Set in the idyllic countryside, just ten minutes outside of Cambridge, Te Miro is the perfect school for children to explore and be part of nature, while still being surrounded by a safe and supportive community.
T
Bigger Isn’t Always Better.
"As for how small schools stack up against larger schools academically, they hold their heads high. The Otago University-based National Education Monitoring Project has made some qualitative assessment and dismissed the claim that "bigger is better". Its research says that size is not a predictor of student achievement.”
Neville Peat in NZ Herald.
Tupu Tahi Tatou - Together we grow
ENCOURAGING OUR CHILDREN TO GROW INTO THEIR VERY BEST SELVES
Te Miro School sits proudly in the centre of our community, providing quality learning for children from years 1-8. Our learning pathways are developed to support all learners to be creative, curious, and caring, to have courage and to try.
We hold very high expectations for student achievement and work alongside learners and their whaanau / family to support children to develop as competent and capable learners. We want learners to be excited about, and interested in their learning; for learning to be meaningful and relevant.
Our goal, to nurture children for their unique talents, marks us as distinct. One size does not fit all at Te Miro School. Learning is designed to meet individual learner needs, in contexts that learners can connect with.
We provide a wide range of extra-curricular activities and opportunities for children to engage with. We implement quality enrichment programmes, develop extension for talented learners, and offer strong remedial programmes for those needing targeted support.
We are tremendously proud of our rural setting, and our rural approach to play. Children climb trees, make huts, and run freely across our large outdoor areas. Many children choose to bring bikes, scooters, and skateboards, enjoying the concrete areas and the long sloping front path. Or they can choose one of our mountain bikes to ride over our bike track.
Establishing effective partnerships with parents, family/whānau, and community is a priority at Te Miro School. We value open, honest and clear communication, and welcome your involvement in the school community. Our team maintains regular contact with families, celebrating learning successes, and sharing progress made towards achieving goals and challenges.
Te Miro School is a great place to learn and we’d love to have you join us.
THE CURRICULUM
Te Miro School is a full primary school, catering for children from Years 0–8. Our learners are organised into three class groups.
We are very well-resourced, and learners have ready access to quality ICT tools as and when needed within learning programmes. A voluntary BYOD approach is in place in the Rimu class, giving learners access to excellent digital and online learning tools.
The school grounds consist of large playing areas, tennis courts, two swimming pools, an orchard, native bush area, radio station, as well as spaces for small group work. Our beautiful library has historic significance. Built in 1910, it was the original school building, and is now a treasured learning space.
At Te Miro School you can expect to find a warm welcome and sense of place. We are innovative, and persistent in our approach to supporting every learner to meet his or her potential.
Our annual Teddy Bears Picnic
At Te Miro School the classroom curriculum is designed to meet the needs of individual learners. Our teachers are highly skilled, and have a great understanding of the New Zealand Curriculum (NZC) document. They engage learners within meaningful contexts, and work alongside each individual to ‘notice, recognise, and respond’ to needs.
Literacy and numeracy are priority learning areas, and these are emphasised across and through each of the other curriculum learning areas: science, social science, health and PE, technology, learning languages, and the arts.
Through all learning and teaching programmes we aim to strengthen individual identity, and increase the sense of empowerment or agency each learner experiences.
Teachers work alongside each learner to identify a specific learning goal, to identify the steps needed to achieve it, and to track progress towards achieving it. Each learner is invited to take increasing amounts of responsibility for their own learning. Through each experience learners grow a greater understanding of who they are as a person and who they are as a learner.
Environmental education is a valued part of our school curriculum. As an Enviro School with Green Gold status, we are committed to caring for the environment, and we actively promote sustainable practices.
THE CURRICULUM
BUSH CLASS
Joining the school's bush class was an enriching experience for the Te Miro Playgroup, thanks to the dedication and passion of the fantastic teachers.
Exploring the bush ignited the children's curiosity and sparked their imaginations through play. It was incredible to see how much the children flourished in this natural setting, surrounded by trees, wildlife, and fresh air. From building shelters to identifying local flora and fauna, every step led to new discoveries and excitement.
The children also had the opportunity to engage in literacy with a story about the history of Lake Te Koo Utu and numeracy through a balancing stick activity. Additionally, they developed life skills such as problem-solving, and teamwork all while surrounded by beautiful, local native bush.
For playgroup members, it's evident that engaging in such school activities makes the transition to school smoother, as they are already familiar with fellow children, teachers, and the environment. We're grateful to be part of a school community that values outdoor education and fosters a love for nature from such a young age.
Thanks again for the opportunity and continual support of playgroup.
Kind regards, Nicole
During Bush Class, teachers can observe their learners in an environment free from restraints such as walls and learning objectives, where their differences and relational play can be observed and scaffolded to build a picture of the individual learner. This knowledge is then used constantly to shape direction and practice in all learning environments.
BUSH CLASS IS BASED ON 5 PRINCIPLES
1. Learners are the central players of the environment.
2. The environment aims to develop self-regulated learners who regulate their emotions and motivation’s during the process.
3. Social Nature – The environment actively encourages well-organised co-operative learning.
4. Teachers are attuned to learners’ motivations and the key role of emotions in achievement.
5. Building connections with home, the community and the wider world.
Bush class involves the whole school and is based on the social and emotional growth of all of our tamariki working and playing in a tuakana teina model (older ones teaching younger ones). We walk down to our neighbours 10 acre Kahikatea bush every Friday and spend time together in nature. The bush is a place of respect and a place of learning where together we grow.
Research shows us that being in nature has the following wellbeing benefits:
Reduced Stress: Exposure to nature can lower levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, and promote relaxation, which can help individuals regulate their emotions more effectively.
Enhanced Mood: Spending time in nature has been linked to improved mood and increased feelings of happiness and well-being. Natural environments often evoke positive emotions, such as awe, wonder, curiosity and tranquility, which can help regulate negative emotions and promote emotional balance.
Increased Mindfulness: In Bush Class we encourage mindfulness, which is the practice of being present and fully engaged in the moment. Being in a natural setting can promote a sense of mindfulness by encouraging aakonga to focus on their surroundings, engage their senses, and connect with the present moment. Mindfulness practices have been shown to enhance emotional regulation skills.
Connection to Others: Bush Class fosters social connections (tuakana teina) which are important for emotional well-being and provide opportunities for social support, emotional expression, and interpersonal connection, all of which contribute to better emotional regulation.
Physical Activity: Known to have positive effects on mood and emotional regulation. Regular exercise in nature can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, improve self-esteem, and enhance overall emotional resilience.
be confident, strive to achieve, make a difference
