The Curriculum
During the two years children are at Papatoetoe Intermediate School they will enjoy the following subjects: English, Maori, Mathematics, Science, Technology, Physical Education and Health Education, Social Studies, Dance, Drama, four specialist technology subjects - Design, Materials, Food and Fabric and two Arts specialists in Music and Art. Students enjoy many opportunities to engage in EOTC [Education Outside the Classroom].
You will find our Curriculum Overviews under the Curriculum Areas button. These Overviews set out what will be studied in each learning area during the year. Each class level has its own Overview. The details are, of course, subject to change. This advance information on the topics to be studied should help families prepare for them well ahead of time. There will be major curriculum changes happening between 2006 and 2009 when a new curriculum will be introduced by the Government.
In February students sit tests that provide diagnostic information on individual children for teachers. Students are invited to sit the NSW competition in English, Mathematics and Science as well as the prestigious Otago Problem Solving competition.
We have some special features incorporated in our school. We have, for example, a Language Centre that assists students whose first language is not English and so need extra assistance from this specialised facility. This is staffed by a senior teacher and language aides.
We also have two centres that support and enhance students’ achievement - a Literacy Centre and a Mathematics Centre.
Extra-Curricular Offerings
Social Development
This school recognises that education addresses many aspects of human endeavour and experiences. The major focus of schooling is, of course, on academic learning. However, many authorities now agree that academic achievement by itself is not useful unless people develop their social intelligence which is the major factor in successful living.
We have a commitment to developing thinking students who: try to understand other people, have empathy with others, work to develop a sense of citizenship, enjoy social interactions in a variety of situations, accept leadership roles that are offered, learn to accept personal responsibility for their actions, and who try to resolve conflict peaceably. We have formal and informal approaches to developing our students’ social intelligence including adolescent programmes, social events, leadership roles, monitor duties and much more.