About
Whakarongo School...
At Whakarongo School we
recognise that we live in an ever changing world that will confront our
students with a whole range of different challenges. Whakarongo School is
focused on preparing our students for this challenge, making sure that they
will have the best possible chance of being successful citizens.
Whakarongo School is well known as a leading school and has much to
offer. This page will give you a taste of our school, but I would also
like to extend an invitation to come and visit us to view our excellent
facilities and stimulating learning environments.
Below you will find an overview about the organisational structure of
our school. To find out more about the Whakarongo Kid and how this is
incorporated into our teaching and learning, visit the link: "Our
Vision"
Our Curriculum...
Whakarongo School covers all the essential learning areas as identified in the New Zealand Curriculum. We use the learning areas to develop the skills, knowledge, attitude and values our students wil need to be successful in the 21st century. We deliver our curriculum through the most up to date methods. The core areas of literacy and numeracy are our focus and we deliver other areas of the curriculum through an inquiry based approach.
Assessment
& Reporting...
Assessment - we use both standardised tests (e.g: running
records, PAT's) as well as formative assessment practices. This provides
us with the vital information about student progress in key areas and provides
students with feedback to continually improve their work.
Reporting - We keep parents up to date with their children's progress
through a variety of ways. This includes: parent-teacher interviews
where a learning plan is discussed and goals are set, learning profiles
(digital and paper), a written report, expos and other opportunities to view
student work. Teachers are also available to meet with you to discuss
their progress.
eLearning...
Research has shown that students of
today are different from their parents, in that their brains have been
programmed for a digital world of multiple inputs and moving and static
images. Whakarongo School is well known for its leadership in the area of
supporting teaching and learning through the use of e-learning. We
receive large numbers of visitors from all over the country to look at this
work. e-learning is not about learning about computers, it is about improving
learning. Our students use e-learning to CREATE, COMMUNICATE and
LEARN.
In 2011 we have 4 digitally enhanced
classrooms where there is a ratio of 1 computer to 2 students. All other
classrooms also have laptops available for student use at a ratio of approximately
1 computer to 5 students.
If you have any further questions regarding e-learning at
Whakarongo School, please contact:
amatangi-hulls@whakarongo.school.nz
Leadership...
We develop our students leadership through a number of
initiatives. Students have the choice of a large number of
responsibilities that they can take on during each year. We have 5 houses
within our school and each one of these houses has a house leader and deputy to
lead he house and assist with organisation of house events such as sports,
competitions etc. These students also attend an annual Young Leader's
Day.
Enrichment
Programs...
Modules - Students in years 7 and 8 have the opportunity to attend
these modules once a week. The aim of the modules is to provide students
with a 'taste' of some new area (e.g: French, and Japanese) or some more
in-depth teaching in areas like Dance and Drama. This exposure also
assists students in making subject choices at high school.
We also run a Gifted and Talented Education programme at
Whakarongo School (GATE) This programme operates each Wednesday. It
is needs based and has both a junior and senior component.
Sports...
Sport has a high profile at our school
and we have a huge number of teams participating in a variety of winter and
summer codes of sports. We rely heavily on parents and caregivers to
volunteer as coaches and managers of these teams.
We believe that sports provide
students with an organised way of doing some exercise and also provide students
with an environment to develop their inter-personal skills.
Within our school, we run our own championship events for
swimming, athletics and cross-country and there are also opportunities for
students to compete against other schools in these areas.
If you have any further questions regarding sport, contact rhawkins@whakarongo.school.nz
Cultural
Activities...
We offer a number of cultural
activities. These include regular participation in the Kids for Kids
concerts and a full school production every 3 years. This year we had a
wonderful production with a theme around the Rugby World Cup 2011 and
understanding different cultures. Visiting performing artists introduce
new art forms to our students and inspire them to develop their creative
capabilities.
During 2008 we established both a
senior and junior KapaHaka group. These have been very successful and
often perform to audiences and is continuing to grow and develop in 2011.
Rural
Character of Whakarongo School...
Although Whakarongo isn't a rural
school anymore, we still value our rural heritage and values. We do this
through our annual Agricultural Day, a vegetable garden competition, heated
lunches and encourage our students to be kids and play (yes, we have a climbing
tree!).
After School
Care...
Holiday Fun Limited runs an After School Care programme based at
Whakarongo School. Holiday fun has a simple philosophy for After School
Care - good activities, good staff and let the children have fun.
Holiday Fun Limited supplies their own staff and resources, avoiding
technology based 'baby sitters' and utilises themed modules, planned
activities, an incentive based Homework Club and national Penpal Club, along
with a structured timetable and motivated staff.
After School Care runs from 3pm to 6pm weekdays during the school term.
For more information check out this website link: www.holidayfun.co.nz