Learning

Enviroschool

The Enviroschools programme aims to empower and enable individuals, families and schools to work together to create healthy, peaceful and sustainable communities. Building strong connections and trusting relationships is at the heart of this, as is fostering a culture of creativity and sharing.

At Waimana we try to think environmentally friendly where we can but are at the beginning of the Enviroschools process.  The students are currently developing a plan/vision of where and how we would like to develop our school further in an environmental and sustainable way and we will use this to drive our learning programmes and develop our school enviroment over the years to come.

Classroom Programmes

We have a strong emphasis of numeracy and literacy and ensure this is given time every day in the classroom programme. We believe that students need to be taught the basics and taught them well so they have a good grounding to develop and build on throughout their education at Waimana School. Small class sizes ensure all students are given plenty of one and one support to develop their basics and also to encourage and support their extension in areas of strength. Play based learning, Inquiry based learning and Impact Projects, Physical Education, Art, Te Reo Maori are taught each week to give the students a wide range of opportunities to show their potential and to develop the whole student in all areas of the curriculum. We also aim to use as many external supports and curriculum providers as possible to help teach our students new skills and for staff to up skill their pedagogy in sports, music, arts and other curriculum areas.

Homework

​After a hard day’s work at school we believe that our students need the opportunity to relax and refresh. They then need to engage in activities such as hobbies and other interests. These activities allow them to think and move in different ways where they use other intelligence’s, learn different skills and work with other people. These are all important in developing a range of alternatives for later life. Equally important is time for family activities and conversation. Homework is given on a regular basis to all students, however this is a revision activity and supports the learning in the classroom.

For homework we expect children to read (depending on age) for a least 10 minutes every night. There will be a need to learn spelling words and basic mathematical facts (tables). Also, there will be work completion tasks from time to time. In the Junior class work comes home in a book bag. In some cases there may be research, special tasks and/or worksheet activities. Activities you can work together on include telling the time, using measurement, shopping and money activities, letter and diary writing, drawing, photography and newspaper and TV events. Encourage cooperative reading activities and continue reading to them right up to Year Six. Learning must be fun. If there are any difficulties at all, do contact the class teacher concerned.

Computers | Use of Internet

Each classroom is well equipped with computers connected to the school network for students to use and develop their computer literacy. The Senior Room now has access to one on one Chromebooks to support their learning. We use Google Classroom and Seesaw as part of our learning programmes. They are supervised at all times when on the “Net” and are not allowed access to MSM Messenger or chat rooms.

Students are responsible for good behaviour on school computers just as they are in the classroom, school grounds, library, or in attendance at a school function of any kind. Therefore, general school rules for behaviour and responsible communications apply to all use of the computer network.

Ultimately, parents and guardians are responsible for setting and conveying the standards that their children should follow when using media and information sources. Therefore, the school supports and respects each family’s right to decide whether or not their child will be allowed access. Accordingly an agreement to be signed and sent back to school giving permission for internet use.

Sports

Waimana School participates in a variety of sports culminating in competitions with other country schools in cross country, athletics and swimming. Students are then chosen to participate in the town and then regional competitions. We also participate in a huge range of sports tournaments and sporting events. Children are also encouraged to participate in a winter and summer sport. Being a small school means that we usually do not need to select teams as we are able to allow everyone to participate in most events.

Education outside the Classroom (EOTC)

This type of instruction is an important part of the curriculum delivery process. Trips are relevant to the unit study at the time. Year 7 and 8 take part in a senior camp every two years where their outdoor experiences are extended.