All new entrant children are exposed to the Play Based Learning model where the focus is primarily on values based teaching and for children to form positive relationships with staff and peers. Once children show they are ‘ready to learn’ and can demonstrate competence in learning dispositions, they move into the Year 1/2 teaching and learning spaces.

Play Based Learning does take place in the whole junior school (Year 0-4) although it looks slightly different depending on the chronological age of the students.

What this looks like in our kura

• Children are engaged in learning as they follow their own interests

• Children are extended through deliberate planning and acts of teaching

• Many learning opportunities will be physical in nature ensuring that gross and fine motor skills are developed (Brain 3)

• Children are given the opportunity to practice the skills, attitudes and dispositions needed to set themselves up for lifelong learning. Children are supported to see themselves positively as learners.

• Children’s learning will be differentiated and individualised, incorporating learning styles and a variety of experiences

• A programme that will be very child centered, child driven and very fluid and organic depending on the interests and needs emerging

• All learning will be linked to Te Whariki, the NZC and the Parkview Pārua localised curriculum

• Children will still be taught numeracy and literacy every day – more emphasis on the context of this learning being child lead.

• Children showing readiness for more cognitive learning will be addressed, through individual literacy and numeracy planning and teaching

• These children will be transitioned into the other Piwakawaka classes as needed

• Assessment will be in the form of Learning Stories and Parkview Pārua School reporting procedures