“ERO observed high levels of student engagement.
Students told ERO that their class programmes are fun and interesting.”
ERO 2009

HOOKED ON LEARNING - SKILLS FOR LIFE

Our aim at Makarewa School is to prepare our children to be successful in the future. By the time a child leaves our school we aim that they have a personal desire and the skills to be successful in their learning.

We want our children to be confident, well rounded people, who are able to work well with others and strive to be the best they can be in everything the undertake. We hope they will participate and contribute to society in a way that all benefit.

Makarewa School has a tradition of academic excellence which provides students with a sound foundation. Literacy, numeracy, language and inquiry learning are a priority throughout the school.

Classroom subjects include:

• Language (language, spelling, writing) (6 hours 40 minutes)
• Reading (includes library time) (5 hours)
• Mathematics (3 hours 45 minutes)
• P.E. (fitness, skills and sport) (2 hours 30 minutes)
• Music (1 hour)
• Arts (1 hour)
• Social Studies, Science and Health (2 hours 30 minutes)
• Bible in Schools (30 minutes)
• Maori (30 minutes)
• Assembly (30 minutes)

All students are offered the opportunity to be involved in a wide range of academic, sporting and cultural programmes. The school also offers:

• Reading Recovery programme
• Extension programme for able children
• Gifted Child programme
• Involvement in Science Fair
• Southspell Competition
• Pet Day
• Oral Speech Exams
• Extensive Swimming programme
• Spirit of Nation Representatives
• School Camp for Year 6 students
• Newspapers in Education
• School Production
• Presentations at School Assembly

ACADEMIC CURRICULUM

Makarewa School complies with the New Zealand Curriculum Framework in all aspects. This includes keeping abreast of the many changes that occur in the various subjects.

Keeping up to date often involves specific teacher training and demands a great deal of commitment and application by teaching staff. It is the objective of the Makarewa School curriculum not only to meet the national curriculum requirements, but to provide extra stimulation and challenge in the classroom environment, specialized teaching for art, physical education, technology, music and social studies & health, and learning experiences outside the classroom.

PROGRAMMES

The overall objective and scope of each class programme is planned at the beginning of each year by the class teacher and confirmed with the Principal.

Considerable emphasis is placed on attaining a balanced programme of personal development, academic achievement, creative expression, cultural, sport and practical life skills. Programmes of special encouragement for students requiring extra attention are available. Likewise, opportunities for children who can cope with greater challenge in a particular subject are also provided.

SPORTS

Our curriculum places an emphasis on health and physical well being. All children will be expected to participate in sport throughout the year and are given opportunities to develop and gain experience in a wide range of sports including:

• Cricket
• Netball
• Gymnastics
• Cross Country
• Hockey
• Swimming
• Skiing
• Triathlon
• Aerobics
• Athletics
• An annual ski trip to Remarkables Ski Resort is held each winter.

We field teams in a variety of after school sports including mini-ball, flippaball, netball, cricket, touch rugby, aerobics, tennis and hockey. Teachers and parents share the coaching of our sports teams that take part in organized competitions in Invercargill.

ARTS /CULTURAL

Makarewa School gives all students the opportunity to experience Arts & Cultural programmes including Oral Speech Exams, and extra-curricular piano tuition is available on-site after school.

SCHOOL VALUES

The whole school community adopted the three values below as the values that underpin all we do at Makarewa School.

Excellence

• To challenge students to achieve personal standards of excellence i.e. be the best they can be.
• To challenge students to become responsible for their own learning.
• To think critically, creatively, and reflectively

Integrity

• To respect the dignity of individuals
• To respect the environment
• To respect the rights, and value the contributions of parents, students and staff through effective communication and consultation
• To promote commonly held values
  • Honesty
  • Reliability
  • Respect for others and the law
  • Tolerance
  • Fairness
  • Caring and compassion
• To recognise and respect the bicultural and multicultural diversity within New Zealand

Leadership

• To promote pride in oneself, school and culture
• To encourage self-management and responsibility
• Show and use initiative
• Role modelling