Our Learning

Classroom Programmes

We have a strong emphasis of numeracy and literacy and ensure this is given time every day in the classroom programme. We believe that students need to be taught the basics and taught them well so they have a good grounding to develop and build on throughout their education at Tomarata School. Small class sizes ensure all students are given plenty of support to develop their basics and also to encourage and support their extension in areas of strength. Play based learning, Inquiry based learning and Passion Projects, Physical Education, Art, and Te Reo Maori are taught through each week to give the students a wide range of opportunities to show their potential and to develop the whole student in all areas of the curriculum. We also aim to use as many external supports and curriculum providers as possible to help teach our students new skills and for staff to up skill their pedagogy in sports, music, arts and other curriculum areas.

Computers  |  Use of Internet

Each classroom is equipped with chromebooks connected to the school network for students to use and develop their computer literacy.Senior rooms have access to one on one Chromebooks to support their learning. We use Google Classroom as part of our learning programmes. They are supervised at all times when on the “Net” and are not allowed access to MSM Messenger or chat rooms.

Students are responsible for good behaviour on school computers just as they are in the classroom, school grounds, library, or in attendance at a school function of any kind. Therefore, general school rules for behaviour and responsible communications apply to all use of the computer network.

Ultimately, parents and guardians are responsible for setting and conveying the standards that their children should follow when using media and information sources. Therefore, the school supports and respects each family’s right to decide whether or not their child will be allowed access. Accordingly an agreement to be signed and sent back to school giving permission for internet use is used.

Enviro Programme

Tomarata School is an environmentally aware school. Our programme aims to empower and enable students, families and schools to work together to create a healthy, peaceful and sustainable community. We aim to build strong connections and trusting relationships, as well as as fostering a culture of creativity and sharing. Our programme is designed to:

At Tomarata School we try to think and act in an environmentally friendly way where we can but are only at the beginning of a new Enviro programme process. We are currently developing a plan/vision of where and how we would like to develop our school further in an environmental and sustainable way and we will use this to drive our learning programmes and develop our school environment over the years to come.

Education outside the Classroom

Throughout the year individual classes, syndicates and sometimes the whole school, go on educational trips to support major learning themes. All charges for trips are now covered by the school. Parental involvement is greatly appreciated. Senior classes usually have a camp towards the end of the year.

Homework

After a hard day’s work at school we believe that our students need the opportunity to relax and refresh. They then need to engage in activities such as hobbies and other interests. These activities allow them to think and move in different ways where they use other intelligence’s, learn different skills and work with other people. These are all important in developing a range of alternatives for later life. Equally important is time for family activities and conversation. Homework is given on a regular basis to all students, however this is a revision activity and supports the learning in the classroom.

For homework we expect children to read (depending on age) for a least 10 minutes every night. There may be a need to learn spelling words and basic mathematical facts (tables). Also, there will be work completion tasks from time to time. In the Junior class work comes home in a book bag. In some cases there may be research, special tasks and/or worksheet activities. Activities you can work together on include telling the time, using measurement, shopping and money activities, letter and diary writing, drawing, and newspaper and TV events. Encourage cooperative reading activities and continue reading to them right up to Year Eight. Learning must be fun. If there are any difficulties at all, do contact the class teacher concerned.

Music Lessons

Music Lessons are taken by Martin and Stephen who teach ukulele, guitar, keyboard, drums and piano. This is a user pays scheme not affiliated to school funding.

PB4L

We are a ‘Positive Behaviour For Learning’ school. We focus on desired, positive behaviours that link strongly to our Values. Every week we have a new focus for each class to discuss, unpacking what it ‘looks like’ for that group of students. We hold short assemblies each week that are led by Miss McGuinness to further build positive expectations.