Ā Mātou Akoranga | Our Learning 

Te Kura o Waihārara has two learning groups: Akomanga Teina, for Years 0–3, and Akomanga Tuakana, for Years 4–8. As a small kura, we also learn together as one whānau, creating regular opportunities for tuakana–teina learning, shared inquiry and whole-kura experiences. 

Learning is planned around the strengths, needs and developmental stages of each ākonga. Small learning groups and strong relationships enable kaiako to provide flexible, differentiated and culturally responsive teaching, with opportunities for uri to learn in ways that build confidence, independence and a strong sense of belonging.

Our local curriculum is grounded in Waihārara, Muriwhenua and Te Hiku. Learning draws on our people, whakapapa, local histories, whenua, wai and moana, and our relationships with whānau, hapū and Ngāi Takoto. Literacy, pāngarau, inquiry and oral language are strengthened through meaningful contexts that connect learning with the lives, identities and aspirations of our uri and their whānau.

Te reo Māori me ōna tikanga are woven through kura life. Akomanga Teina follows a developing rumaki reo Māori pathway, while opportunities to grow confidence and capability in te reo Māori are strengthened across the kura. rtant parts of our programme. These experiences provide different ways for uri to explore, create, collaborate, solve problems and demonstrate their learning.

Through Ako, Rangatiratanga and Kaitiakitanga, we seek to grow capable and confident learners who know who they are, understand where they come from, care for their people and places, and are ready to contribute to the future of their whānau, hapū, iwi and Muriwhenua.