A new vertically grouped learning initiative across year 3-6

The tāmariki in the senior school have been divided into five different ako whānau (learning family) groups. These groups are across all the senior year levels (3 - 6) and have been working together most afternoons.  Working collaboratively develops a supportive learning environment where children with skills can shine and others can be exposed to new ways of thinking and learning. It also provides opportunities for children to build relationship with teachers through out the school. Each classroom teacher in the senior school has chosen a specific focus or topic to teach the groups over five afternoons. At the conclusion of their five sessions the groups will move to another teacher, therefore each group will be learning each of the skills during the term. The initial round of ako whānau sessions are: Library Skills, Poetry / Presentation Skills, Mindfulness, Using a Green Screen, and Coding. The tamariki have really been looking forward to their ako whānau sessions, and the teachers have all commented on how lovely it is to have the cross year level groupings.