Learning Opportunities
NZ Curriculum
Mellons Bay School, like all other state primary schools, follows the New Zealand Curriculum which involves the implementation of national standards in English, Mathematics, Science, Technology, Social Sciences, the Arts and Health and Physical Well Being. The school is fortunate in attracting and maintaining staff with a collectively strong balance of strengths and interests. Staff stability and teamwork continue to be a characteristic of the school. In line with the NZ Curriculum requirements, the school has developed its own inquiry model. The students' learning is linked to the six stages of this model. Each year at least one of them is a focus for the whole school. Each year the management team develops a curriculum map as part of our planning process view the plan here
As a context for study the students have an opportunity to learn about the history of Howick and Mellons Bay, thus helping them to identify with the area and its values.
All students learn at different rates and bring to school a range of learning experiences. The individual needs of each student are met through a differentiated learning environment. Their learning is carefully monitored and support or enrichment programmes are provided as needed.
For further information on the NZ Curriculum visit the Ministry of Education website www.minedu.govt.nz Please also view the Educational Review Office website for parent information on asking the right questions at school
Classroom Teaching Environment
The school's vision is foremost in our minds when teaching the students "Explore, Challenge, Learn! Be the best we can." We also follow a set of values, the 5Cs -Communicative, Creative, Confident, Connected and Caring.
That teachers work to develop in their students. Whilst there are Ministry of Education and school guidelines, each teacher will have different processes and initiatives in order to manage the classroom and school life. Teaching staff have regular meetings to discuss the curriculum and share ideas but they will have different ways of handling certain things, including homework, behaviour, parent interviews, daily timetable of learning. At Mellons Bay School we are lucky to attract a high standard of qualified teachers and we fully support their professional judgement in the classroom. If you have any concerns or would like further insight into teaching processes, please feel to discuss with your child's teacher or the Principal.
Arts and Cultural Opportunities
A specialist music teacher is employed to support the class teacher in delivering the Arts curriculum document. During the school year all students attend classes in the music and drama room.
Mellons Bay School also participates with other local schools in the kapa haka, choir, dance, and music festivals. Students are encouraged and given the opportunity to join these groups.
Sporting Opportunities
Students are encouraged to participate in sporting activities with their class during PE time as well as being involved in school sports days, school sports team and inter-school fun days. The following codes, they can participate in school teams and fun days are: swimming, athletics, touch rugby, hockey, cricket and netball.
School Trips
The process of learning and understanding is enriched by direct experience. It is likely that your child will participate in educational trips during school hours. Often parent help is required on the trip, so there are opportunities for you to share learning experiences with your child. School camps are also organised for our senior students in years 5 and 6.
Visiting Educational Providers
As part of the curriculum planning, teachers may also organise educators to visit the school to enhance student learning in certain areas. Such educators could be musicians, poets or authors. The school engages Life Education to deliver their programme every 2 years. The police programmes Kia Kaha and Keeping Ourselves Safe are also delivered on a two year cycle.
Speech Contest
Each year, as part of the curriculum, students from Years 5 & 6 compete to represent the school at a prepared speech competition held throughout the Auckland region.
Other Activities
The school provides a range of extra activities that change from year to year depending on staff and community support. These activities include chess, Trees for Survival, gardening and bush support (Eco Warriors).
