Literacy

Literacy is an area of strength in our school. We believe passionately that literacy enables children to access and interpret all information. Literacy encompasses the ability to read, interpret, write, communicate, produce and present information. We have extended our literacy programme to include French as well as Maori. We will not only teach the key skills; effective communication strategies through speaking and listening, the fundamental skills of reading and writing and information processing strategies, but will integrate it with all curriculum areas to contextualise the learning.

Numeracy

Numeracy is a coherent, consistent and growing body of concepts which makes use of specific language and skills to model, analyse and interpret the world. Waiheke Primary School delivers a broad and balanced mathematical programme which includes concept learning, development and maintenance of skills and the ability to think mathematically. The children are provided with experiences that foster levels of numeracy through mathematics in all its varieties.

Inquiry Based Learning

Waiheke Primary School focuses not only on the development of the whole child in the classroom, but also in the world. We use a framework that meets the children’s needs: academic, social, physical, emotional and cultural. There is a commitment to structured inquiry as a vehicle for learning. Our teaching methods build on students individual knowledge and interests and emphasise learning how to learn and how to find out, using both traditional and contemporary media. We are focused on creating students who are aware and sensitive to the experiences of others.

The Arts

Learning in The Arts stimulates imagination and an understanding of diverse art forms from both within and beyond New Zealand. The Arts encompass the separate disciplines of music, dance, drama and visual arts. The Arts disciplines provide children with opportunities to develop and express ideas through the making and presenting of art works. They enable children to become critically aware of and respond to their own and others’ work. The Arts contribute to intellectual ability and to social, cultural and spiritual understanding. They are an essential element of daily living and of lifelong learning. Literacy in The Arts is as important to people who perform as it is to the audience. It is an ongoing process of learning and participation. Our students will develop an awareness of performing arts through participation, but also through viewing the works of peers and others.

Ko Toi te uri o Mahara Poewa - Art is the child of imagination

Sports

Waiheke Primary School provides opportunities for sporting achievement amongst our children which includes a variety of disciplines. Our aim is to provide quality teaching using resources that support the children, parents, teachers and coaches. Our sports activities aim to combine fun with effort, dedication, determination, and healthy competition. We hope to recognise individual talent as well as foster good team development. Representing the school at regional and even national events help to drive sporting success. All of this contributes to improving fitness and concentration levels across the school which will, in turn, then increase learning capability.

Information Technology

Waiheke Primary School has state-of-the-art technology. The resources, for example, interactive boards, projectors, tablets and digital visual technology are in every classroom and are used in lessons by teachers and children to support our education programme. The system that the school uses has a number of safety devices in place to protect the children against the problems associated with computers and the internet. Our children receive on-going training as a part of school procedures on safe use of the internet. A parental consent form will need to be completed on enrolment.

The Maori Dimension

Waiheke Primary school recognises and respects the unique position of the Maori people as the Tangatawhenua of New Zealand. Our school therefore includes aspects of Te reo Maori (Maori language) and Tikanga Maori (Maori culture and protocol) within all class programmes and special school occasions.

Basic Te reo Maori, waiata , art and beliefs are taught within all classrooms - these are often integrated with other subjects.

A kapa haka group was started in 2005 so it could perform at the opening of the hall and the school. Maori protocol and local Maori dignitaries were also included.

The whole school visited Piritahi marae in 2005, this will be continued as a bi-annual event. Local kaiako led fascinating interactive sessions where all students learnt Maori songs, stories, history, weaving, carving games.

The academic achievement of Maori students is monitored and reported to the BOT seperately. New achievement targets for key curriculum areas are set each year.