Middle School Learning

Welcome to the Middle Syndicate,

We are made up of Year 4, 5 and 6 students. Inside the Tahorahina block, we have an open and warm collaborative environment, where we encourage students to learn and challenge themselves in a fun and engaging way. 

Each class has its own home area where they are greeted in the morning and informed of the daily activities. From there they work and check in with their home teacher during our structured learning of Reading, Writing and Maths, having the freedom to work with other students in the block in an area that suits their individual needs, whether it be a quiet break out space or having a discussion in a small guided workshop.

We encourage our students to be independent learners who are aware of their next learning steps and share and celebrate their progress. In our afternoon programme students move around different teachers who have a passion or expertise in a range of different topics including Science, P.E, Technology, Art, Te Reo and New Zealand History.

The learning space has access to technology through the use of iPads and chromebooks. This is a 1:3 ratio and these are integrated into our blended learning environment. Students are taught and have access to MakeyMakeys, Stop Motion, 3D printing and Green Screening, all of which are set up in one of the breakout spaces.

Our E.O.T.C (Education Outside The Classroom) programme is in full swing. We look for opportunities to take the students around the local area and outside of their comfort zone such as exploring the Patuna Chasm or biking the Remutaka Rail Trail. Recently we have caught the train into Wellington for our New Zealand Histories unit to visit Te Papa and Wellington Museum and indulge in many awe-inspiring and creative activities.

Camp takes place every second year in the Term 1 and our Year 5/6 students will head out to Camp Waimanaaki in Riversdale for two nights. There they will learn about beach safety with the surf lifesaving club, discover the rockpools, spotlight, sandcastle building competition and scoff down all the fantastic food provided. In this time our year 4s have their own onsite programme to prepare them for their camp experience.