Curriculum Highlights
Maths
At Matarau, we encourage students to “think like a mathematician”. This includes developing skills such as
- Being able to work effectively as part of a team to problem solve
- Communication with others
- Taking risks
- Explaining and justifying our thinking.
This is done through Number and various strands eg Geometry, Measurement, and Statistics.
Differentiated Instructional Groups
Using differentiated instructional groups in core learning areas allows us to meet diverse student needs. By tailoring lessons to different learning styles and skill levels, teachers can create smaller groups for focused support where needed. This approach promotes an inclusive classroom where students learn at their own pace, collaborate, and engage in a variety of activities.
Using Writer’s Toolbox
Writer’s Toolbox is a resource bank of techniques and tools to help students learn the writing process. A key part of this approach in the Junior School is the Sentence Train, which teaches sentence construction in an easy-to-understand format.
Virtues Programme
The Virtues Programme is all about teaching students key values to create a positive school vibe. It focuses on virtues like respect, responsibility, kindness, and honesty, which are woven into everyday school life.
Through discussions, group work, and community service, they grow personally and help build a respectful school culture.
Learning Support
In our Junior programme, we understand that some tamariki require additional support to thrive in their learning journey. These students are identified through the Better Start Assessment framework, which helps us recognise their specific needs. Our approach includes explicit teaching strategies, delivered both in small groups and individually, to ensure that all tamariki reach their full potential and feel confident in their abilities.
Kapa Haka
All students have the opportunity to join the rōpū group, which connect weekly with our Kapa Haka kaiako. The rōpū group perform at school assemblies, leads our termly pōwhiri, and has the opportunity to connect and perform at neighbouring schools.
STEAM Education
STEAM education—Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics—is crucial for all children. It prepares them for the future by combining fun activities that enhance critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Simple science experiments ignite curiosity, while art projects improve fine motor skills and self-expression. Incorporating tech and engineering into playtime teaches teamwork and communication.
Specialist Te Reo Teacher
At our school, Te Reo Māori plays a key role in our learning. We weave it into our daily activities and have a specialist Te Reo teacher who visits us regularly. This teacher makes learning fun with engaging lessons, interactive activities, and storytelling
Better Start Literacy
Overview
The Better Start Literacy Approach is a structured approach to literacy that supports children’s reading, writing and oral language success.
It includes the systematic teaching of critical phonics and phonological awareness through fun, interactive games, explicit spelling and writing instruction, and structured small group reading sessions.
BSLA also includes explicit teaching in vocabulary skills, and building oral narrative and listening comprehension skills through quality children’s storybooks.
Teachers collaborate closely with families to encourage a supportive learning environment at home, ensuring that children receive consistent reinforcement of their skills.
Tracking & Reporting
Tracking progress is crucial in literacy education.
The BSLA includes carefully designed monitoring assessments that focus on critical skills affecting reading success.
These assessments cover:
- Letter-sound knowledge
- Phonological awareness
- Oral language
- Listening comprehension
- Word reading and spelling
- Reading comprehension
These tools not only monitor students’ literacy growth but also guide teachers in tailoring their instruction to meet individual needs. This personalised approach ensures that no child falls behind.
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