At Opunake Primary numeracy forms an integral part of classroom daily programmes. The teachers have completed two years professional development through Massey University to enable them to teach N.U.M.P.A effectively. N.U.M.P.A is a Ministry programme designed to improve student’s numeracy skills nation wide. Students at our school are individually assessed and programmes of work are tailored to the needs of students. The school has purchased a range of high quality resources to support this programme. |
Building a bar graph using counters |
Guided reading group |
A school wide Literacy Programme supports classroom programmes. This is an example of a very successful initiative for learning meeting the needs of students in our school. We employ a full time literacy teacher. Students are assessed and programmes to meet their needs are discussed and implemented with assistance of our literacy teacher, literacy leader and principal. |
We are in an information age where students are constantly exposed to new information and technological advances. Future forecasters predict that today’s students will probably have at least three different careers before they are forty years old. Howard Gardener, an eminent educator, believes using a multiple intelligence model in school helps students to learn to identify what interests them, how their mind works and how they learn more effectively. This understanding will help students become life long learners who get a “buzz” from learning. At Opunake Primary we are developing an integrated approach to the curriculum. “An integrated approach to learning is designed to foster such characteristics from the moment a child begins school and to immerse them in authentic, inquiry based contexts. The integration of the curriculum encourages learners to make connections– not only between curriculum areas but between knowledge, skills, feelings, values and attitudes. We need to encourage our learners to become ‘multi-skilled’ and to be able to transfer their skills and understandings across various contexts.” (Kath Murdoch) |
This is what will happen when you mix baking soda with vinegar |
Our students are encouraged and taught to work together co-operatively. Students are taught the skills and strategies to enable them to work together co-operatively. They are provided with real learning tasks to practice and develop these skills.
"Students in mixed age grouping working co-operatively to solve problems."
|
Students are given tasks to complete |
||
Everyone's ideas are valued |
Lets try it this way |
This way could work |
If you hold the string I'll measure it |
