Primary Courses

PRIMARY

During these vital years we concentrate upon teaching the basic skills of reading, writing and mathematics. We endeavour to keep the class ratios at a reasonable and effective level especially at the junior school end.

There are presently seven classes catering for Years 1 through to 8. Ratios differ throughout these classes depending on demand and student needs. All of the primary school uses the Christian Interact Curriculum, developed in New Zealand and popular amongst Christian Schools and homeschoolers. The Christian perspective of this curriculum permeates all areas of learning while at the same time fulfilling fully the national Curriculum.

JUNIOR PRIMARY

There is a special emphasis at the early levels on literacy and numeracy. Our literacy programmes are very comprehensive and all the students are regularly monitored as to achievement and progress. We have reading recovery programmes, remedial and extension classes and parent helper programmes to supplement the sound teaching in the classrooms. Numeracy skill acquisition is essential from the time the children enter school and the school is fortunate in being part of the nation wide numeracy project over the next three years.

Our teachers enjoy a good level of parent assistance in classes and are always open to those that can offer their time. We endeavour to keep the NE/Year 1 class to 20 and under for most of the year and the other two junior classes up to the mid twenties.

SENIOR PRIMARY

As the students mature, the opportunities broaden so that by the time they are in Years 7 and 8 they have specialist teachers in music, ICT, technology and languages; presently Te Reo Maori and French. The advantage of an area school is that younger students can benefit from the facilities on site such as the computer and science laboratories and technical workshops.

We have a wonderful staff who go the extra mile for their students to ensure they receive a well rounded education that will prepare them for the secondary years.

Again extra classes are in place to help individual students in their learning and sport, outdoor education and performing arts are given emphasis.

These senior classes usually have between 25 and 30 students.