Our Curriculum

Our Local Curriculum is developed within the Aotearoa/New Zealand Curriculum Framework – Te Mātaiaho. All curriculum areas are taught – English, Maths, Science, Technology, Digital Technology, Health and Physical Education, The Arts (Dance, Drama, Music, Visual Art), Social Sciences, Te Ao and Te Reo Māori, along with social and emotional regulation skills in line with our Vision and Values. Our curriculum is designed to give learners a strong foundation in the three core areas of Reading, Writing, and Maths, preparing them for success in the 21st century. In Reading, learners learn to not only understand texts but also think critically about them. In Writing we teach tamariki how to communicate effectively in many different ways and for many different audiences. In Maths, learners gain the knowledge and strategies to solve real-world problems.

Programmes of learning are developed and implemented to meet the identified learning needs of the children. Children are assessed regularly and learning goals are established with the involvement of the children and their families.

Our goal is to bring learning to life, to make it fun, engaging, challenging and rewarding and for our tamariki to see themselves as learners who can be successful. Our talented team of dedicated and enthusiastic professionals work together to ensure our tamariki have a great start to their lifelong education.

At Papanui Primary we develop our local curriculum around the following five themes:

  • Cultural Me – Children will be connected and involved in their community and the wider world.
  • Scientific Me – Children will develop a process to investigate, and build their understanding about their world and beyond.
  • Creative Me – Children will be able to express themselves, and communicate ideas in an imaginative and creative way across the curriculum.

  • Techie/Digi Me – Children will investigate ways to adapt and innovate to solve problems or address needs.

  • Active Me – Children will be able to develop and learn through experiencing an active healthy curriculum.

Learning and Mindset

At our school, we believe in nurturing the whole child—emotionally, physically, socially, and academically. This holistic approach helps children build a strong sense of self and confidence in their abilities as both learners and individuals.

Learning is a journey with both easy moments and challenges. We teach our students that their response to these challenges is key. This is where the idea of a growth mindset comes in.

Simply put, your mindset is what you believe about your own potential. We encourage a growth mindset by teaching children that intelligence isn’t a fixed trait. Instead, it’s something they can develop through hard work, dedication, and a love of learning. By embracing challenges and learning from mistakes, they’ll discover just how much they can achieve.

Learning and Taking Risks

We see risk-taking as an essential part of learning. We’re not talking about risky or dangerous stunts; we’re talking about the courage to try new things. Whether it’s tackling a new subject, presenting an idea to the class, or running the cross country, every time a child steps out of their comfort zone, they risk not getting it perfect.

The fear of making a mistake can be a big barrier, but we teach our tamariki that “I can’t do that” really just means “I can’t do that yet.” With practice, effort, and support from their teachers and peers, they will.