Our Learning

Foreign Languages

The Year 7 and 8 students participate in foreign language programme each year.  At present the programme is on a 2 yearly cycle.  Currently the students benefit from learning a different language each year over their two years in the intermediate syndicate.

 In 2009 French was the focus and now 2010 students are learning Japanese.

Year 7/8 students are working to develop learning Japanese as a Second Language within the school. Each week the Year 7/8 students have had a one hour session that incorporates oral discussions, listening exercises, writing using the Japanese script.

During this time we have also been looking at cultural links that have highlighted some of the differences and similarities between the Japanese culture and other cultures and languages around the world.

The children are enjoying learning an Asian language especially learning to write using the Japanese script (Hiragana). Learning a Second language has enormous benefits to children at the Y7/8 level, it can help strengthen first language learning, it helps develop an appreciation for other languages and cultures around the world as well as developing an enthusiasm for learning a language in later years at college and university.

English Language and Literacy

Literacy in English gives students access to the understanding, knowledge, and skills that they need to participate fully in the social, cultural, political, and economic life of New Zealand and the wider world. 

To be successful participants our students need to be effective oral, written, and visual communicators who are able to think critically and in depth. 

Our New Zealand English Curriculum is structured around two interconnected strands, each encompassing the oral, written, and visual forms of the language. The strands differentiate between the modes in which students are primarily:

·      - Making meaning of ideas or information they receive (Listening, Reading, and Viewing);

·      - Creating meaning for themselves or others (Speaking, Writing, and Presenting).

Literacy Goals at Churchill Park School:

• to provide high quality and equitable teaching and learning opportunities to enable our students to achieve to the best of their ability in literacy education
• to enable all students to develop skills and understandings in reading, writing, listening, speaking, viewing and presenting, for everyday living and as a foundation for further learning
• to recognise students as individuals, cater for their individual needs and raise student achievement in literacy

Mathematics and Numeracy

Numeracy at Churchill Park School is taught in alignment with the New Zealand Curriculum and strongly incorporates the New Zealand Numeracy Development Project. We believe that to be numerate is “to have the ability and inclination to use mathematics effectively – at home, at work and in the community” (Ministry of Education, 2008).

Mathematics is taught daily in all classes and we recognise the need for our students to have a strong grasp of numeracy knowledge, such as instant recall of basic facts and a sound understanding of numeracy strategies – the way they apply their numeracy knowledge.

Regardless of the age and stage of students’ mathematics, they learn through using equipment, drawing pictures and diagrams, and talking about what they are doing. The most important aspect of mathematics is to have a positive attitude and to foster students’ interest in mathematics. 

Music

Examples of the great things happening in our music programme can be listened to by clicking below. 

CLICK HERE

Science

Science is taught throughout the school, year 0 – 8, following the guideline of the New Zealand Curriculum.

Extra science is provided for the year 7 & 8 students at C.P.S where they are engaged with a Science specialist for one hour every Friday.

The students in Year 6 have the opportunity for even more science as well. They received 10 hours of ‘hands on science’ with the Science specialist. While working in small groups, half class size, the students have the opportunity to use a greater range of science equipment while carrying out experiments.

C.P.S has a designated science room which provides a safe and enriching environment for the students.

Science in the New Zealand curriculum

Understand about Science: Appreciate that science is a way of explaining the world and that science knowledge changes over time. Identify ways in which scientists work together and provide evidence to support their ideas.

Investigate in Science: Build on prior experiences, work together to share and examine their own and others’ knowledge. Ask questions, find evidence, explore simple models, and carry out appropriate investigations to develop simple explanations.

Communicate in Science: Begin to use a range of scientific symbols, conventions, and vocabulary. Engage with a range of science texts and begin to question the purposes for which these texts are constructed.

Participating and contributing Use their growing science knowledge when considering issues of concern to them. Explore various aspects of an issue and make decisions about possible actions

The Nature of Science, above, is facilitated throughout the studies of the Living World, Planet Earth and Beyond, Physical World and Material World. Learning opportunities meet the needs and potential of our school community and students. They align with current, local and international events. These act as catalysts for deeper learning and engagement of students. In science students develop as lifelong learners, confident and creative; they are connected and actively involved. 

Sport 

AIM

At Churchill Park School we aim to be inclusive and we encourage participation, whilst also emphasising sportsmanship and competitiveness.

Churchill Park School is part of two sports clusters. Years 4 to 6 participate in sporting events with the Bay Suburbs cluster, a collection of eight local schools. Years 7 and 8 participate in sporting events within the Eastern Zone area of Auckland, a collection of over 20 schools. Success here means the opportunity for students to represent Churchill Park School and the Eastern Zone at the Inter-Zone, citywide Auckland Championships.

Technology 

Technology is taught through out the school, year 0 – 8, following the guideline of the New Zealand Curriculum.

The aim of the Technology in the New Zealand Curriculum is to support the development of technological literacy as based on the three strands:

• Technological Knowledge and Understanding

• Technological Capability

• Technology and Society

Students are offered challenging and exciting opportunities to build their skills and knowledge as they develop a range of outcomes through technological practice. They bring together practical and intellectual resources in creative and informed ways to engage with the many technological challenges of today's world.

Learning opportunities meet the needs and potential of our school community and students. Opportunities are aligned with expertise of outside experts, we make links with industries, these act as catalysts for deeper learning and engagement of students.

Year 7 & 8 students at C.P.S. are engaged with a technology specialist for 1 ½ hours every Thursday. The purpose fitted room, which is very well resourced, provides a stimulating environment allowing the students to be uninterrupted throughout their technology program.

At C.P.S. through technology, students develop as lifelong learners, confident and creative; they are connected and actively involved.

Special Programmes 

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)

At Churchill Park School, we provide specialist ESOL classes for our New Zealand and International “English as a Second Language” students. These lessons are provided on a regular basis in our ESOL withdrawal room with our specialist ESOL teacher and are designed to support both the students ESOL and classroom programmes. 

Very detailed tracking of progress is monitored using the New Zealand ELLP document. Progressions in this document also assist the specific planning and teaching which provides stimulating and individually appropriate teaching and learning for our ESOL students. Much emphasis is placed on the pastoral care of these students, ensuring they quickly gain sufficient confidence and spoken English to effectively communicate with their peers and teachers.

G.A.T.E.

Gifted and Talented Education at Churchill Park primarily takes place in students’ classrooms, where differentiated programming is provided to ensure these students learning needs are catered for. Identification of these students is a complex process and we recognise giftedness is three areas: critical (academic), creative and caring. We work on an inclusive model and when offering “extra” programmes, such as mathematics extension, and art workshops, as these opportunities can extend to students additional to those on our register.

We recognise that not only are there three main areas of giftedness, but also three criteria for these gifts to reach their potential:  natural talent, environment and perseverance. We acknowledge and nurture all these criteria at Churchill Park.

 We recognise that not only are there three main areas of giftedness, but also three criteria for these gifts to reach their potential: natural talent, environment and perseverance. We acknowledge and nurture all these criteria at Churchill Park.