Curriculum
Our curriculum is based on the principles of New Zealand’s national early childhood curriculum, Te Whāriki, which all Early Childhood Education services (childcare centres, preschools, kindergartens etc) use.
Te Whāriki provides a foundation for children to become confident and competent lifelong learners. In particular, we focus on children’s learning competencies as advocated by Te Whāriki, encouraging children to:
- Take an interest (Exploration)
- Communicate with others (Communication)
- Persist with difficulty (Well-being)
- Be involved (Contribution/Belonging)
- Take responsibility (Belonging)
These early childhood curriculum competencies flow onto the New Zealand School Curriculum competencies, as illustrated below by the Ministry of Education
Aspirations For Your Child
Te Whāriki is based on the aspirations that children grow up:
- as competent and confident learners and communicators
- healthy in mind, body and spirit
- secure in their sense of belonging
- secure in the knowledge that they make a valued contribution to society.
Because learning happens everywhere and all the time, the connections children make about their learning between home and their childcare centre or preschool helps them build strong learning foundations.
Specific Areas of Learning
Our centre environments are set up to encourage children to explore a range of curriculum areas including:
- Arts and creativity
- Culture
- Expressive Arts – drama, music and dance
- Family & Community
- Literacy
- Numeracy
- Outdoor Play
- Science
- Technology
- School Readiness
Documenting Your Child’s Learning
During your child’s time in childcare, preschool or kindergarten a Portfolio or Special Achievement Journal will be kept as a record of their learning.
These portfolios are valuable keepsakes and include photos of your child, their artwork and written commentaries from the teachers on what, and how, your child is learning.