Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What exactly is Christian Education New Zealand (CENZ)?

It is a self-paced curriculum, for Y1-13, based upon five key principles of learning. These principles are fundamental for learning success and are the essential ingredients in the CENZ programme.

1. A student must be working at a level of curriculum where they can perform.
2. A student must set reasonable goals that they can achieve in a specific period of time.
3. A student must be motivated and managed effectively.
4. A student's learning must be measurable.
5. A student's learning must be rewarded. 

What subjects does it cover?

The CENZ programme covers six core subjects: Maths, English, Wordbuilding, Literature and Creative Writing, Science and Social Studies at primary level, plus Bible and over twenty elective subjects at secondary level.

How does it work?

Each subject is divided into bite-sized, achievable workbooks called PACEs. The PACE is a unit of work that takes two to three weeks to complete depending on the ability of the child.

Each subject consists of 12 PACEs at each level, from Year 1 to Year 13. 

Each PACE has specific learning, goals, objectives and intentions with a variety of learning activities and built in assessments, designed to ensure mastery of learning and to teach students effective learning strategies.  Some courses employ video sessions to enhance the learning process whilst others are supplemented with computer software programmes.

At the end of each PACE a student is required to complete a PACE Test. The student must score a minimum of 80% before being allowed to continue to the next unit of work. 

The PACE forms the basis of the student's learning, from which additional learning activities, projects, assignments, resources and enrichment activities can be built.

While a set procedure for completing a PACE needs to be followed, it by no means limits or restricts the many ways in which this excellent resource can be used to cater for the specific learning style of each child.     

Why does Tyndale Park Christian School use it?

We are a Christian School - and CENZ is a Christian curriculum that is both suitable for school use - and recognised by NZ Universities. 

What is different about CENZ? 

Individualisation: Each child receives a personal Academic Prescription that allows them to progress at their appropriate level and rate of learning.Diagnostic Testing determines the particular learning needs and requirements of each child while the CENZ material allows the parent to give personal and precise assistance where necessary.

Mastery Learning: CENZ provides each child with the opportunity to actually learn the material they are studying. Mastery learning is essential for educational success. A student does not move on to a new concept until they have demonstrated that they have adequately learned the immediate material.

Biblical World View: Biblical principles and concepts are interwoven into all aspects of the curriculum. Each student is taught from a biblical perspective developing critical thinking skills that will enable them to discern what is truly "...the good and acceptable and perfect will of God." (Romans 12:2)

Character Building: The CENZ curriculum presents sixty character traits of Jesus into the curriculum and presents role modeling that promotespersonal integrity and character. This along with the practices and procedures, goal setting and routines, requires both parents and students to develop Godly character.

How does it compare with NCEA/Cambridge?

Apart from the obvious differences mentioned above, CENZdiffers fundamentally from other curriculums in that it is overtly Christian. Other curriculums, while purporting to be 'neutral' all present information from the secular humanist viewpoint or mindset. It is of course, impossible to be 'neutral' - and CENZ is unashamedly Christian. 

Do the Universities recognise it?

YES! The CENZ curriculum has been successfully studied by thousands of students in New Zealand since its introduction in 1977, and today it is used by many thousands of Christian Schools and Home Educators throughout the world. CENZ is a Christian based curriculum that has been recognized by the New Zealand Vice-chancellor's Committee for it's academic excellence. The CENZ Level 3 Academic Certificate is recognised by ALL New Zealand Universities. The New Zealand Vice-Chancellor’s Committee has recognised the CENZ Level 3 Certificate with the following statement:

“This is to certify that the Christian Education New Zealand Level 3 Certificate is accepted by the New Zealand universities for admission ad eundem statum at entrance level. This means that for the purposes of entrance to a university the qualification is deemed to be equivalent to the officially-established minimum common entrance standard in this country.”

Obviously, for entrance to popular courses, the individual's personal grades will be used to select successful candidates. This is the same for all candidates, regardless of the qualification. The CENZ Certificates of Academic Achievement provide entrance qualifications to all institutions throughout NZ. The CENZ Level 3 Certificate is one of only a handful qualifications recognised for entry to NZ Universities. The other examples are: N.C.E.A. Level 3, Cambridge Y13, International Baccalaureate Y13.

Over the years, students from Tyndale have gone on to graduate successfully from Universities and Technical Institutes throughout New Zealand. See the latest one on our home page!