Auraki Curriculum

Play Based Learning

Years 0-4

Play-based learning supports our younger tamariki to learn in a fun and natural way. When they play, they explore, solve problems, and use their imagination, which helps develop important skills like creativity, communication, and critical thinking. It also encourages social skills as they learn to share, cooperate, and express their ideas with others.

Structured Literacy

Years 0-8

We deliver structured literacy using the iDeaL approach. This approach helps children learn to read and write by focusing on teaching letters, sounds, and word patterns in an organized manner, making it easier for tamariki to understand how language works. This method is especially helpful for struggling readers, as it builds strong reading and spelling skills through practice and repetition. By learning in a structured way, children gain confidence, improve comprehension, and develop a strong foundation for lifelong reading success.

Numicon

Years 0-6

Numicon is a fun and hands-on way to help tamariki understand math. It uses colorful shapes to represent numbers, making it easier for students to see patterns, count, and solve problems. Numicon is especially useful for young learners and those who find numbers difficult, as it makes abstract math ideas more concrete and easy to understand. This programme provides a structured, hands-on approach to mathematics learning in the early years.

Prime Maths

Years 5-8

Prime Maths is a structured and engaging way to help tamariki build strong math skills. It focuses on deep understanding, problem-solving, and hands-on learning, making math easier and more enjoyable. Tamariki are given simple strategies in a comprehensive and structured way that allows them to approach mastery of concepts before taking the next step. This approach boosts confidence, improves logical thinking, and sets a solid foundation for future math success.

Small Class Sizes

Years 0-8

Our classes are relatively small sizes at our school. This allows our teachers to provide more support, answer questions quickly, and adjust lessons to fit each child’s needs.

Guided Reading and Writing

Years 0-8

Guided reading and writing help our tamariki to improve their skills by giving them focused support in small groups. Teachers guide students through books and writing tasks at their level, helping them understand words, ideas, and how to express themselves. This personalized approach builds confidence, strengthens comprehension, and improves reading and writing skills over time. It also encourages students to think critically and develop a love for reading and storytelling.

Additional Support

Years 0-8

Teacher aides provide extra support in all classrooms, helping both teachers and students. They give more one-on-one attention to children who need help, making learning easier and more enjoyable. Teacher aides also help with classroom activities. Their presence creates a supportive learning environment where all students can thrive.

Devices

Years 0-8

Devices play a key role in Universal Design for Learning (UDL) by making education more accessible and flexible for all students. They help children learn in different ways, whether through text, audio, video, or interactive activities. Devices allow students to work at their own pace, use helpful tools like speech-to-text or magnifiers, and engage with lessons in ways that suit their needs. This ensures that every child, no matter their learning style or ability, has the opportunity to access and enjoy learning.