Our Curriculum

We blend the best of Montessori principles, STEM education, and the New Zealand early childhood curriculum, Te Whāriki, to create a nurturing, explorative learning environment that allows children to develop critical life skills.

Te Whariki

Wellbeing
Mana Atua

The health and wellbeing of the child are protected and nurtured. Children have a sense of wellbeing and resilience. They understand their own mana atuatanga – uniqueness and spiritual connectedness

Belonging
Mana Whenua

Children and their families feel a sense of belonging. They know they belong and have a sense of connection to others and the environment. Childrens relationships to Papatūānuku is based on whakapapa, respect, and aroha.

Exploration
Mana Aotūroa

The child learns through active exploration of the environment. Children are critical thinkers, problem solvers and explorers. They see themselves as exploders, able to connect with and care for their own and the wider worlds.

Communication
Mana Reo

The languages and symbols of children’s own and other cultures are promoted and protected. Children are strong and effective communicators. Through te reo Māori children’s identity, belonging and wellbeing are enhanced

Contribution
Mana Tangata

Opportunities for learning are equitable, and each child’s contribution is valued. Children learn with and alongside others. They have a strong sense of themselves as a link between past, present and future.

HOW WE PRESENT OUR CURRCIULUM THROUGH OUR MONTESSORI AND STEM WORK

Practical life

This first area of the Montessori curriculum lays the foundation for all the other areas of learning the environment. Practical life activities are simple daily tasks that:

  • Build concentration
  • Develop fine and gross motor skills
  • Gain a sense of order
  • Work on independence

Children learn to focus and be mindful of themselves, others, and the environment.

Sensorial

This is where the Montessori materials really become the focus of learning and prepare children to write and read. Sensorial materials clearly set apart and demonstrates abstract concepts such as

  • Height
  • Weight
  • Colour
  • Smell
  • Sound
  • Taste

Children are introduced to these materials and are then encouraged to work independently. This then prepares children to work with the decimal system, geometry concepts and other complex mathematical later in life

Language arts

Montessori Language and arts provides a systematic approach to understanding the key sounds of the English language

  • The first activities focus on oral language, building on skills that children already have
  • Children then progress to writing, developing both cognitive and practical skills needed for success.
  • Unique to Montessori, children are introduced to reading activities after writing.

The reading activities build children’s skills incrementally, with each concept building on the one before.

The final focus is parts of speech, in which children use the sorting skills they have been developing in their practical life and sensorial work.

Science and Culture

Children learn through culture and science activities which include:

  • Geography: Children learn that the world is made up of land and water and progress from the whole earth down to their immediate community.
  • History: Children are introduced to concept of time and the past through history activities
  • Zoology and Botany: Children develop classification skills as they learn about classes of animals in zoology and the parts of plants in botany.
  • Science: Hands on demonstrations of science activities spark children’s curiosity about the world.

Throughout Culture and Science activities, children are learning about the connection of life and are indirectly introduced to the idea of cosmic education.

Mathematics

Children use materials that help build a strong mathematical foundation, focusing on:

  • Numbers to 10
  • The decimal system
  • The four operations
  • Memorization

Children build their knowledge with hands on experimentation with the ability to correct errors using the Montessori mathematical materials.

Links between Te Whariki and Montessori:

  • Critical Thinking
  • Innovation
  • Creativity
  • Flexibility
  • Problem Solving
  • Data Analysis
  • Collaborative Learning
  • Constructive Learning

What we learn through Stem education

1

Focus

in this step, we are selecting a question to answer or problem solve.

2

Discovery

Discovery is all about active research and intentional teaching. Tamariki explore ways in which to bring their ideas to life.

3

Application

This is where the fun happens!
This step is where tamariki use the skills, processes and knowledge that were taught and obtained in the discovery stage and put them to work.

4

Presentation

Once tamariki have formed their creation, its time to share it with their peers. Together we reflect on what works well and work together to help produce any solutions that might be needed.

5

Link

This step is what closes the loop. Tamariki have the chance to reflect on the presentation work and are able to revise their work as needed to produce an even better solution.

By providing tamariki with freedom to produce their own end product, giving feedback and intentional teaching strategies, tamariki will surprise you with how creative they can be!

Hours of Operation

Open Monday to Friday

7.30 am to 5.30 pm.

We are closed on all Public holidays.

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