CURRICULUM

St Joseph's School Waitara gives high priority to the teaching of Reading and Writing.  We set high achievement expectations in our annual targets. Teachers assess regularly and use up to date information to inform their planning and teaching. We cater to individual needs, giving support and extension through differentiated grouping and personalised programmes.   Digital technologies and thinking skills are integrated into our literacy curriculum.

Our Year 7&8 students take part in the Kids Lit Quiz and students in Year 4-8 have the opportunity to take part in CAM extension tests.

Pānui  Reading 

We approach the teaching of reading with a commitment to nurturing a love for literature and a deep understanding of texts. We utilise the IDEAL approach from Learning Matters, a Structured Literacy framework designed to support all students in developing strong foundational reading skills.  

Tuhituhinga  Writing

At our school, writing is a vital part of our curriculum, allowing ākonga to explore, communicate, and share their unique perspectives. We guide our students to develop strong foundations in writing by drawing on a range of sources, such as personal experiences, local stories, and global contexts. Through these diverse inspirations, students learn to craft narratives, express opinions, and present information with accuracy and confidence. 

Pāngarau Mathematics 

The teaching of Mathematics is also of great importance. Teachers collaboratively plan the learning programmes, tailoring them to the needs of individuals and groups of students.  

We place a strong emphasis on rich problem-solving tasks that encourage students to think critically and apply their knowledge in real-world contexts. These activities are designed to challenge our ākonga to explore different strategies, work through complex problems, and engage in meaningful mathematical discussions with their peers. By using open-ended tasks and rich mathematical inquiries, we aim to deepen students’ conceptual understanding and foster a growth mindset. 

In addition to problem-solving, our programme integrates visual models, manipulatives, and digital tools to support students’ learning. Visual representations help students see connections between mathematical ideas, while hands-on materials allow them to explore abstract concepts in concrete ways. Digital technologies, such as math games and interactive software, further enrich the learning experience, making mathematics engaging and accessible to all learners. 

Our Year 7&8 students get the opportunity to take part in the Otago Problem solving challenge and the Maths Quiz.  Our year 4-8 students take part in the CAM extension tests.

We are home to 'House of Science' this year which will continue into 2025. This means we have access to Science Kits which are rotated into the class every two weeks. The kits can be used for all year groups.

St Joseph's Waitara uses technology and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)  initiatives to enhance our learning by integrating interactive digital tools and hands-on projects, fostering innovative problem-solving skills and critical thinking among students. 

Our Year 7&8 students participate in the Science Quiz held at Highlands Intermediate.   We enter Year 5-8 teams into the annual Epro8 competitions.

Pūtaiao Science

Science education at St Joseph's Waitara inspires students to explore and appreciate the wonders of God’s creation. Through Whanaungatanga (Relationships), students collaborate on scientific inquiries, learning to respect the contributions of their peers. Aroha (Respect) is emphasised as students study the environment and develop a deep reverence for all living things. We foster Kaitiakitanga (Responsibility) by encouraging students to think critically about environmental stewardship and the impact of human activity on our planet. Aumangea (Resilience) is nurtured as students engage in experiments and investigations, learning to persevere through the scientific process. 

Hangarau Technology

Technology education equips students with the skills to navigate and contribute to the ever-evolving digital world. Through Whanaungatanga, students collaborate on technology projects, learning to value teamwork and shared problem-solving. Aroha guides the ethical use of technology, encouraging students to use digital tools in ways that are respectful and positive. Kaitiakitanga is integral as students consider the impact of technology on society and the environment, learning to be responsible digital citizens. Aumangea is developed as students tackle technological challenges, building resilience as they innovate and create. 

Tikanga ā-Iwi Social Science 

The New Zealand Curriculum describes the purpose Social Science as follows:

Through the social sciences, students develop the knowledge and skills to enable them to: better understand, participate in, and contribute to the local, national, and global communities in which they live and work; engage critically with societal issues; and evaluate the sustainability of alternative social, economic, political, and environmental practices.

Our goal at our school is to ensure that students understand who they are, and how they fit into the world around them. 

We honour the Treaty of Waitangi and the bi-cultural foundation of Aotearoa, New Zealand, while exploring the multicultural nature of Aotearoa and our school. Our learning focuses on conceptual understanding using an inquiry process to explore the past present and future with an emphasis of sparking interest and engagement that leads to more personalised inquiry. 

Te Reo Māori me ona Tikanga

“The New Zealand curriculum acknowledges the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi and the bicultural foundations of Aotearoa New Zealand. All students have the opportunity to acquire knowledge of te reo Māori me ōna tikanga”.

At our school we have worked diligently, to ensure that Te Reo Māori me ona Tikanga are being acknowledged in appropriate ways and that our students have an appreciation and understanding of the importance of the bi-cultural nature of Aotearoa. 

Kapahaka is held every Wednesday from 12-1pm for the whole school.  In Term 3&4 we will have a focus for our performance group.

Hauora Health & Physical Education 

In our Health and Physical Education programme, children develop skills and understandings to be healthy, well-rounded individuals. They are involved in class, syndicate and interschool physical education and sporting competitions. Participation and co-operation are encouraged when children work in teams, striving for a common goal. They learn to live safely and make wise choices for living and eating. Enthusiastic teachers & volunteers coach sports teams at lunchtime. Regular, timetabled fitness sessions across the school emphasise the importance we place on physical activity as part of well-being. 

Health and Physical Education at St Joseph's Waitara promotes the holistic well-being of our students, aligned with the principles of hauora and the Te Whare Tapa Whā model. Through Whanaungatanga, students learn the importance of teamwork and supporting one another in physical activities. Aroha is reflected in our emphasis on respect for oneself and others, promoting positive relationships and healthy lifestyle choices. Kaitiakitanga is taught as students learn about the stewardship of their bodies and the importance of maintaining physical and mental health. Aumangea is developed as students set and achieve personal goals, building resilience and confidence in their physical abilities.

We are also working closely with Sport Taranaki and the Healthy Active Learning programme to further develop our curriculum, ensuring it fosters lifelong healthy habits and supports the overall well-being of our ākonga.

We believe children's learning is enhanced when digital technologies are integrated across the curriculum. They allow children to access and manipulate information, as well as develop creative skills as they make movies, web pages and digital presentations. Our senior classes have one to one devices.  At St Joseph's Waitara we believe in a balance of technology and written work. 

Visual Art, Music, Dance and Drama are a part of all classroom programmes. ‘Creating’ is fostered and valued.

Ngā Toi The Arts

The Arts provide students with opportunities to express their creativity and explore the beauty of God’s creation. Whanaungatanga is cultivated as students collaborate on artistic projects, learning to appreciate different perspectives and talents. Aroha is evident as students create works that reflect their respect for the cultures and traditions of others. Through Kaitiakitanga, students are encouraged to use their artistic talents responsibly, considering the ethical implications of their work. Aumangea is supported as students experiment with new techniques and mediums, developing resilience as they refine their artistic skills.