Culture & Arts

 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 uphold all of the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi.  Te Reo Māori is displayed in our classrooms and used by kaiāko (teachers) in their daily activities.

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 5 to 8. A well-qualified Mandarin Learning Assistant is employed to assist 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.