3: SCHOOL CURRICULUM AND
CLASSROOM
MANAGEMENT:
HOMEWORK
Teachers
operate their own homework programme and expectations will be explained in
their introductory and Term class newsletters.
PROGRAMMES MAY INCLUDE :
To support
all reading programmes at school we expect caregivers to listen to children
read and read stories to them as often as possible. This includes all pupils
from five to thirteen year olds. All children love listening to stories.
Learning
Spelling & Basic Number Facts
Checking
on the accuracy of spelling words, testing knowledge of all basic number facts
and tables is beneficial to progress and achievement in Mathematics.
Current
Affairs
Reporting
on news locally, nationally and from around the world is an activity we
encourage school-wide. Some pupils depending on age and ability may need home
help with this activity periodically.
Curricular Studies and Individual
Projects
Teachers
may require pupils to complete some follow up activities commenced in class.
Children
are not expected to labour over assigned work. If they have worked
conscientiously for 30 minutes then that is generally sufficient. Year 7/8’s
may be required to do more occasionally. Homework is not intended to be a
dreaded task so parental assistance is encouraged, as required, to make your
child feel more at ease. Some tasks are set to encourage parent participation.
Other
suggested home activities other than T.V. viewing could be, word games, card
games, handwriting practice, drawing, painting, PE skills and alike.
If in
doubt over any homework matters, please seek clarification from your
son/daughter’s class teacher.
CARE
OF BOOKS SENT HOME
We ask
that full care be taken with all books taken home from school. We do
encourage children to take books home
and ask that they be returned in good
condition. Replacement of damaged or lost books is very expensive. Parents may
be charged replacement costs if ill treated. It is preferable that books going
home are protected by using a vinyl book bag or similar material.
The Board
of Trustees have approved a ‘Religion in Life’ programme which uses the
Combined Churches National Curriculum Programme subject to the availability of
personnel to teach the programmes. Year 0-6 pupils attend these lessons unless
an exemption note is received and signed by parent/caregiver. Lessons are held
throughout Term 2 and 3, generally on a Friday, with varied time slots to suit
both classroom teachers and availability of personnel. Years 7 & 8
participation depends on availability of tutors. If local personnel are not
available, school will investigate using a ‘values’ programme as an
alternative.
This
curriculum subject is compulsory and students are transported by bus to
Dannevirke Technology Centre generally most Friday’s for two terms. Lessons run
from
There is a charge to parents for consumable materials
used throughout the year.
LIBRARY
Our school
is equipped with a wonderful collection of library books. All classes are
scheduled a library time regularly for exchange and returns as well as having a
special weekly session based on ‘information literacy skills.’ We have a
dedicated Library Team who are constantly looking at updating material and
catering for readers interests and needs.
We have a
generous amount of trained student librarians enabling us to open the library
at lunchtimes on most days.
All
children are encouraged to treat the books with care, keeping damage to a
minimum. The school may need to ask for reimbursement for lost or damaged
library or reading books if negligence is evident.
TAHA
& TE REO MAORI
We operate
Taha and TeReo Maori programmes for our students which cover aspects of Marae
protocol, local legends, traditions, weaving, carving, action songs, games, powhiri
and greetings.
These
activities are essential and compulsory.
All children are expected to take part unless a written note or
telephone message from parent/caregiver is received. A change of clothing for
PE and lunchtime sporting activities is advisable. A change is compulsory for
field games during the winter terms.
During the
swimming season togs and towel are required daily. Cancellation of planned
class swimming lessons due to adverse weather conditions will be at the
discretion of the teacher. Lunchtime swimming may be available periodically.