Connecting with our wider conceptual focus of Power and Injustice, being explored during inquiry time, the various literacy groups of Toroa have been reading about Te Tiriti o Waitangi; reminding us what it is, when it was fomed, and how it may have affected people throughout history. This has allowed tamariki to draw connections throughout reading, writing and inquiry time and create a more purposeful exploration of our central concept, while also finding opportunities to develop the skills and knowledge required of Year 7-8s.

Beginning by thinking about Cause and Effect (what a cause and effect relationship looks like and how we can write about it), students have been required to draw on the knowledge they have gained from a variety of readings on the subject of Te Tiriti, and make connections between them to help them think about Te Tiriti as the cause of a wide variety of effects. These effects have ranged from the events such as the New Zealand Wars to the Treaty Settlement process and the Waitangi Tribunal created to facilitate it.

Navigating texts focused on these issues, and being given the chance to write about the different events and perspectives involved in this huge part of New Zealand history has allowed tamariki to contrast a wide variety of ideas on power and justice, allowing them to gain an even better understanding of our concepts. The teachers of Toroa have been incredibly proud of the understandings we have witnessed blossoming from these brilliant young minds.

We look forward to seeing how everyone uses their questioning and organisational skills to put their many ideas together into some final written texts that highlight their understanding.