Your first step for home educating your child is to obtain an exemption from enrollment for every child 6 years and older. It is quite an exercise on your part but it is worth it! In fact you will receive $371.50 following your first 6 months of schooling and every 6 months thereafter totaling $743.00 per year. For a second child you will receive $632 per year, $521 for a third child and $372 for four children or more. You will need to obtain an information pack from the Ministry of Education, which can be achieved by contacting the ministry http://www.minedu.govt.nz/index.cfm?layout=document&documentid=5908&indexid=2107      

• It is recommended that you include as much detail as possible in your application.  A basic form of the “Scope and Sequence” is included on the website which gives detailed explanations of each subject at each level.

• Your child’s application will need to include Mathematics, English, Social Studies, Science, Word Building, Literature and Creative Writing.

• Make mention that the programme includes New Zealand curriculum.

• If the child is at the secondary level he must do typing, plus electives such as a Bible study, a foreign language, health, nutrition, art, music, history or computer studies. You may also include the fact that the curriculum offers video course work and computer software options.

• Under technology you may include a sample project plan. 

• The public library or the library of a home-schooling group should provide a variety of resources that will help you to broaden the content of your application.

• You will want to research the many activities offered in your community and through the various home-schooling groups and then include all of the possible activities that you are hoping to get involved in (like art, science experiments or exhibitions, drama, music, sports, swimming lessons or woodworking) in the form.

• Also include visiting other families, church and youth group, field trips or social activities.

• Physical and social activities are important for home-educated children so remember to especially plan for both.

We have a big advantage in the category of assessment. The A.C.E. program provides a good scoring system with regular “check ups,” which are small quizzes, at the end of each section of work, and a self-test at the end of the book. If the self-test shows a passing grade above 90% the child is allowed to progress to the PACE test, which has been kept out of sight of the child. The child must then achieve a score of 80% or higher to move on to the next PACE.  In the exemption form, you will need to explain that your child’s tests will be sent to Auckland Christian College and a report will be issued for each term’s work.

• When explaining your routine plan, it is recommended that the subjects are done in the order of Mathematics, English, Social Studies, Science, Word Building and Literature, with 10 minute breaks every hour.

• Your schedule should begin by at least 9:00 and younger children are normally finished with the basics in the morning, which leaves time for the extracurricular activities in the afternoon.

• If you have an older child, it is recommended that you include your goal of obtaining a year 11, 12 or 13 Certificate in the form. 

• You may also state that you will be following the New Zealand A.C.E. Academic Certificate Guidelines.

Prayer is the most important step to success for you and your child, so don’t forget to pray about this exemption, too!