Curriculum - Kawaha Point School

At Kawaha Point School we believe the curriculum should have a strong foundation of reading, writing and maths.

We believe in a rich, diverse curriculum based on local stories and the environment for our school inquiry.

We believe that art, PE, music, mindfulness and other subject areas are vital for the development of great citizens of tomorrow.

We believe that students should experience learning collaboratively, that challenge is a good thing and that celebrating progress not achievement makes for students with a healthier learning disposition.

We believe that Learning through Play is vital for the development of social skills in our younger learners and is the step in supporting them to learn.

We believe in teaching reading, writing, spelling, maths, handwriting, values teaching, phonics and structured literacy (years 1-3) in the morning block. Along with huff and puff activities.Our whole school inquiry is weaved through our learning. The afternoons are for PMP (motor skills for our 5 year olds) waiata, kapa haka, PE games and reflection.

We are a PC4L school (Positive Culture for Learning) this shows up in our values teaching, our reflections at the end of the day, circle time activities, our mindfulness programme and loads of positives in the classroom.

2023 Curriculum Overview

ASSESSMENT

All students are assessed to identify strengths and areas to further develop. We use a variety of nationally recognised assessments as well as good quality formative assessment. We expect all students to know what they are learning, why they are learning it and how they will know when they have achieved it. Our students should be able to tell you about their reading level and goals, writing goals and maths stage among other things.

Parent Interviews are held in Term 1,2 and Term 4.

Student reports are given out in term 2 and 4.

STUDENTS WITH ADDITIONAL NEEDS

We have learning assistants attached to each hub to provide support and support programmes in the class. We also provide Reading Recovery Programme. We currently have 2 reading recovery teachers onsite. We have a very qualified and caring SENCO- Jenny Hermansson who is more than happy to work with you and your whanau to get the support your child needs.

SPORTS

We have a Sports Co Ordinator who co-ordinates a wide range of sports we offer here at KPS.

LEARNING THROUGH PLAY

Many students arrive at school not ready for formal instruction in reading, writing and maths. We believe in learning through play and are looking to foster positive learning dispositions in our students. Our Junior Hub Leader- Amira Bland will be able to answer any questions you may have- as well as what this looks like in the classrooms.

TE REO MAORI

A Te Reo Māori Hub is provided for children from Year 0 to Year 6. The kaupapa (main idea or philosophy) allows children to be taught in English and Māori. If you would like your children to learn Maori as well as English, then one of our 3 classes may be suitable for your child. Our children learn to read and write in English, but they are also taught in Te Reo.

Ana Wilcox is our hub leader in Kaimānga Reo and will answer any queries.

We also have waiata afternoon for the school and a kapa haka roopu. Kiri Nikora is the lead teacher. Please speak to her for any further information.

CAMP

Each year children in Years 3-6 go to camp. Camps focus on a range of activities (tramping, kayaking, etc) activities that can’t be performed in the classroom setting. Camps teach appreciation of and safety in our environment, alongside community living skills.

Please see your child’s hub booklets for information.

TECHNOLOGY/COMPUTERS/ INTERNET

Children are growing up in an increasingly technological word. Many of those technologies are involved with communication, and assist us to see, speak and get information from people all around the world, quickly and cheaply. At Kawaha Point School we believe in using a range of technologies as tools in the learning process and to engage students.

In Years 5-6, students have the option to bring their own Chromebook to school. Students and parents must sign the BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) Agreement.

Ana Wilcox and Toherangi Holloway (IT Guru) will answer any questions you may have in this area.