The George Street Normal School pupils recently won International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS) gold medals for gaining the top marks in New Zealand for their respective examinations.
Tarn Elder (8) won one for year 4 digital technology, his big sister Beth (10) won one for year 6 English, Emma Walker (10) won one for year 5 spelling, and Conor Kerr (9) won one for year 5 mathematics, after scoring 39 out of 40.
They were in no doubt their successes had impressed their proud parents, but the big question was whether it had impressed Santa.
"Let’s hope so," Beth said.
Acting deputy principal and advanced learning teacher Keith Mulholland said it was rare for a school to receive so many gold medals in one year.
He said it was also noteworthy that two of this year’s medals went to siblings Tarn and Beth Elder.
Some may conclude there is something in the water at George Street Normal School which makes them all so smart, but Emma said it was pure diligence.
"It’s because we studied hard for the ICAS exam and it’s something that we’ve practised lots."
Mr Mulholland said their teachers could take some of the credit because they were stretching the pupils academically.
"All four medal winners have come through the school’s models classes — set up to emulate a country school situation, with a year 1-3 class and a year 4-6 class.
"The results are fantastic."
Thousands of school pupils across New Zealand and Australia participated in this year’s online ICAS digital technologies, science, spelling bee, English and mathematics examinations.
They are designed to recognise academic excellence, and pupils are assessed on their ability to apply classroom learning to new contexts using higher-order thinking and problem-solving skills.
