Programme

Our curriculum is based around the Ham West Way:

Manaakitanga— we care for each other
Mana motuhake— we give of our best
Whanaungatanga— we respect each other
Ako– we learn together

We deliver exciting and interesting learning programmes that focus on the needs of our students.

To do this we use the local community to support learning programes; we often involve parents, whanau, local artists, writers, musicians, sporting and business people to enrich the education of our children.

We also use a range of physical resources that are important to our school; these include Lake Rotoroa, Waikato River, Hamilton Gardens, Museum, and Library.

We want our students to develop a sense of pride and belonging.

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.