Programme

All schools in New Zealand are currently implementing a new curriculum. This is an exciting time as it provides the opportunity for schools to determine what is important to them in meeting the needs of the students at their school.

The curriculum encourages schools to adopt practices that help their students develop a sense of belonging. At Hamilton West School we do this through focussing on our local community resources and the wider Waikato environment. We want our students to feel they are valued and have a place within our school community.

All learning programmes delivered in our school are based around our school vision: to develop confident, lifelong learners who are creative, critical and knowledgeable
thinkers with values and community spirit.

Assessment practices at the school identfy the achievement levels of individual students and informs the next steps in their learning journey.

Literacy and Numeracy
We have a strong focus on literacy and numeracy. More time is allocated to the teaching of English and Maths than other curriculum areas. We want our students to leave the school successful in reading, writing and mathematics. We want them to develop a love of learning and have well developed social skills so they can contribute positively to society throughout their lives.

Our teachers are trained in using formative assessment practices which inform the teaching and learning.

Other subjects taught at the school are: Social Studies, Science, Technology, Languages, Maori, Health and Physical Education and the Arts.


Learning Intentions
In our quest to create life-long learners we empower our students by providing them with Learning Intentions (what we are trying to achieve) and Success Criteria (how will we know when we get there).

Special Programmes
Our school runs several programmes which support those learners who have special needs or abilities.
These include: Gifted and Talented Education (GATE), Supporting at Risk Readers (SARR), English Speakers of Other Languages(ESOL), Reading Recovery, Te Reo Enrichment and Perceptual Motor Activities (PMA).

Year 7 and 8 Technology Learning
Students attend Technology classes at another local intermediate once a week. Classes include: Materials Technology, Fabric Technology, Food Technology, Bio-Technology, Computer Technology and Art.

Cultural Programmes
At Hamilton West School we offer a range of cultural learning opportunities which run alongside those which are part of our everyday classrooms. In our classes we integrate Te Reo and Tikanga Maori into our learning programmes and also teach cultural activities such as Dance, Music and Drama as is directed by the New Zealand Curriculum.

Kapa Haka
The school has an active Kapa Haka group who perform at school events and functions.

Productions/Shows
Each year students participate in shows which are either original or adapted musicals. We encourage participation by as many students as possible and have a group of staff who are always coming up with original and fun ways to showcase the talent at our school.