QUALITY EDUCATION
We will provide a rich and varied learning environment for your developing child. Our staff believe that, no matter what their age, children have the ability to learn, and so activities to suit their abilities and potential will be provided.
Te Whariki, The New Zealand Early Childhood Curriculum
Te
Whaariki, the New Zealand Early Childhood Curriculum (along with
Christian principles), gives a framework and foundation for all that
we do in our Centre. It provides a guideline for our philosophy,
policies, and practices and thus directly impacts and influences the
care and education that the children receive.
Te
Whaariki is based on five areas of essential learning, and it is our
goal and responsibility to ensure that the children have experiences
in line with these.
More
details about how this is carried out in practice, is available by
talking to the Supervisor and viewing the Statement
of Desirable Objectives and Practices.
The Five Areas of Essential
Learning Are:
- Well-being - Mana
Atua
The health and well-being of the child are protected and nurtured. Children experience an environment where:
- their health is promoted
- their emotional well-being is nurtured
- they are kept safe from harm
- Belonging - Mana Whenua
Children and their families feel a sense of belonging. Children and their families experience an environment where:
- connecting links with the family and the wider world are affirmed and extended
- they know that they have a place
- they feel comfortable with the routines, customs, and regular events
- they know the limits and boundaries of acceptable behaviour
- Contribution - Mana Tangata
Opportunities for learning are equitable, and each child’s contribution is valued. Children experience an environment where:
- there are equitable opportunities for learning, irrespective of gender, ability, age, ethnicity, or background
- they are affirmed as individuals
- they are encouraged to learn with and alongside others
- Communication -
Mana Reo
The languages and symbols of their own and other cultures are promoted and protected. Children experience an environment where:
- they develop non-verbal communication skills for a range of purposes
- they develop verbal communication skills for a range of purposes
- they experience the stories and symbols of their own and other cultures
- they discover and develop different ways to be creative and expressive
- Exploration - Mana Aoturoa
The child learns through active exploration of the environment. Children experience an environment where:
- their play is valued as meaningful learning and the importance of spontaneous play is recognised
- they gain confidence in and control of their bodies
- they learn strategies for active exploration, thinking, and reasoning
- they develop working theories for making sense of the natural, social, physical, and material worlds
The Te Whariki framework is combined with our commitment to seeing children develop according to God’s plan. We will begin to build your child’s foundation for spiritual growth, that is, love, trust, and obedience.
Children can learn basic concepts about God, Jesus, the Bible, Prayer, the Church, themselves, their family, others, and the world.
Christian values and principles will be taught and modelled in a fun and creative way, and will be integrated into the daily life of the Centre. We want children to grow up not only knowing about the Bible, but understanding it and applying it to their lives. Each child will grasp the biblcial foundations at their own pace and according to their own abilities. Learning is not measured by what children can say, but by what they understand and can put to use. It's very nice to be able to hear children say "God wants us to love and help each other", but it is far better to see them help another child with a puzzle or assist in putting away blocks at the end of a session.
We want to help establish biblical foundations in the children's lives, that will help them manage and live their lives in this rapidly changing world.
