ACADEMICS
English
At Waimauku School, students study, use and enjoy the English language and its literature, communicated orally, visually, and in writing, for a range of purposes and audiences and in a variety of text forms.
We believe that…
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English is best learned when the environment is inclusive and encourages creativity and experimentation
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English is best learned in an environment which encourages reflective thought and provides challenges and high expectations
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Success in English is fundamental to success across the curriculum
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Literacy programmes reflect the cumulative nature of learning as students progress at their individual rate
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Success, enjoyment and understanding gives purpose to the task of Reading and Writing and helps turn students into self-motivating, self-correcting and self-extending achievers.
Numeracy
Mathematics is an integral part of our teaching and learning at Waimauku School.
We are implementing the 'PR1ME' programme throughout our school in order to provide our students with a robust programme where concepts are revisited and consolidated throughout their schooling, underpinned by shared understandings and common language.
As part of the 'PR1ME' programme we use the concrete-pictorial-abstract approach when teaching mathematics. Students are introduced to concepts through the use of a range of mathematical equipment, known as concrete materials, to help build their understanding. This allows students to model and understand the concepts they are learning about through the use of hands-on learning. Once students are confident in displaying their thinking using these manipulatives, they are encouraged to picture them in their mind (visualisation/imaging) until they are able to work directly with the numbers or calculations themselves (abstraction).
Teaching time is spent extending student thinking through the exploration of number and mathematical concepts, as well as on developing the functional side of mathematics where students are able to follow processes such as algorithms to perform calculations, and also accurately apply strategies in problem solving situations.
We encourage our students to undertake maths problems that present an appropriate level of challenge and we support them to consolidate their learning through identifying and understanding mistakes they may have made. In our classrooms students discuss and explain their thinking when working in mathematics, and are also learning to justify their conclusions or understandings in mathematical discussions with their peers.
We are using the 'Numbots' and 'Times Table Rockstars' programmes to help students develop their grasp of basic fact knowledge, including additive facts and also times tables. Parents and whanau can support student learning at home through the revision of basic facts that are appropriate to their stage.
Our aim is to ensure students have a well-developed number sense and are able to perform the mathematical calculations required of them in day-to-day life.
Science
We value Science and have a well-resourced Science room. Students learn and engage with Science throughout their time at Waimauku School. The four strands (material world, physical world, planet earth and beyond and living world) of the curriculum are covered each year either in conjunction with a wider investigation or inquiry or as a stand alone topic. The strands are brought together by the nature of science strand is the overarching, unifying strand in which students learn what science is and how scientists work. They develop the skills, attitudes, and values to build a foundation for understanding their world.
Digital Technology
Digital Technologies focuses on students building their skills so they can be innovative creators of digital solutions, moving beyond solely being users and consumers of digital technologies.
In the Digital Technology learning area there are two new technological areas:
Computational thinking for digital technologies – Students will develop an understanding of computer science principles that underlie all digital technologies. They’ll learn core programming concepts so that they can become creators of digital technology, not just users.
Designing and developing digital outcomes – Students will learn how to design quality, fit-for-purpose digital solutions.