Learning Groups
We are a country school that encourages interaction across all age groups, and we continue to grow in numbers. Our students are divided into four groups and into three classrooms for most of their learning. See what each age group gets up to in our incredible grounds where the environment provides us with a fourth classroom - the outdoors.
Rūma Rata
Years 0-2
Rata class is supported by a learning-through-play environment that also embraces the blending of the Early Childhood Curriculum, Te Whariki and The New Zealand Curriculum, where Structured Literacy and Numeracy foundations are practiced daily. Individual learning needs are catered for in the huge open-space classroom. There is also the opportunity to transition easily from our local Playgroup to the classroom.
Rūma Kowhai
YEARS 3 - 5
Kowhai class is our industrious and energetic group. Their curriculum uses STEAM to inspire and motivate learning. An educational approach that uses Science, Technology, the Arts, Engineering, and Mathematics as access points for guiding student inquiry, dialogue, and critical thinking.
Rūma Rimu
YEARS 6-8
Rimu class operates on a high-trust model. Ākonga in Rimu use digital technology as a tool for learning and are beginning to be more agentic learners. They experience numerous opportunities to be leaders within our school, and they set the scene for the rest of the school. A mix of teacher direction and inquiry learning are part of everyday life in Rimu.
‘Ahurei Group’ Leadership and extension
Years 7-8
Our Ahurei (unique and special) group, year 7 and 8 learners, are highly valued as leaders in the school. Each year, our senior students are invited to discover their own potential, grow, and push themselves through participation in a range of experiences, including participation in the Pounamu Challenge and ‘Future Leaders’ training. Our bi-annual Wilderness Camp is a highlight of this programme in rotation with the Ski Camp.
All senior learners are encouraged to carry out ‘passion projects’, and invited to contribute to or lead a project that will make a difference for our school or the community.
Year 7 and 8 learners also attend the Technical Arts programme run at Cambridge Middle School once a week.
The concept of tuakana teina (mentoring others)forms an important part of these influential years.
