will be learning a short tune every week. Available, Saturdays in Northcote. Visit: http://scherzopiano.weebly.com/ Contact: Sarah on 027 941 0414 or sarahlouisegibbs@gmail.com

Glenfield Music Centre (GMC) – is a government-funded, community music centre. GMC aim is to provide children with the opportunity to develop their musical potential in an inspirational, affordable community environment. They provide lessons for various musical instruments including bassoon, violin, flute, oboe, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, cello, clarinet, viola and recorder. Visit: http://www.glenfieldmusic.co.nz.

Bays Music Centre – offers affordable instrument hire to children in the North Shore community. They keep their prices low to support and encourage the love of music in children. Visit: http://baysmusic.co.nz/

Belmont Music Centre – provides lessons and music theory to students at affordable prices. For more information, please visit http://www.belmontmusic.org.nz.

Birkdale North Music Centre – is a government-funded, community music centre. Classes held at Birkdale North Primary School on Saturday mornings for all children from school year 1 to year 8. Lessons are provided for recorder, keyboard, violin, cello, guitar, flute, clarinet, oboe, trombone, trumpet and saxophone. Visit: http://www.birkdalenorthmusic.nz/

Piano Fun Music School – specialises in fun, professional lessons tailored to the individual. Providing piano and violin lessons – to children of all ages – so that they can establish their own love of music and music making. Based in Torbay, North Shore. For more information, email: Sherryl-Lee Ward at pianofun@vodafone.co.nz, or 021 279 9271, or via Facebook.

Scherzo – is a private music school operating in Auckland: North Shore and Central. Their aim is to make learning music fun, whilst developing a solid musical foundation. Multiple instruments and syllabuses taught. Practical lessons are one-to-one. Locations: Long Bay, Westlake, Glenfield, Mt. Eden, and Mt. Wellington or your own home by arrangement. Instruments offered in 2018: piano, guitar, drums, ukulele, voice, flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, recorder, saxophone, violin, viola, cello and trombone. Group theory and aural classes on a Saturday morning. Beginners welcome + adult students welcome. For more information on teachers and pricing, visit www.scherzo.co.nz or email enquiries@scherzo.co.nz

ROBOTICS

Free Range Robotics 2921 – Robotics Cub for homeschooled students aged 13 years and over, based on the North Shore. Meets regularly and competes. For more information email: freerangerobotics@gmail.com or visit http://www.freerangerobotics.org.nz/

SCIENCE

Science for Home Educators – was founded by Nathalie Thomas (a home educating mum) in May 2009. She found that a lot of home educating families find it difficult to offer their children science programmes, especially when they reach their teens. Nathalie’s science courses and resources are based on the New Zealand curriculum and have a secular point of view. There is a focus on the chemical and physical sciences. Nathalie has a Master’s degree in Chemistry and a diploma of teaching (secondary) from Auckland College of Education. She has taught science, chemistry, physics and mathematics in New Zealand secondary schools for over 10 years. Nathalie retired from teaching eight years ago and has since been home educating her two sons in the Bay of Plenty. For more information, visit www.science-for-home-educators.co.nz.

SharperThinker – Sophia Sharpe and her family offer hands on learning kits which help you extend your child’s learning and spark their interest in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math). http://www.sharperthinker.co.nz or sharperthinker@gmail.com or find “SharperThinker” on Facebook

Homeschool Kits – So many lovely things to buy but we are all on limited budgets! Why not hire? Homeschool Kits hire quality educational kits out to fellow homeschoolers. You can hire Lego and K’nex education sets, robots, Matador and all manner of science kits from them at a fraction of the cost it would be to buy them. They also have maths kits and are developing history and english resources. Visit: www.homeschoolkits.co.nz or email: homeschoolkits@gmail.com.

SEWING

Sew Inspired – Lynn-Marie offers a range of classes: Beginners: Machine & Hand Sewing, Creative Craft & Accessories. Intermediate: Machine Sewing, Clothing, Craft & Dolls Clothes. Advanced Machine Sewing: Commercial Patterns. Classes are held in Torbay. Contact: Lynn-Marie Young, phone 473 3990, or email sewinspired@xtra.co.nz, or visit: www.sewinspired.co.nz.

SPORTS

Homeschool Sports & Athletics Programme @ AUT Millennium – This comprehensive sports programme runs weekly on a Monday in term time during terms 1 and 4. AUT Millennium’s fantastic sports facility is situated at 17 Antares Pl, Mairangi Bay, on Auckland’s North Shore (close to Constellation Dr. motorway on ramp). The programme includes a variety of sports, athletics and water activities – a new learning opportunity each week – a varied programme each term. Home educated aged between 5 and 17 years are welcome to participate. This is a popular programme so please do wait list your child! For more information, please contact Sharon. Thank you.

Homeschool Swimming or ‘Learn to Swim’ Programme @ AUT Millennium – The Homeschool (Millennium) Swimming Programme is open to swimmers aged 5 – 18 years, all levels: absolute beginners, intermediate through to advanced swimmers, plus a Development Squad! Swimming runs weekly on a Monday, all terms, at AUT Millennium, 17 Antares Place, Mairangi Bay, on Auckland’s North Shore (close to Constellation Dr. motorway on ramp). All swimmers are assessed prior to placement. For more information, please contact the programme coordinator, Sharon. Thank you.

HASCA Netball and Basketball – HASCA offers home educated children opportunities to play various team sports annually, including: netball, basketball, 3X3, and when available hockey, touch rugby, and many other sports. Contact HASCA.

Dolphinz Basketball Club – David and his lovely wife Lynette homeschooled their six children (now grown) and were involved in Homeschool Basketball and HASCA for many years. David now runs a community basketball club which offers a linkage to adult basketball … suiting players from 14/15yrs up the club is based at the NZ Breakers facility and new members are always welcome. David also runs Dolphinz Pupz programme for youngsters on Saturday mornings. Details can be found at www.dolphinzbasketball, or call David Thomas on 0274 742 667.

YMCA Homeschool Gymnastics – Y-Gymnastics for homeschooled children 4-12yrs, Tuesday, 1.00-2.00pm

YMCA Homeschool Basketball Skills Programme – Running in excess of ten years; this programme is excellent! It caters for students 5-17yrs. Senior & Int. coaching is at 1:00pm; Junior at 2:00pm. Thursdays at YMCA Northcote. Terms 1, 2, 3 & 4.

YMCA North Shore @ 5 Akoranga Drive, Northcote is a long-time supporter of our home educating community. Current activities include Homeschool Gymnastics, KiwiSports, and Basketball Skills Programme. They also generously host our valued resource, the HASCA Homeschool Library, plus some of our week-day classes.

Tennis – Classes available for homeschooled students – contact Gavin Hill at the Glenfield Tennis Club.

OTHER

Auckland Challenge Inc. – are the leading accredited provider of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award in the Auckland region. Our point of difference is we coordinate the whole Award: Physical, Skills, Service, and Adventurous Journey Training. But we don’t stop there. We travel all over New Zealand undertaking, practise and assessment expeditions in the bush, mountains trails, rivers and sea at all levels of The Award. Visit: http://www.aucklandchallenge.org.nz/ or contact Kathryn or Gemma at admin@aucklandchallenge.org.nz.

Critical Thinking/Philosophy – Improve your skills in thinking clearly, communicating ideas and spotting bad reasoning. What’s more, research shows that those who study critical thinking also make significant gains in both maths and English. (And it’s also lots of fun!) We offer either group classes or private/family lessons to primary-aged children upwards, tailoring lessons to suit your individual needs. Essay writing and/or literature study is also offered to seniors. Our teacher, Glenn Riseborough, is a full-time stay-at-home homeschooling dad who previously spent 15 years at university and has majors/specialities in maths, philosophy, ethics, psychology and ESOL teaching. Contact Glenn at g_mr@email.com, see http://www.chinese4all.co.nz/ for more information, or catch up with Glenn at one of the many local homeschooling activities.

Conscious Kids Nature Play – A nature-based programme for homeschoolers. Visit Conscious Kids

Equine Studies – Home educated horse lovers, aged 9-15. Students need to be able to write. These classes will cover topics such as horse breeds, equine anatomy, riding gear, the horse in motion etc. For older students (12+) there is the opportunity to receive HSNZ/CENZ credits. Please contact Kate on 021 046 6831 or email: highschoolequinenz@gmail.com.

Homeschool Subjects and Information – Dorinda Duthie is a former homeschooling mum, a NZ qualified primary school teacher and has done the training to be a SPELD tutor. She currently works from home teaching remedial reading and maths on an individual basis to a wide range of students. Dorinda runs seminars in her home about teaching maths, reading, written language etc. These seminars cost $8 per person. She is also available to meet with parents who are preparing an exemption application to discuss suitable resources to use with their children. There is a charge of $35 per hour for this service. The resources suggested are appropriate for children aged 5 -12 years or older children who are having difficulty with any of the basic subjects. Dorinda can be contacted by phone 4806878 or email jduthie@xtra.co.nz

Kiwi Kids News is a safe, education and informative news website specifically designed for New Zealand schools, students, and teachers (or homeschooling parents!). It delivers top news articles in a kid-friendly way! KKN also produce a weekly news quiz, a homework booklet for each term and a weekly feature article. For more information, visit: www.kiwikidsnews.co.nz

South Auckland HHQ – Kate Dunn provides a selection of classes and activities each term for homeschooled children, weekly in Takanini. INFO or contact Kate Dunn on 021 046 6831, or email Kate.

Orewa HHQ – Kate Dunn provides a selection of classes and activities each term for homeschooled children, weekly in Orewa. INFO or contact Kate Dunn on 021 046 6831, or email Kate.

The Homeschool Group – provides a huge selection of classes and activities for homeschooled children of all ages. Meets weekly on Thursdays in Massey. Market days and events offered each term. https://www.thehomeschoolgroup.co.nz/

SUPPORT NETWORKS > CONTACTS

NATIONAL

National Council of Home Educators New Zealand (NCHENZ) – was set up in 1998 for the purpose of advancing the cause of home education in NZ at a national level. NCHENZ is free to join and their website of full of useful ‘need to know’ information for new and experienced home educators. Membership enables home educators to access discounted subscriptions to various educational programmes. www.nchenz.org.nz

NORTH SHORE GROUPS

Homeschool Auckland Sport & Cultural Association (HASCA) – that’s us! Uniting and supporting homeschooling families through sporting and educational opportunities, activities and events! http://www.hascaNZ.org

Shore Home Educators Network (SHEnet) – is not a ‘physical’ group but an online point of contact for Shore home educators. SHENET operates via a Google group https://groups.google.com/u/1/g/shenethomeschool and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/shenet/. Picnic gatherings are scheduled from time-to-time at various locations on Auckland’s North Shore. Email queries to: shenet.homeschool@gmail.com

Shore Café Nights – NOT RUNNING CURRENTLY Café nights are a great place to meet other Shore home educators. There is generally a theme to guide group discussion, but plenty of informal catch up too. Café Nights run February to December, on the first Thursday of each month, from 7pm at McDonalds Albany (behind the Warehouse). See SHEnet for advertisements or just come along on the 1st Thursday on any month!

Homeschool Social for North Shore Auckland – A Facebook group to share info about homeschool social events, gatherings, meet-ups based on the North Shore. www.facebook.com/groups/1022135994503948/

AUCKLAND GROUPS & SUPPORT

Auckland Home Educators (AHE) – AHE’s role is to help and support families in the Auckland region who have chosen to home educate. AHE maintain a solid working relationship with Government, helping to protect your right to home educate. AHE also offer exemption application support, provide student I.D. cards, and more. It also organises events such as the Science Fair, Art Fair and Cross-Country Run. For more info, check out www.aucklandhomeeducators.org.nz

Auckland South Home Educators, groups.yahoo.com/group/ashe

Auckland Unschoolers, groups.yahoo.com/group/aucklandunschoolers

East Auckland Home Educators, groups.yahoo.com/group/eahssg

Franklin Homeschool Group, groups.yahoo.com/group/FranklinHomeschoolGroup

Franklin Homeschool Support Group, franklinnewzealandhomeeducators.wordpress.com

Homeschool Outings, Auckland- activities include outings to Ruapehu, Sonshine Ranch, and classes at Snowplanet, Mindlab, St John’s www.facebook.com/pages/Homeschool-Outings-Auckland-Area/564452223587580?fref=ts

Homeschool Sports Auckland South, www.sites.google.com/a/nski.co.nz/homeschool-sports-auckland-south

Manukau Home School Support Group, groups.yahoo.com/group/ManukauHomeSchoolSupport

Rodney Hibiscus Coast Home Educators, groups.yahoo.com/group/RodneyHE

www.facebook.com/groups/Rodneyhomeeducators/

The Homeschool Group – is a Massey-based group providing activities for children of all ages. www.thehomeschoolgroup.co.nz

South Auckland HHQ with Kate Dunn email.

South Auckland Home Educators, southaucklandhomeeducators.wordpress.com

Waiheke Island, contact drsrandsfarrant@gmail.com

Waitakere Homeschool Group, www.waitakerehomeschool.co.nz

West Auckland Christian Homeschool Group, contact mmlawton@gmail.com

West Auckland Natural Learners/Unschoolers, www.facebook.com/groups/WestAKLunschool

NORTHLAND GROUPS & SUPPORT