Learning Focus Areas

Reading, Writing and Maths

The Tawhai School curriculum prioritizes achievement in the foundation areas of reading, writing and maths. As we want to enhance students’ abilities to learn and equip them with the necessary knowledge required to further their education.

Embracing a culture of self-review

Quality self-review can improve both student outcomes and teacher performance. At Tawhai we are always interested in knowing:

1. What are our student’s strengths and learning needs?
2. What are our teacher’s professional strengths and learning needs?

Put simply, we use this process to identify what our key areas of focus will be!

Focus Area: Te Reo

Teaching a language is not something every teacher is confident in doing. However we are committed to improving the way we integrate Maori language and culture in to every day learning experiences. At Tawhai we integrate Te Reo in to everyday learning, employ a specialist kapa haka teacher, provide regular and on-going professional development for staff , and continue to access and purchase new educational resources for all classes.

Focus Area: ICT (Information and Communication Technologies)

Put simply technologies like the internet, computers and devices. We want our students prepared for a workplace where ICTs skills are becoming more and more necessary for employees. ICT is a focus area for our school because:

• It will improve communication (emailing, blogging, reporting…)
• Encourage sharing of teaching ideas and resources.
• Save time though improve efficiencies.
• Make learning more exciting for our students.
• Develop student inquiry skills (i.e.) reading for information and using information to answer a question.
• Encouraging independent learning and self-motivated learners.
• Provide opportunities for students to share their work with a wider audience.
• Provide opportunities for students and staff to collaborate on projects.