Wairakei School's all about building a brighter future for your community. With two campuses, it emphasizes high-quality learning and cultural integration, focusing on literacy and mathematics. You'll find a diverse environment that fosters strong ties among students, whānau, and local iwi. Community engagement is key, with partnerships enhancing learning experiences and celebrating cultural heritage. Since 2012, student achievement has soared, thanks to targeted teaching and ongoing assessment. As they create innovative learning spaces, Wairakei School is committed to your children's growth and success. Explore how these initiatives continually shape the vibrant future of the Wairakei community.
Major Highlights
- Wairakei School integrates te reo Māori and tikanga Māori, fostering cultural identity and community connection among students.
- The school collaborates with local Ngāti Tūwharetoa hapū, enriching educational resources and experiences for students.
- Active parent and whānau involvement in curriculum development promotes community engagement and student success.
- Continuous professional growth for teachers ensures high-quality learning environments and effective teaching strategies.
- The school's focus on equity and excellence supports underperforming students, building a brighter future for the community.
School Overview
Wairakei School, located in both Christchurch and Wairakei Village near Taupo, offers a vibrant learning environment with a diverse student body. With 272 students in Christchurch and 267 in Taupo, the schools proudly represent a mix of ethnicities, including Pākehā, Māori, Pacific, Asian, and others.
You'll find a strong commitment to curriculum development that aligns with the New Zealand Curriculum, focusing on essential areas like literacy and mathematics.
Cultural integration is a key feature of the school community. Both schools actively incorporate te reo Māori and tikanga Māori into daily practices, ensuring that students from various backgrounds feel welcomed and represented. You'll notice this through regular cultural activities, including pōwhiri and kapa haka groups, which foster a sense of belonging among students and families.
Teachers engage in ongoing professional development to enhance their teaching practices, creating inclusive and collaborative learning environments. This commitment to continuous improvement, alongside strong parental and community involvement, ensures that every student, including priority learners, receives the support they need to thrive in their educational journey.
Wairakei School truly embodies a holistic approach to education, preparing students for their futures.
Strategic Priorities
Focusing on creating a high-quality learning environment, the strategic priorities at Wairakei School emphasize resource allocation, effective assessment practices, and robust teacher development. The school ensures that resources are allocated wisely to create a rich learning environment, promoting professional collaboration among teachers and leaders.
Here's how these priorities break down:
Strategic Focus | Key Actions |
---|---|
Resource Allocation | Develop systems for decision-making on improvement. |
Effective Assessment | Use thorough assessment procedures to inform teaching. |
Teacher Development | Engage in continuous professional growth and reflection. |
Community Engagement
Creating a high-quality learning environment goes hand in hand with fostering strong community engagement. At Wairakei School, community involvement is a cornerstone of our approach. You'll see this through our collaborations with Ngāti Tūwharetoa hapū, enriching student resources with local iwi and hapū knowledge.
We engage early childhood centers and local principals in the Tūwharetoa Cultural Knowledge Project, ensuring everyone's voice is heard. Our local partnerships don't stop there. We work closely with businesses and organizations to enhance learning outcomes, turning projects into real-life experiences for students.
Events like the launch of 'Te Kete Rauemi' at Waitetoko Marae highlight our commitment to engaging the wider community. We also emphasize the importance of parent and whānau involvement. By actively involving families in curriculum development and school events, we build strong home-school partnerships.
Your insights, gathered through surveys, help us align our learning with community values. Together, we're creating a localized curriculum that reflects our unique heritage. This integration of local history and stories fosters an environment where students feel connected to their community, enhancing their educational journey.
Student Achievement
Since the last ERO review in 2012, Wairakei School has made significant strides in student achievement, consistently surpassing average outcomes for both the Taupo area and nationally.
You'll notice several impressive trends in achievement, particularly as teachers focus on effective assessment practices.
- Improved National Standards: The percentage of students achieving at or above the expected standard has risen notably.
- Targeted Teaching Strategies: Teachers employ 'teaching as inquiry' to tailor their approaches, meeting diverse student needs effectively.
- Equity and Excellence: The school excels at accelerating progress for students falling below expected levels, emphasizing the importance of targeted support.
- Monitoring Progress: Continuous assessment allows teachers to monitor student progress closely, ensuring that all learners are engaged and succeeding.
While girls tend to outperform boys in reading, writing, and mathematics, there's a commitment to addressing disparities, especially for Māori students in writing and mathematics.
Wairakei School's focus on achievement trends and targeted assessment practices sets the stage for ongoing success, ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive.
Learning Environment
At Wairakei School, the learning environment is designed to foster collaboration and innovation, catering to the diverse needs of students. With 11 classrooms in Taupō and ongoing remodeling in Christchurch, the schools are committed to creating open, collaborative spaces that enhance learning. Emphasizing cultural integration, both schools incorporate te reo Māori and tikanga Māori into daily practices, allowing students to connect with their heritage.
Here's how your learning experience can transform:
Aspect | Taupō School | Christchurch School |
---|---|---|
Teaching Approach | Innovative and collaborative | Culturally rich and inclusive |
Community Engagement | Strong community ties | Active board participation |
Cultural Integration | Tūwharetoa Cultural Project | Ao Māori values incorporated |
Frequently Asked Questions
What Extracurricular Activities Are Available for Students at Wairakei School?
You'll find various extracurricular activities available, including sports clubs for cricket, netball, and basketball. Additionally, art programs foster creativity, allowing you to explore your artistic talents while building friendships and enhancing your school experience.
How Can Parents Get Involved in School Decision-Making Processes?
You can enhance parent engagement by joining school committees, participating in PTAs, and taking leadership roles. These actions empower you to influence decision-making processes, ensuring your voice contributes to shaping school policies and practices.
What Support Services Are Offered for Students With Special Needs?
For students with special needs, inclusive education provides tailored support through specialized staff, such as SENCOs and RTLBs, along with therapeutic services like occupational and speech therapy, ensuring every student receives the help they need.
Are There Any After-School Care Programs Available for Students?
Yes, there are after-school enrichment programs available that provide childcare options. These programs typically offer homework support, nutritious snacks, and engaging activities to keep your child active and foster their social skills.
How Does the School Celebrate Student Achievements and Milestones?
You'll feel the excitement as the school celebrates achievement recognition and milestone celebrations through class high-fives, "Wow Work" walls, and community events, creating a supportive atmosphere where every student's success is valued and acknowledged.
Conclusion
In the heart of Wairakei, it's almost ironic how a school can shape futures while being a cornerstone of the community. You'd think that building strong connections and prioritizing student achievement would be a given, yet Wairakei School does it with such flair that it feels like a well-kept secret. As you watch students thrive in an engaging environment, you can't help but wonder—who's really learning more, them or the community around them?