Akomanga a Turitea (Classes at Turitea School)
Rimu - Year 0 / 1
In Rimu, our tamariki are supported to build a strong foundation for their school journey. We create a warm, welcoming space where children feel safe, settled, and excited to learn. Clear routines help tamariki know what to expect and give them the confidence to try new things as they transition from ECE to school. In literacy and maths we follow a clear scope and sequence so learning builds step by step, using lots of hands-on, meaningful activities to support early reading, writing, and numeracy. Learning through play (wā tūhuratanga) is woven throughout our programme, supporting social skills, oral language, and problem-solving. We also spend time developing gross and fine motor skills in and out of the classroom. Our teina (juniors) build special relationships with tuakana (seniors). These tuakana–teina connections help our youngest learners feel a strong sense of belonging, with older students helping them settle in and buddy up at playtimes.
Rātā - Year 1
In Rāta, we are a team “He waka eke noa” – we’re all in this together, learning and growing side by side. Our classroom is a place where confidence is nurtured, curiosity is encouraged, and creativity is celebrated. Building on the foundation skills from Rimu, students continue to grow their literacy and numeracy skills through meaningful hands-on activities. Learning through play helps students build their social skills, vocabulary, and problem-solving as part of our programme. Students are encouraged to ask questions, explore new ideas, and grow in independence. More than just a place to learn, Rāta is a whānau where we develop our school uara (values). We show manaakitanga through kindness and respect and build whanaungatanga by helping and sharing, creating a space where everyone belongs and can achieve their best!
Pōhutukawa - Year 2 / 3
“Nāu te rourou, nāku te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi”
-With your basket and my basket, the people will thrive.
Welcome to Pōhutukawa, where we value quality, effort, and fun. We celebrate and encourage the interests and experts in our room, and share the knowledge and experiences that everyone brings. We love singing and stories alongside our exploration and learning, making connections between the classroom and the world around us.
We believe in learning through play, curiosity, and collaboration. Whether we’re exploring mathematical concepts with hands-on activities, getting creative with art and storytelling, or heading outside to investigate the world through science and nature, every experience helps us grow. We embrace the power of teamwork, encouraging everyone to share their strengths and passions!
Mataī - Year 3 / 4
“Manaaki whenua, manaaki tāngata, haere whakamua.”
-If we take care of the land and take care of the people, we will take care of the future.
In Mataī, ākonga are developing their understanding of our school uara while exploring the world around them. Through inquiry learning, they are growing in their role as kaitiaki of our unique environment, with a special focus on the native flora and fauna of our school’s microforest. In this space friendships are also deepened and connections strengthened.
Kauri - Year 4 - 5
“Mā te huruhuru ka rere te manu – Adorn the bird with feathers so it may soar.”
Our learning space connects us to the origins of Turitea School, nurturing a strong sense of tūrangawaewae – a place to stand and belong. As the original classroom, this space grounds us as Turitea kids; we are fortunate to learn where it all began over 130 years ago. In our classroom, connection comes first, curiosity drives our learning, and courage gives us our voice. Just as a Kauri tree grows strong over time, we take time to think deeply, explain our ideas, and respectfully challenge one another’s thinking. In doing so, we create a safe space where everyone can grow together.
Tōtara - Year 5 - 6
“Poipoia te kākano kia puāwai.”
– Nurture the seed and it will blossom.
In Tōtara, we encourage our ākonga to have a growth mindset by believing in themselves, embracing challenges, and giving everything a go. We nurture curiosity, problem-solving, critical thinking and leadership, encouraging ākonga to step up as tuakana within our kura. Te Ao Māori is woven throughout our learning through tikanga, reo, and our school uara. Like the tōtara tree, our ākonga grow strong, grounded in knowledge, and ready to take on new challenges.
