Curriculum

The New Zealand Curriculum has a range of learning areas: English, Mathematics, Social Studies, Science, Physical Education and Health, The Arts, Technology, Languages and a focus on New Zealand history. These are listed below along with an introduction to the rationale for each subject at our school.

Our curriculum develops pupils from the beginnings of reading and writing where knowing the alphabet and knowing numbers is the first step right the way through to the beginnings of the external qualifications years at year 11. Our secondary trained staff teaching in our senior years provide an excellent link to year 11. We have designed and continue to improve a curriculum which is both focused on pupils achieving well in the year they are in, as well as preparing them for the coming years.

We acknowledge our first call as a school is academic learning but we also accept as our mandate the need to develop the whole child in terms of character and purpose and our curriculum is designed to enhance each of these aspects. All we do grows out of our understanding of a biblical Christian world view and our passion to express Christian values and relationship through all we do. We continue to grow our understanding; of authentic Treaty partnership with mana whenua.

Our strong emphasis on pastoral care ensures we know each pupil well and can respond to where they are at. Our leadership opportunities encourage a range of pupils as well as our year 10’s to take leadership roles that would usually go to older pupils in larger schools.

Core Subjects

The core academic programme of English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Foundation Studies, Physical Education, Health and Sport provide a strong foundation for all pupils. We have a focus on critical thinking, problem solving and experimentation. In the middle years, teachers increase expectation in terms of reasoning and evaluation and model high expectations for their pupils. Academic challenge plays an important role.

Rotation Subjects

In addition to the academic core, we provide a range of subject rotations. Visual Art, Dance, Drama, Music, Maori, Mandarin and a choice of languages at Year 10. Technology options (including; hard materials, graphics, digital media, food nutrition, electronics, arts) at either Hillmorton High (Year 7/8) or Middleton Grange (Year 9/10) are part of the programme all over. Programmes promote social responsibility, good citizenship and ethical behaviour.

Years 0-2

Each pupil entering school comes with a variety of learning experiences and these are drawn together to create a unique start for your child’s education. Developing strong understandings in these beginning years, along with Biblical concepts in each curriculum area provide the basis for a strong foundation for school life.

New Entrants

As the gateway to your child’s education, new entrant classrooms provide a stimulating environment where children are introduced to routines and learning habits, which will stand them in good stead for their future. Teachers welcome each pupil, building skill development and basic understandings in all curriculum areas.

Years 1–2

These are important years for developing confidence in being at school and in school routines. Children in these years are developing greater independence such as hanging up their own bags and managing their own belongings independently in the classroom. The programme at this level has a strong emphasis on getting Reading, Writing and Numeracy firmly underway.

Years 3-6

With many foundational concepts becoming established, these years in school allow for the introduction of more challenging activities, both social and physical.

Years 3–4

This is a time for children to grow and develop their independence. There is an expectation that children will manage their own belongings and take increasing responsibility for their learning. Literacy and Mathematics still form the backbone of classroom programmes, but the wider curriculum begins to extend, with opportunities to follow individual interests/passions. At this level children are starting to become much more aware of their peers and so teaching co-operative and friendship skills forms a key part of all programmes.

Years 5-6

Pupils are encouraged to become more active in service opportunities around the school and to look at how Christ is an integral part of life. An increasing independence in academic work is expected at these levels. Individual strengths in a wide range of academic and extra curricula areas are recognised with success being celebrated regularly. It is a time to challenge the pupils to think creatively, consider alternative ways of solving problems, and to aim high in whatever they do. These years consolidate the foundations for successful middle school involvement.

Years 7-10

This part of the school includes intermediate and junior high school pupils. The middle years are unique in themselves. Tailoring learning programmes to meet the unique needs of this age group helps pupils to stay focused and engaged with schooling at a time when they are most likely to lose this focus. Our programme introduces the pupils to increasing levels of independence and specialisation in their subjects over the four years of middle school. In this way we teach pupils how to succeed in a high school environment while ensuring they remain focused and engaged.

Our specialist secondary trained teachers design programmes which prepare pupils to engage in courses of study at year 11 in any high school in the city. Our well-developed academic programme prepares our pupils to succeed in the senior years of high school. Our close links with Middleton Grange School ensure a smooth transition for pupils that seek to graduate into year 11 at that school.

Service

Service projects connect the school with the community, fostering a partnership between the two and provide pupils social and citizenship responsibilities. We continue to develop both local and international service opportunities each year.