Primary NE-Y6

Curriculum:

Play Based Learning

At Tauraroa Area School we believe that learning should be an exciting and joyful journey for our young learners.

In our New Entrant to Year 2 class, we understand the incredible power of play in nurturing young minds. Our classrooms are vibrant spaces where play is not just a break from learning; it is the essence of learning. Through hands-on activities, interactive games, and creative exploration, children develop essential cognitive, social, and emotional skills.

Why do we believe in the power of play?

Play ignites curiosity and encourages children to explore the world around them. It lays the foundation for a lifelong love of learning. Play scenarios often involve solving challenges and making decisions, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Alongside this cooperative play teaches teamwork, communication, negotiation, and empathy – vital skills for future interactions. Play also sparks conversations, allowing children to practice language and communication in a natural and engaging setting.

As our students progress through the junior classes, we carefully introduce more structured learning experiences while retaining the spirit of play. We understand that each child is unique and transitions at their own pace. Our skilled teachers ensure that the shift from play-based learning to more formal education is seamless and supportive.

Structured Literacy

At Tauraroa Area School we provide an exceptional education that lays a solid foundation for learning. Our commitment to quality education is reflected in our comprehensive Structured Literacy Program, which is seamlessly integrated into our curriculum from New Entrants all the way up to Year 8.

What is Structured Literacy?

Structured Literacy is an evidence-based approach to teaching reading, writing, and language skills that focuses on the fundamental principles of language and literacy development. It is designed to provide explicit, systematic instruction that addresses the core components of literacy, including phonology, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.

Why do we teach a Structured Literacy approach?

We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to become a confident and proficient reader and writer. Our Structured Literacy Program offers several key benefits:

• Strong Foundation: Structured Literacy ensures that students develop a strong foundation in phonemic awareness, phonics, and spelling, which are essential skills for reading and writing success.
• Individualised Learning: Our skilled teachers tailor instruction to meet the unique needs of each student, providing targeted support and intervention where necessary.
• Multisensory Approach: We engage students through a multisensory approach, incorporating auditory, visual, and kinesthetic strategies to enhance learning and retention.
• Language Comprehension: Structured Literacy not only focuses on decoding skills but also on building vocabulary and comprehension abilities, fostering well-rounded language development.
• Continuity and Progression: By integrating Structured Literacy throughout primary and intermediate, we ensure a seamless progression of skills, enabling students to continually build upon their literacy abilities.

How Our Program Works

From the moment a child joins our school whānau as a New Entrant, they are immersed in our Structured Literacy Program. As they progress through each year, the complexity of the instruction increases, allowing students to grow as confident readers, writers, and communicators. Our dedicated teachers employ a variety of teaching strategies, materials, and resources to create engaging and enriching learning experiences. Using Writer’s Toolbox, we incorporate structured writing throughout our primary and intermediate years.

Mathematics and Science

At Tauraroa Area School we believe that learning should be engaging, exciting, and hands-on. We are proud to offer a dynamic approach to education that incorporates innovative methods to teach mathematics through Numicon and delivers captivating science lessons with House of Science Kits.

Mathmatics using Numicon

Throughout the primary school we recognise that a strong foundation in mathematics is essential for success in today’s world. We have recently introduced the Numicon approach to teaching mathematics. Numicon is a visual, multi-sensory tool that helps students understand and explore numbers and mathematical concepts in a tangible way.

Why Numicon?

• Visual Learning: Numicon uses colorful shapes and patterns that represent numbers, making abstract math concepts more concrete and accessible.
• Hands-On Exploration: Students physically interact with Numicon pieces, promoting kinesthetic learning and enhancing mathematical understanding.
• Conceptual Clarity: Numicon encourages students to see and understand relationships between numbers, paving the way for advanced math skills.
• Inclusivity: Numicon accommodates different learning styles, ensuring that every student can grasp mathematical concepts with confidence.

Unleashing Science Wonders with House of Science Kits

Science education at Tauraroa Area School is an exploration of the world’s wonders through immersive, hands-on experiences. Our partnership with the House of Science allows us to deliver captivating science lessons that foster curiosity, critical thinking, and a love for discovery.

The House of Science Advantage:

• Engaging Experiments: Our students don’t just read about science; they experience it through exciting experiments and activities that spark curiosity.
• Real-World Connections: House of Science Kits connect scientific concepts to real-world applications, making learning relevant and inspiring.
• Curriculum Enhancement: The kits enhance our science curriculum, ensuring a comprehensive and well-rounded understanding of various scientific principles.
• Inquisitive Minds: Through interactive learning, students develop skills in observation, experimentation, and drawing conclusions – essential components of scientific inquiry.

The Primary Years New Entrants to Year 6 Dean for 2023 is Mrs Maree Neethling.

To learn more about our primary school or to arrange a visit, contact us.