CURRICULUM

Integrated

Relevant

Engaging

Students learn best when connections are made between learning areas and to everyday life and experiences. The New Zealand Curriculum confirms this and forms the basis of our Waimea Intermediate curriculum design.
The building blocks of our curriculum are 'global concepts' which are explored through 'essential questions' each term. These allow students to explore, inquire and make connections between different areas in real and appropriate contexts. While the actual topics covered within classes and syndicates may vary, our overarching concepts and essential questions ensure that the same fundamental learning takes place across the school.
While most learning areas are taught within the integrated framework, the focus of traditional subject areas is not lost. Curriculum teams responsible for each subject ensure that new ideas and resources are brought into the integrated plan.
Maths currently remains largely outside the integrated approach. Generally syndicates regroup for maths to allow groups of similar ability to work together.
Most programmes, including English and mathematics, are taught by class and syndicate teachers. Specialist staff teach art, technology, and aspects of our science and music programmes.
Classroom programmes are designed to respond to individual needs with special abilities and special needs students catered for within this. As well as providing extra opportunities for further extension in areas such as technology, art, and future problem solving, our school runs a modules programme which ensures that the diverse needs, interests and abilities of all students are well catered for.