Pillar 1 - Academic learning is about the realignment of learner pathways at TAPS.
In 2025 you will hear an increasing amount of reference to ‘phases in learning’. Here is a simple description of what that means…The New Zealand education system is undergoing significant updates to better support our children's learning journeys. One key aspect of this is the "Realignment of Learner Pathways" in literacy and numeracy, structured into different phases.
Understanding the Phases:
Phases 1 & 2 for Literacy: These phases focus on the foundational years of schooling, ensuring that young learners build strong reading and writing skills early on. The curriculum provides clear guidelines on what children should learn at each stage, helping teachers tailor their teaching to meet these goals.
Phases 1, 2 & 3 for Numeracy: Similarly, these phases cover the early to middle years of schooling, concentrating on developing essential mathematical skills. The curriculum outlines specific learning objectives for each phase, ensuring a consistent and comprehensive approach to teaching maths.
What This Means for Your Child:
Clear Learning Goals: The curriculum specifies what students need to understand and be able to do at each year level, providing a clear roadmap for learning.
New Zealand Curriculum
Consistent Teaching: Teachers across the country will have a unified framework, ensuring that all students receive a high-quality education regardless of where they go to school.
Better Support: With defined pathways, teachers can more easily identify students who may need extra help and provide targeted support to ensure every child succeeds.
Pillar 2 - Development of consistent pedagogy in Numeracy and Literacy.
The New Zealand education system is introducing a "Common Practice Model" to ensure that all students receive high-quality teaching in literacy and numeracy.
What Is the Common Practice Model?
The Common Practice Model outlines effective teaching methods for literacy and numeracy that are based on research and evidence. It provides clear guidelines for teachers on how to best support students in developing reading, writing, and math skills. New Zealand Curriculum
What Does This Mean for Your Child?
Consistent Learning Experience: No matter which school your child attends, they'll benefit from proven teaching methods in literacy and numeracy.
Improved Support: Teachers will have a shared understanding of effective practices, allowing them to better identify and address your child's learning needs.
Enhanced Communication: With a common approach, teachers can more effectively share your child's progress and strategies to support learning at home.
Why Is This Important?
A consistent teaching approach ensures that all children have the opportunity to develop strong literacy and numeracy skills, which are essential for their future education and everyday life.
Pillar 3 - Invigorate and normalise Two-way collaboration with Whānau and family.
What Is Two-Way Collaboration?
Two-way collaboration involves open, ongoing communication between schools and families, where both parties actively share information, ideas, and insights to support student learning and well-being. This partnership recognises parents and whānau as vital contributors to their children's education.
What Does This Mean for Your Family?
Active Engagement: Schools will create more opportunities for you to participate in your child's learning journey, such as through regular meetings, workshops, and community events.
Shared Decision-Making: Your perspectives and aspirations for your child's education will be valued, allowing you to collaborate with teachers in setting goals and planning learning activities.
Cultural Connection: By involving whānau, schools aim to incorporate cultural values and knowledge into the curriculum, making learning more relevant and meaningful for your child.
Why Is This Important?
Research shows that when schools and families work together, students are more likely to succeed academically and socially. Engaging with whānau helps schools understand the community's priorities and set shared goals, leading to the success of all learners.
New Zealand Curriculum
How Can You Get Involved?
Attend School Events: Participate in meetings, workshops, and cultural events organized by the school.
Share Your Insights: Communicate regularly with your child's teachers about their interests, strengths, and any concerns.
Collaborate on Learning Activities: Engage in school initiatives and support learning at home to reinforce what your child is learning in class.
Pillar 4 - Revitalise the ‘Our story’ at TAPS.
At Te Aroha Primary School (TAPS), we're committed to fostering a strong sense of community and shared identity among our students, staff, and whānau. To achieve this, we're revitalizing our collective narrative, known as "Our Story." Here's what this initiative means:
What Is "Our Story"?
"Our Story" is a way for us to celebrate and document the unique history, values, and experiences that define TAPS. It’s a living narrative that reflects our school’s journey, growth, and aspirations.
Why Are We Revitalizing It?
Honouring Our Roots: By revisiting and updating "Our Story," we recognise the rich history and traditions of TAPS, while celebrating the people who have contributed to our success.
Reflecting Our Present: As our school evolves, we aim to ensure that "Our Story" captures our current values, achievements, and the diversity of our students and staff.
Building Connections: A refreshed narrative fosters pride and belonging, uniting everyone in the TAPS community.
How Will This Benefit Your Child?
Fostering Belonging: Engaging with "Our Story" helps students feel connected to the school and understand their place within our community.
Celebrating Diversity: Incorporating the voices of all our whānau ensures that everyone’s culture and identity are recognised and valued.
Strengthening Community Bonds: A shared story encourages active participation from families, creating a supportive environment for every child.
How Can You Get Involved?
Contribute Your Voice: We invite families to share their experiences and memories at TAPS, helping us enrich "Our Story."
Join Events: Participate in school celebrations and initiatives that highlight our shared history and milestones.
Partner with Staff: Collaborate with teachers and leaders to ensure "Our Story" is reflected in classroom activities and school traditions.
By revitalizing "Our Story," we aim to honour our past, celebrate our present, and inspire our future together.
