Akomanga a Turitea (Classes at Turitea School)
Rimu - Year 0 / 1
In Rimu, your tamariki develop a strong foundation for their school journey. We blend structured learning with wā tuhuratanga (learning through play) to ensure a smooth and exciting transition from ECE to school. During this time, we are developing our understanding of our school uara (values). Strong routines help tamariki feel safe, settled, and ready to learn. Through hands-on activities, we support the development of gross and fine motor skills—whether it’s climbing, cutting, painting, or writing. Tamariki also build relationships with senior students, fostering whanaungatanga and a strong sense of belonging within our school community.
Rātā - Year 1/2
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 thrives. We believe in asking questions, exploring new ideas, and making learning exciting and engaging. More than just a place to learn, Rāta is a whānau. We show manaakitanga through kindness and respect and build whanaungatanga by helping and looking out for one another. Together, we create 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.
Tōtara - Year 4 - 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.
Kauri - Year 4 - 6
“Mā te kimi ka kite, Mā te kite ka mōhio,
Mā te mōhio ka mārama.”
-Seek and discover. Discover and know.
Know and become enlightened.
We are lucky to do our learning in Kauri. It is the original schoolroom and has been continually occupied for over 125 years, this grounds us as Turitea kids. Ako is very important as we like to learn together, asking questions, discussing ideas and justifying our thinking. As tuakana, we know we all have knowledge and strengths to share and this leads to us to being teina, discovering new ideas, learning new skills and seeing other points of view. Like the young Kauri tree we are growing straight and tall, learning lots so that as we get older we can branch out to make the most of our opportunities.
