Curriculum

Kirwee Model School – Te Kura Tītoki

"Me he peka tītoki — Like a branch of the Tītoki"

At Kirwee Model School – Te Kura Tītoki, we empower all ākonga through an inclusive, responsive curriculum that ensures equitable outcomes. Guided by our school vision—Growing Meaningful Relationships, Positive Choices and a Connected Community—we nurture confident learners who achieve their personal best and positively contribute to our learning community

Curriculum Intent

Our Vision & Whakataukī

Our curriculum is rooted in our cultural narrative and community aspirations. Just as the tītoki branch is resilient and strong, we prepare our tamariki to embrace challenge, be curious, and aim high.

Core Values (Uara)

Our curriculum explicitly teaches and weaves our four core values into everyday learning experiences:

• Aim High (Moemoeā): Encouraging ākonga to strive for personal excellence, take charge of their learning, and develop strong learner agency.

• Be Curious (Mātauranga): Fostering inquiry, critical thinking, and a passion for lifelong learning.

• Embrace Challenge (Manawanui): Building resilience, perseverance, and a kete of proactive strategies to overcome obstacles.

• Choose Kindness (Manaakitanga): Cultivating positive relationships, empathy, and social-emotional wellbeing through restorative practices.

Curriculum Implementation

How We Teach & Learn

We deliver a balanced curriculum that combines explicit teaching with structured inquiry and active discovery.

Structured Literacy & Numeracy: Kaiako utilise the refreshed English and Mathematics curricula through consistent pedagogical practices, structured sequences, and explicit instruction (such as the Concrete-Pictorial-Abstract approach in math) to ensure high achievement for all learners.

Discovery Time & Agency: Learning is structured around distinct inquiry roles—Creator, Designer, Scientist, and Inquirer—allowing ākonga to develop problem-solving skills, curiosity, and tūrangawaewae (a strong sense of place).

Cultural Responsiveness & Te Tiriti o Waitangi: We actively protect and integrate mātauranga Māori, te reo Māori, and local pūrakau across our learning pathways (Pūkeko, Pīwakawaka, and Kāhu) to ensure Māori students experience cultural and academic success.

Proactive Hauora & Wellbeing: Through Te Whare Mauri Ora, Komodo wellbeing tools, and restorative practices, we teach explicit social-emotional skills in mana-enhancing ways

Information and Communications Technology (ICT)

ICTs are tools to be integrated into programmes to enrich learning and engage and motivate children whilst providing authentic opportunities to share ideas to a wider audience

Individual Needs Learners including Gifted and Talented Children

Learners who have been identified as those needing alternative or additional resources receive extra assistance and adapted programmes or learning environments, supervised in an inclusive setting by the individual needs co-ordinator.

Barriers to Learning

Any barriers to learning are identified and steps are taken to address them and support the learner. Children’s learning preferences are identified and supported.

Classroom Tone and Environment

Classrooms have a safe and positive tone where children are engaged, challenged, and enjoy learning.  They are helped to develop positive self-esteem through experiencing and building on success. Children’s work is shared and celebrated.