Primary
Students
Years 1-6
The early years at Whangamata Area School focus on building capacity to learn through positive relationships and experiences, as well as securing key foundational skills in Literacy, Numeracy, Digital Technologies, the Sciences, Arts, and Physical Education.
Our early years curriculum makes the most of our local environment and acknowledges the natural curiosity of young people and their ability to learn through play and exploration. Students are also encouraged to develop cultural awareness through Te Reo and Te Ao Maori, and Kapa Haka skills.
The establishment and maintenance of positive, powerful, and effective relationships with the families and Whanau of our students is paramount in these key developmental years.
Useful links
Primary Years 1-6
Structured
Literacy
Structured Literacy is an evidence-based approach that is grounded in the Science of Reading and our understanding about how all brains learn to read. In our classrooms, teachers are using systematic and explicit instruction that integrates listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
The findings from the Science of Reading have taught us some very important lessons that cannot be ignored. This body of research findings has been a welcomed addition to the education sector and we are proud to share with you that we are certainly taking heed of these.
Click on the link below to view tips for whanau about the Structured Literacy initiaitve and how you can support your child at home.
Numicon
Mathematics
At WAS we are implementing the Numicon Approach to teaching mathematics in Year 1-6 classes. Our Tamariki enjoy hands-on, engaging learning experiences which make math concepts and relationships so obvious for them. We utilise a range of Numicon resources to create consistent pathways for learning to meet all learner needs across the school.
