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New Zealand, Christchurch
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Founded in 1929. In 1921, parents and educators were inspired by Charlotte Mason's educational philosophy. Queen Philippa's School reopened as Selwyn House P.N.E.U. School in 1929, initially enrolling seven boys and 51 girls. The school offered a broad curriculum with specialist staff in musical appreciation, art, and voice production, and catered for girls from six to 18 years old and boys up to nine. Since 2008, the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme has been offered; today the school is an all-girls full primary school (Years 1–8) with a co-educational pre-school, continuing to nurture intellectual, emotional and personal growth.
Selwyn House has a welcoming, active community that includes the Board of Trustees, the Alumni Association, the Selwyn House Parents' Association (SHPA), current pre-school and school families, and staff. SHPA and the school coordinate through events and newsletters that share news and opportunities to engage with school life. The community is strengthened by alumni connections and parent involvement that support the school's culture.
Selwyn House Parents' Association (SHPA) is part of the NZPTA. Its main goal is to encourage parent involvement and participation to help all children develop their talents, self-esteem and character. Throughout the year SHPA hosts events that promote positive relationships, strengthen friendships, and foster support within the community and beyond; popular annual events include the Carnival, Breakfasts, School Disco, and Parents' Quiz Nights. The SHPA Committee is made up of current parents who aim to strengthen relationships between parents, teachers and students and support fundraising and friendship-building. Meetings are open to join; for more information please email shpa@selwynhouse.school.nz.
Selwyn House School is an International Baccalaureate World School delivering the Primary Years Programme from Pre-school to Year 8. It combines a co-educational pre-school with a girls' independent full primary school. The curriculum integrates academics with specialist programmes in STEM, the arts, sports, and leadership development, fostering inquiry-based learning, critical thinking, and a global perspective. The Primary Years Programme uses a Programme of Inquiry organized around six transdisciplinary themes: Who we are; Where we are in time and place; How the world works; How we express ourselves; How we organise ourselves; Sharing the planet. Learning emphasizes small class sizes, personalised support, and a scaffolded approach across year levels, with specialist subjects across the year groups. Founded in 1929, Selwyn House offers a continuum from Pre-school to Year 8. Facilities include a heated pool, Technology Hub, Mechatronics, Food Technology, Visual Arts, Music and Spanish classrooms, library, Performing Arts Centre, and pre-school.
