Implementing the New Zealand Curriculum

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At Waitoki School we have implemented play-based approaches to learning, into manageable chunks in our Junior classrooms. We describe it as ‘a little bit of learning, a little bit of play.’ This helps to make the transition from ECE a smooth one and keeps our learners enthusiastic about their learning.

The core and foundation learning areas are all implemented at Waitoki School. Through a broad based curriculum, students experience learning opportunities in the foundation areas of The Arts (visual art, music, drama and dance), Health and Physical Education, Te Reo and Tikanga Māori, Science, the Social Sciences (incorporating the Aotearoa New Zealand Histories), and Digital Technology.

English 

Waitoki School recognises the importance of building foundational skills in English as being fundamental to success across all of the curriculum areas.

We aim to develop students:

• Oral language 
• Phonemic awareness 
• Phonics 
• Vocabulary 
• Fluency 
• Comprehension 

We use a Structured Literacy approach across our school.

Click here to find out more about English learning in our Junior School and here for the Senior School.

Maths 

Mathematics and Statistics supports students to develop the skills to solve real problems using the DMIC approach.

Mathematics learning at Waitoki School is structured around number knowledge and the three strands of number and algebra, geometry and measurement, and Statistics. Our students learn to develop the ability to think creatively, critically, strategically and logically to solve realistic scenario problems. Wherever possible we integrate mathematics skills into other learning areas in ways that will help them make sense of the world around them. 

Other ways we implement the curriculum

EOTC – Education Outside the Classroom 

Waitoki School students enjoy a wide range of outdoor learning opportunities. In addition to physical education, including water safety and swimming in the onsite pool during summer, students participate in national health awareness programmes, e.g. Police supervised bicycle safety training; trips out of the classroom to visit sites of special interest, or curriculum relevance; and class camps to a range of locations (Senior School).

Garden to Table 

During the Garden to Table programme, the children cook meals from scratch utilising ingredients that they have grown and harvested themselves from our garden. Learning to use kitchen tools, weighing and measuring, and the science of food, all provides links to core curriculum concepts. Everyone then sits down to eat together, taking part in the age-old ritual of sharing food.

Student Wellbeing

The wellbeing of our students is important to us, and we have a range of programs that we have implemented. We offer the SALT program, which is based on a big buddy approach. The program is designed to support young people to thrive through positive mentoring and relationship building. We also have Activ8 with David Curtis, a dynamic programme available to all students. Our tamariki engage in fun, fast-paced physical and mental challenges designed to cultivate critical thinking, problem-solving, and social skills. Students master the art of 'getting resourced,' 'getting organised,' and 'getting on with it’. From fair captain selection to honing group communication, our students come away with a sense of "agency" so they feel in control of things that happen around them in the classroom, playground and their own lives.

Health Education Delivery Statement

Health Education at Waitoki School will be aligned with the New Zealand Curriculum and reflects our school vision to be an inclusive school community that nurtures adaptive, creative, curious, life-long learners who achieve their best through perseverance and collaboration, and our GOAT values of Grit, Ownership, Aroha and Teamwork. 

Our age appropriate health education programme will provide students with the skills, strategies and knowledge to; 

• develop their understanding of the factors that influence the health of individuals, groups, and society
• develop competencies for mental wellness, reproductive health and positive sexuality
• develop understandings of nutritional needs, a healthy diet and physical exercise
• strengthen their personal identity, sense of self-worth and self esteem
• understand their own physical and emotional needs, and manage outside influences on these 

Students will use these skills and understandings to promote personal, interpersonal, and societal well-being and to make safe choices. They will be supported to develop resilience, consider consequences, manage conflict and seek support if they encounter instances of peer pressure, discrimination, or bullying. 

The Health Education curriculum will be delivered by class teachers and will take place within the students’ usual safe and supportive learning environments. Teachers will use a range of engaging strategies and learning contexts to develop understanding of key concepts and to equip students with the skills and strategies they require to make healthy life choices. At times, teachers may be supported by external providers to deliver specific aspects of the Health curriculum. 

Waitoki School will regularly review the Health Education programme to ensure it is meeting the needs of our students and reflects best practice. Notification of curriculum content will be shared with the parent community ahead of teaching through regular and ongoing communication between the class teachers and their students' families. Parents are welcome to contact their child’s teacher for further information about the curriculum.