Curriculum

Mathematics in New Zealand schools helps students build confidence with numbers and learn how maths is used in everyday life. Students learn important skills such as counting, adding, measuring, recognising shapes and working with data.

Maths lessons focus on understanding ideas, practising skills and explaining thinking in ways children can understand and talk about. Learning is taught step by step so children can build strong foundations as they move through the school.

Teachers support students to try different strategies, solve problems and apply their learning to real-life situations. Progress is checked regularly so teachers can support each child’s learning needs and help them grow in confidence.

Maths teaching also values effort, wellbeing and belonging. Students are encouraged to try their best, learn from mistakes and see themselves as capable learners. By developing strong maths skills early, students are better prepared for future learning and everyday decision-making.

At Owairoa Primary School, the English Curriculum has been developed so students have the ability to understand, create and critically engage with language and texts so they can participate confidently and effectively in society.

English aims to give children the essential literacy skills and confidence they need to succeed in learning and everyday life, while fostering curiosity, creativity, cultural contexts and a love of language.

English also helps students build confidence to be effective communicators, and enjoy language and literature communicated orally, visually, or in writing.

The teaching sequence is organised into three strands: Oral Language, Reading and Writing

At Owairoa, science education is grounded in the New Zealand Curriculum and provides students with a strong foundation for understanding the natural and physical world. By building up a body of key foundational knowledge and concepts, students are encouraged to recognise the power of rational explanation and develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena.

We have a dedicated Science room, which is exceptionally well resourced and stands out as a unique facility for a primary school. Supported by a full-time Science Learning Assistant, this space allows each class to have a weekly science session, where students engage in rich, hands-on learning experiences.

In the Science room, students explore the key features of scientific enquiry and learn to use a variety of approaches to answer relevant scientific questions. These include observing over time, identifying patterns, classifying and grouping, conducting comparative and fair tests, and researching using reliable secondary sources. Students gather, analyse and present data to draw evidence-based conclusions. They are encouraged to understand how science can be used to explain what is occurring, predict how things will behave and analyse causes.

The aims of our science programme are to:

• develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the curriculum strands of Living World, Material World, Physical World, and Planet Earth and Beyond
• build understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science through a variety of investigative approaches
• equip students with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future

Students are encouraged to describe processes and key characteristics in everyday language while also learning and using technical scientific terminology accurately and confidently. This approach helps them build a rich, specialist vocabulary and strengthens their ability to communicate scientific ideas clearly. They are also encouraged to apply their mathematical knowledge to their understanding of science, including collecting, presenting and analysing data. The social and economic implications of science are important but, generally, are taught most appropriately within the wider school curriculum.

By integrating knowledge, enquiry and the science capabilities, our programme nurtures curiosity, critical thinking and analytical skills. Students develop both the confidence and competence to explore scientific ideas, understand the world around them and engage thoughtfully with the scientific challenges and opportunities of the future.

The social sciences learning area examines how societies work and how people can participate as critical, active, informed and responsible citizens. Contexts are drawn from the past, present and future, and from places within and beyond New Zealand.

At Owairoa Primary School we teach and learn the concepts above through the main categories of Geography, History, Civics, Economics and Aotearoa Histories. These key areas develop children’s critical thinking, questioning and problem solving.

Students are taught about the history of our school, the local area, New Zealand and our special and unique place in the World. A favourite part of this curriculum area is the weekly current events quiz where our senior students develop research skills to answer and learn about relevant topics happening currently.

Social Sciences is also taught through other curriculum areas particularly Literacy and Environmental studies and any school trips have a Social Sciences aspect to the learning.

Music

At Owairoa Primary School, music plays an important role in supporting students’ creativity, confidence, and enjoyment of learning.

Through classroom music sessions, students explore singing, rhythm, movement, listening, and playing instruments. Students also learn about different musical styles and cultures from around the world.  Music lessons are designed so that all students can participate and experience success, regardless of their previous musical background.

Choir

The Owairoa Primary School Choir is open to senior students who enjoy singing and performing with others. Choir members learn a variety of songs and develop their vocal skills, confidence and teamwork.

Choir rehearsals are held on Friday during the middle block. The choir performs at assemblies and special events throughout the year.

School Orchestra

The School Orchestra is open to students who already play a musical instrument and would like to perform as part of an ensemble. Students learn rehearsal skills, ensemble playing and performance skills while making music together.

Orchestra rehearsals are held on Monday at lunchtime. The orchestra performs at school events and celebrations during the year.

Drama

The school caters to prospective young actors by facilitating specialist Drama education in their schooling. Our drama teacher will guide them through a range of drama activities and performances building self-confidence and ability to take risks and trust their ideas and abilities.

Drama classes at Owairoa promote cooperation and collaboration as well and improving voice projection, language fluency and articulation of words as well as creative thinking.

At senior level there is the opportunity to take part in school productions and concerts to extend and cater to rising stars.

Dance Group

Every year at Owairoa Primary School, we have one dance group made up of enthusiastic Year 3–6 students who love to perform. These talented dancers showcase their skills at school assemblies and proudly represent our school at the HPPA Dance Festival.

All Year 0 to Year 6 students enjoy learning dance as part of our Performing Arts programme. Students explore a wide range of dance styles, including hip hop and folk dancing, while building confidence, coordination and creativity.

Throughout the year, our Senior students shine in school productions, and our Junior students delight audiences with end-of-year concerts. Every performance includes dance, giving all students the chance to share their learning and celebrate their achievements on stage.

Visual Arts

At Owairoa Primary School, we believe Visual Arts is just as important as any other subject in the curriculum. Long before a child masters the alphabet or writes a sentence, they use drawing as their very first form of communication, sharing stories and settings through colour and line, rather than words.

Following the refreshed Arts Curriculum, we nurture this natural instinct, moving from the sensory “mark-making” of Years 0–3 to the intentional storytelling and problem-solving of Years 4–6.

We hold a firm belief that anyone can be an artist; art isn’t just a standalone lesson, it is woven into every subject we teach, from the patterns in math to the diagrams in science.

By exploring diverse techniques and cultural forms like Toi Māori, our students develop the fine motor skills, spatial awareness and critical thinking they need to thrive. At Owairoa Primary School, we aren’t just teaching children how to draw; we are teaching them to see the world with curiosity and to find the “art” in everything they learn.

The students of Owairoa Primary School are immersed in a rich Health and Physical Education Curriculum.

Each term the school’s Sports Specialist teaches specific skills, attitudes and values through a variety of games, exercise, sports and movement activities. The students thoroughly enjoy these focused lessons.

There are numerous opportunities for students to join sports teams at the school.  A large range of summer and winter sports are offered. It is great to see students getting involved in different sports and the personal mana they gain from their involvement in Owairoa sporting activities.

Sporting Events

During the year there are a variety of school-wide sporting events: swimming sports, cross country and athletics day. Top athletes and Teams are chosen to represent the school in their chosen sporting domain at the HPPA Inter-school competitions.

There are also competitions throughout the year, Fun Day tournaments and numerous other organised sporting events which involve a wide range of students, generally, from Years 4 to 6.

Owairoa students have become well-known for their outstanding behaviour and sportsmanship when representing their school. The passion and enthusiasm these students have is outstanding.

Local Sports Clubs

Owairoa Primary School has developed a partnership with Fencibles Football Club, which offers an after-school programme on our school site, for students to develop their football ability.

For Sports Clubs in our area and more information about them, please view the links below:

Swimming – https://www.swimgym.org.nz/lloyd-elsmore

Cricket- https://hpcc.org.nz/

Hockey – https://www.hphockey.org.nz/

Rugby – https://www.purc.co.nz/

Football – https://fencibles.org.nz/

Tennis – https://www.howicktennis.org.nz/

Athletics – https://pakurangaathletics.co.nz/

Gymnastics – https://howickgym.co.nz/

Dance – https://www.jdstudios.co.nz/

Ballet- https://www.neverlandstudios.co.nz/

Badminton- https://lloydelsmorebadminton.co.nz/

Sailing- https://www.howicksailingclub.co.nz/

At Owairoa Primary School, the Technology curriculum encourages students to be innovative, creative, and resourceful as they solve real-world problems. We aim to empower our students to move from being just users of technology to becoming creators and critical thinkers in an ever-changing digital and physical world.

Our Technology programme is integrated into our inquiry learning, allowing students to explore three key strands: technological practice, technological knowledge, and a focus on the nature of technology. By following a design process—planning, developing, testing, and reflecting—students learn that trial and error are vital parts of the learning journey.

Digital Dream Lab

The Digital Dream Lab is our dedicated, future-focused technology hub where creativity meets cutting-edge innovation. This specialist facility provides students with a hands-on environment to experiment with advanced tools and bring their big ideas to life.

Supported by our Digital Technology Specialist, the Lab aims to:

• Innovate through 3D Design: Students use software like Tinkercad to design complex objects, learning about spatial awareness, precise measurement in millimetres, and the mechanics of 3D printing.
• Explore Virtual and Augmented Realities: Using VR goggles, students can venture into virtual worlds, making abstract concepts tangible and immersive.
• Master Modern Tools: The Lab provides access to drones, robotics, laser engraving, animation, and coding, ensuring students gain practical experience with the tools of the future.
• Minecraft for Education: Students utilize Minecraft as a powerful tool for creation and collaboration, while learning the fundamentals of programming through block-based coding.

Chromebook Programme

In our Middle and Senior school (Years 3–6), students develop vital ICT skills through the use of Chromebooks in a 1:1 student ratio. These devices serve as essential tools in the classroom, used alongside traditional learning in all curriculum areas to complement and enhance the educational experience where appropriate.

This access allows our students to:

• Research and Collaborate: Access a wealth of information and work together on shared projects in real-time.
• Practice Digital Citizenship: Learn to be responsible, respectful, and safe digital citizens within a supervised environment.
• Utilize Creative Tools: Use various digital platforms to present their learning, create multimedia projects, and develop their digital literacy.

Design and Practical Technology

Beyond the digital screen, technology at Owairoa involves “hands-on” learning. Students work with a variety of materials and components to create solutions for specific needs. Whether they are designing sustainable packaging or building structures, they are encouraged to consider the impact of their designs on the community and the environment.

Through Technology, Owairoa students develop the “can-do” attitude needed for the 21st century—becoming adaptable problem-solvers who are ready to tackle the challenges of the future with confidence and ingenuity.

ESOL

English language learners at Owairoa Primary School are supported within their mainstream classrooms through a scaffolded, targeted teaching programme designed to meet their individual needs. Teaching priorities are informed by the English Language Learning Progressions (ELLP) Pathway matrices, with a focus on the four language modes: Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing.

Students working at Foundation level, or those identified as requiring additional support, may also receive assistance from a teacher aide within the classroom.

Students with little or no English are withdrawn from class for 45 minutes, two to three times per week, to receive additional language support in a small-group setting with an ESOL specialist.

ESOL-funded students in Years 3–6 are taught in groups of approximately 10–12 learners by the ESOL Coordinator. These students attend a weekly 90-minute session in the ESOL room. The programme focuses on developing both language (often topic-based) and effective language-learning skills and strategies that students can transfer to their classroom learning across the curriculum.

Learning is frequently linked to topics being studied in Science and Social Sciences, providing students with multiple opportunities to develop and apply their knowledge and vocabulary in a range of meaningful contexts.

A strong emphasis on oral language, listening and thinking skills enables learners to express themselves confidently in small-group situations. This supportive environment encourages students to take risks and grow in both their spoken and written English.

Valuing First Language and Culture

Staff at Owairoa Primary School recognise and value the importance of students’ first languages and cultures. Students are encouraged to use their first language where appropriate within the school environment and to maintain it while developing English as an additional language.

Our learners are valued as a rich resource within our multicultural school community. They are given opportunities to share their language, knowledge and cultural traditions.

Students are also supported in learning about the cultural heritage of Aotearoa New Zealand, including the significance of Waitangi Day, Anzac Day and Matariki.

Each year, families are invited to join us in celebrating International Day. Students and staff enjoy dressing in traditional clothing or wearing colours that represent their country. Cultural groups proudly take part in a celebratory walk around the school, waving flags and banners, as we acknowledge and celebrate the diversity of our school community.

Tier 2 Support

Tier 2 teaching provides short-term, targeted small-group support for students who are not making expected progress in their year level, in reading, mathematics and writing.  Tier 2 teaching strengthens learners’ knowledge and skills through providing learners more time, clearer instruction, small group interactions and faster feedback on essential literacy skills.

Teaching is systematic and structured, targeting the building blocks of literacy including: phonological awareness (hearing sounds in words), phonics (letter–sound knowledge and decoding), word reading accuracy and fluency and oral language.

Teaching also focuses on blending, segmenting and manipulating sounds, often combined with physical actions to aid memory. Its goal is acceleration, not remediation, helping students catch up quickly so they can successfully return to learning with the whole class.

Kapa Haka

Our Kapa Haka group is a valued part of our school, providing students with the opportunity to celebrate and experience the richness of Māori culture through performance. Open to students in Years 5 and 6, our Kapa Haka group offers a welcoming environment where students can build confidence, teamwork and cultural understanding.

Through regular practices, students learn correct pronunciation of Māori songs, develop rhythm and coordination and gain a deeper appreciation of New Zealand’s bicultural foundations.

Throughout the year, the group has opportunities to perform at school assemblies, special events and community celebrations. Participation in the Kapa Haka group helps students grow in confidence as they stand proudly before an audience, sharing their learning and culture.

Education for Sustainability

Our students are learning to think and act in ways that safeguard the well-being of the people and the planet now and for the future.

Our Education for Sustainability (EfS) curriculum is about developing an attitude towards sustainability that is embedded within our school culture and helps us form and enrich the values of our students. Learning how to take action for the environment has developed from teacher directed and chosen ideas – known as the dimensions of education ‘in’ and ‘about’ the environment – to a more integrated, inquiry learning incorporating different curriculum areas – known as education ‘for’ the environment.

There are two main criteria for successful education ‘for’ the environment; putting our students at the centre of their learning and decision making; and ensuring our students get authentic learning opportunities.

Owairoa Primary School has an interesting range of opportunities for our students; from learning how to keep chickens, becoming a worm educator, collecting Paper4Trees, Pink Bags and to being part of the Trees for Survival native tree planting programme. As part of their inquiry learning, students make a connection to their immediate and local environment by creating, developing and maintaining different habitats such as the Bushwalk, Butterfly Garden and an orchard, plus various gardens for flowers, fruit and vegetables.

These authentic learning contexts give our students the opportunity to use their growing knowledge and understanding to take action in a way that is significant and meaningful to them.