Curriculum
Our school delivers the New Zealand curriculum through the local curriculum of the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and also the Montessori curriculum for our Montessori students.
At the heart of the PYP, is a commitment to structured inquiry as the leading vehicle for learning. This learning is fostered through authentic and meaningful links across the curriculum and through a child centered, and interactive environment. PYP emphasises collaborative inquiry, encourages curiosity, voice and contribution of the students.
The NZ curriculum is made up of eight essential learning areas:
- English
- Mathematics & Statistics
- Science
- Technology
- Social Science
- Health & Physical Education
- The Arts
- Learning Languages
Underpinning the curriculum areas are five key competencies:
- Thinking
- Understanding language, symbols and texts
- Relating to others
- Managing self
- Participating & contributing
The NZ curriculum identifies the following values as part of the curriculum:
- Excellence
- Innovation, inquiry and curiosity
- Diversity
- Equity
- Community and participation
- Ecological sustainability
- Integrity
PYP (our local curriculum)
- Learner Profile (attributes)
- Knowledge
- Concepts
- Approaches to Learning (skills)
- Taking Action
Primary Years Programme (PYP) of the International Baccalaureate (IB)
In 2006, Glendowie Primary became an IB school implementing the Primary Years Programme (PYP). The school was authorised in November 2006.
The PYP transdisciplinary framework (meaning that it focuses on issues that go across subject areas) focuses on the development of the whole child as an inquirer. Glendowie School continues to build on our Inquiry Based Learning Programme involving children in learning how to learn. The children are involved in purposeful inquiry for real learning. Children are encouraged to be independent and lifelong learners.
The International disciplinary programme of the PYP fosters the development of the child, not just in the classroom, but also through other means of learning.
The PYP supports the school wide values of “I Care” as it focuses on the total growth of the developing child, encouraging positive attitudes towards learning, the environment, and other people.
New Speakers of English
We have a specialised programme for children from non-English speaking backgrounds. Students learn literacy skills in English in small groups with specially trained teachers or tutors. Language assistants also work alongside children in their classrooms.
Strong emphasis is placed on supporting each individual to realize their full potential in the acquisition of English. The classrooms are well resourced with a range of language materials and interactive activities.
Glendowie School’s orchestra allows children with musical talent to showcase and develop their skills and to have the opportunity to perform as part of an ensemble. The music is arranged to cater for a wide range of skill levels.
Auditions take place in Term 1, and a basic competence in playing and reading music is required for selection. As the weekly one-hour sessions are arranged to minimise disruption to lessons, the children must be prepared to commit to at least 30 minutes of their own time either before school or during a lunch break throughout the year.
The orchestra performs at one or more special assemblies to which parents are invited to enjoy their children’s performance.
Below is a list of typical programmes that we offer each year during our school day. We recognise that some years there may be new programmes added and others not available.
Music
Orchestra – Year 4-8
Lewis Eady instrument lessons – Year 3-8 Guitar / Keyboard lessons
Other Arts
Dance – Lunchtime club
Art – Lunchtime club
Singing – Lunchtime club
Drama – Lunchtime club
Visiting Performance Groups
Kapahaka
Academic Programmes
Mathex
Education Perfect
ICAS
Health Programme eg Positive Puberty, Tackling Technology – Year 7-8
Otago Maths Challenge
EPRO 8
Chinese Language Lessons – Year 2-8
Extension Chinese lessons for competent speakers of Chinese
Robotics and a wide range of software
Exhibition Programme
Education Outside the Classroom
Enviro Programmes
Sports Programmes during lunch hours
Wide range of sports programmes including specialist teachers coming in to the school to work with our students: Football, Touch, AFL, Netball, Basketball, Cricket, Softball, Hockey – Year 4-8
School Camps – Year 7
Montessori School Camp – Year 5-8
Class / School Trips
Other Activities
Card programmes
Board Games Club – Year 6-8
Chess lessons and chess club – Year 7-8
Chess for other students in the library at lunchtimes
Additional library programmes and opportunities to be a school librarian
Film Making – Outlook for Someday Film Competition – Media Team Year 7-8
Masterchef – includes budgeting and shopping – Year 5-8 Montessori
School Councillors
Media Team Yearbooks
Art Club for Year 2 (initiated and led by councillors)
Sports Club for Year 2 (initiated and led by councillors)
Robotics Club for Year 3-4 and Year 7-8 (initiated and led by councillors)
Student Production Year 5-8 (initiated and led by councillors)
- Music instruction from a qualified music teacher
- Art instruction from a qualified art teacher
- Digital Technologies instruction
- Physical Education instruction
- Cooking for Year 7-8
- Technical Drawing and Design for Year 7-8