Culture & The Arts
The school curriculum is made up of eight essential learning areas that are prescribed by the Ministry of Education.
Te Ao Māori
Aotearoa New Zealand has a proud bi-cultural history. At St Heliers School, our students participate in a range of cultural experiences relating to Tikanga, Te Reo and Te Ao Māori. We aim to enact all of the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi /Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Te Reo Māori is integrated into our classroom programmes and used by kaiāko (teachers) in their daily activities. We currently follow a Reo programme called Wai Ako. This is a structured programme which is levelled for all years.
Language Weeks
New Zealand is home to many different cultures and languages. Throughout the year, there are a number of official Language Weeks which are celebrated at schools across the country. The countries celebrated include our Pacific Island neighbours, such as Samoa, Tonga, Niue, the Cook Islands and Fiji. There are also Māori and Chinese Language Weeks. These Language Weeks are incorporated into our curriculum through words, songs and dance.
Second Language Programme - Mandarin
Mandarin is offered to students in Years 1 to 8. A well-qualified Mandarin Learning Assistant assists teachers in the delivery of the programme.
Students are taught to use Mandarin to communicate with one another in a variety of real-life social situations.
Confidence in speaking and comprehension goes hand in hand with an emphasis on cultural understanding of Chinese society. The interactive, student-centred lessons are supported by exciting language-teaching technology and resources; extending to students' involvement in Chinese cultural activities, where they can use their Mandarin language in genuine conversation.
Inquiry Learning - Diversity
One of the Big Ideas covered in Inquiry each year is Diversity. Inquiry Learning is guided by the investigation of concepts which are authentic, relevant, challenging, engaging and globally transferable.
Inquiry Learning encourages a response resulting in a change in thinking and/or positive action, for the benefit of the learner and others.
