What's the difference between a 'Grammar School' a 'Normal School' and 'High School'?

Question

In Dunedin we have Normal Schools (Eg. George Street Normal). We don't have Grammar schools, but I know they do in Auckland. We have regular High Schools.

What's the difference between the three?

Thanks

Answer 1

in new zealand what americans call high school we call college Normal and  grammer is the same as college just with grammer/normal in the name

Answer 2

There are actually historic reasons for why “Normal” is used in regards to schooling in NZ. The word “normal” or “model” is a school which was built to provide a normal or model environment for teacher trainees to learn from experienced teachers in a classroom environment. Hence why “normal” schools tend to be associated with a nearby/on site teachers training college.

For instance, Karori West Normal School in Wellington describes itself this way “As a Normal school, we provide the Wellington College of Education with an environment in which student teachers can observe good practice and receive quality guidance and support”

Lots of schools obviously get student teachers but it is a special relationship that exists.

I understand some schools have ‘normal’ in their title due to historic reasons now though.

A grammar school in NZ tends to be secondary and, most importantly it has historically had a focus on instruction and learning. Interestingly, these schools also are often quite strong in sports and competition. Hence why Auckland Grammar is known for producing All Blacks!

Grammar schools also tend to be PUBLIC. That’s public in the NZ sense, as in, state secondary schools. Though they also tend to be state schools in very wealthy areas which means that due to zoning rules the wealthy are often the ones who can attend.

High School is what you think.  Basically, “normal” schools tend to be primary and Grammar Schools, College and High Schools are secondary.

Of course there are different types of colleges which are also tertiary. But for your purposes it is the same thing.

Answer 3

In New Zealand they are exactly the same, the name grammar school just makes those "posh" Auckland schools feel better about themselves

Answer 4

I think the first two are the same, just with different names, and you know what a High School is.

Answer 5

Gidday Wabby,

"Grammar" is a corruption of the word Grandma.

These are the schools that your grandparents would like to see you at. Or alternatively, the curriculum was designed in your grandmother's day and hasn't changed since.

Can I take my tongue out of my cheek now?

Driver T

Answer 6

normal and high schools are public schools Grammar is more privatised hence what 'erin' has said more for the affluent side of society.