We provide several additional programmes to support children in their learning. These include:

• Talk to Learn
• Buddy Reading
• Tutor Reading
• Reading Recovery
• Accelerated Learning in Mathematics (ALiM)
• Accelerated Literacy Learning (ALL)

We also have six Teaching Assistants who work alongside children in classrooms providing extra support.

To ensure children are extended and challenged teachers provide differentiated programmes of learning within the regular classroom. The school also offers a wide range of events and activities which provide further opportunities for children to develop and extend their talents.

We provide a range of E.O.T.C experiences throughout the year. All classes explore Dunedin’s educational facilities and our local environment. Children in year 4-6 participate in a “Big Week Out” and Year 7 and 8 attend a five-day camp at either Camp Columba in Pukerau or Queenstown. Children thoroughly enjoy being involved in a variety of outdoor activities including rock climbing, kayaking, tramping, abseiling, skiing and mountain biking.

We are very fortunate to have our own heated swimming pool. In Terms 1 and 4 classes swim at least three times a week. In Term 2, Year 5-7 children also go to Moana Pool weekly for deepwater experience. They have a half-hour lesson with Swimsation Instructors and then have a half-hour in the leisure pool to develop their water confidence. Families are able to hire a key for the season and have access to the pool during out of school hours.

Our New Entrant classes participate in weekly PMP sessions in Terms 3 and 4. PMP is a movement programme designed to develop children’s motor skills and enhance the foundation skills required for formal learning.

Children are offered a wide range of opportunities to develop their leadership skills. Year 6 children can train as peer mediators and help to keep our playground a happy and safe environment. Year 7 children can train as Physical Activity Leaders (PAL’s) who organise fun lunchtime games for younger students. Year 8 children may be elected as House Captains and Vice Captains and arrange House activities. Our Year 8 children also become buddies for the New Entrants, support our staff to organise a wide range of school activities and carry out duties such as Road Patrol.

The Year 7 and 8 classes have technology lessons at Taieri College each week. They participate in food, hard materials, and fabric classes.

We are very fortunate to have weekly visits from ChatBus – a counseling service for children. Parents, caregivers, and staff can make referrals as can the children themselves. We also offer the “Wise Up Walk Tall” programme for children who would benefit from support to develop their confidence and social skills.