Introducing A.C.E.

The Accelerated Christian Education programme is a total package, self-instructional curriculum covering all grade levels and core subjects from Kindergarten through to Year 13. For over 20 years the A.C.E. curriculum has been successfully used by 1000s of students in NZ. It is now used in over 7,000 Christian schools in over 100 countries as well as being used by 1,000s of homeschooling families.

Each subject is presented in a series of self-instructional workbooks, called PACEs, progressively graduated so that new concepts and truths build upon previously mastered ones. An 80% pass mark is required in each PACE before a student is permitted to proceed to the next PACE. Twelve PACEs represent one year's work in each subject.

Meets Individual Needs

One of the main principles of the A.C.E. curriculum is that students work at their own achievement level and this can differ from subject to subject. On completing diagnostic tests to determine learning gaps and achievement levels, each student is given an individual academic prescription that will meet his individual needs ensuring that he works at his own achievement level. The nature of the curriculum also allows students to work at their own pace according to their own ability. It is able to meet the individual needs of each student.

Mastery Based Learning

Advancement through the A.C.E. programme is attained only through learning. Only when a student has sufficiently mastered the contents of a PACE can he advance to the next PACE in the full scope and sequence curriculum. This usually provides security from failure.

Self-Instructional

The self-instructional design of the curriculum means that the supervisor (teacher) only assists the student as needed. The supervisor is not the 'teacher' but the overseer and motivator of the learning process. This makes it a very suitable curriculum in a homeschool situation where parents may not be 'experts' in every subject.

Character Development

One of the features of the A.C.E. curriculum is that it incorporates character building and wisdom principles. Christian truths and Biblical principles are integrated through all subjects. Each PACE emphasises one of sixty character traits identifiable in the life of Christ and these are reinforced by a Scripture passage.

Secondary Qualification

A.C.E. offers several of its own secondary qualifications based on various credit requirements. The highest of these has been assessed by the NZ Vice Chancellors' Committee and holders are eligible to be considered for admission 'ad eundem statum' (at the same status) at entrance level by a NZ university. A student must complete 12 PACEs per subject commencing at PACE level 1085 to gain a credit towards and A.C.E. Certificate.

Built on Five Basic Laws of Learning

• Students must be placed at the academic level in each subject where they can perform.
• Reasonable goals must be set each school day.
• Students must be controlled and motivated.
• Learning must be measurable.
• Learning must be rewarded.