Our Curriculum
Structured Literacy
Our school is implementing an enhancement to our reading curriculum called the Better Start Literacy Approach. This approach has been developed in New Zealand by a team of experienced researchers from the University of Canterbury, following years of research on the best ways to support children’s early reading, spelling, writing and oral language success. BSLA is an evidence-based programme designed specifically for Years 0–2 in Aotearoa New Zealand, but now it is extended up to year 8.
What happens in the classroom?
Your child participates in engaging, targeted lessons that lay a strong foundation in reading and spelling. Teachers use direct, clear instruction that focuses on how sounds and letters work (phonics), builds vocabulary, and improves listening and speaking skills. Children learn to read and spell by practising skills daily in small groups and individually.
This reading approach includes fun, game-based learning activities that will help your child develop the skills required to be a competent, confident reader
The elements of BSLA are:
- Reading comprehension and oral Language.
- Phonological awareness, morphology and orthographic patterns (PHoM) skill building and explicit spelling teaching.
- Writing, including transcription, composition and writing process.
- Small group teaching.
Online Assessments
Children are assessed regularly using BSLA online tools to monitor their progress. These assessments help teachers understand exactly what your child knows and what they need next. The information is used to plan lessons that best support each learner.
By combining rich oral language with systematic phonics, BSLA ensures every child has a strong and supportive start to literacy learning and also supports Whanau engagement through school and home having clear information about next learning steps.
Written and Oral Communication
Students are encouraged & empowered to take ownership over their written communication:
★ What they write; who they write it to; what their purpose is; what level they’re working on; which target/s they’ll focus on and how they practise.
Students are encouraged to grow over time and with opportunities to practise their spoken and listening skills. We have an annual speech competition and students lead our assemblies.
We believe children learn best in inclusive environments, where they are enabled to take increasing ownership for themselves and their learning
Students at Wairau Valley need to have:
CLARITY & CONNECTION:
Students are clear in what they are expected to know, understand and do as a communicator
Students understand the connections between all the modes of language
INVOLVEMENT & INTEREST:
Students have voice and involvement in both planning and formative assessment
Students are provided with meaningful opportunities to communicate
PURPOSE & PERSONALISATION:
Students communicate for a reason and/or an audience
Students’ individuality is taken into consideration
Nimmi Kumar – Literacy Leader
Mathematics
At Wairau Valley School, our mathematics programme is structured and carefully aligned with the refreshed New Zealand Mathematics and Statistics Curriculum. Our teaching approach builds strong foundations in number knowledge, encourages mathematical thinking, and fosters a positive mindset towards learning. We incorporate a range of tools to support learning, including the Oxford Maths and Numicon resources and digital technologies, using them where appropriate to enhance understanding and engagement across all levels.
We believe maths learning should be meaningful, practical, and connected to everyday life. Our tamariki are given regular opportunities to explore mathematical concepts through hands-on activities, real-world problems, and contexts relevant to their lives and community. Whether working with measurement in the garden, budgeting for a class event, or identifying patterns in nature, students are encouraged to see maths as a valuable and useful skill for life. Through a mix of guided teaching, rich discussion, and purposeful practice, we support every learner to grow in confidence and develop deep mathematical understanding.
Katie Herbert Mathematics Leader
Inquiry Learning
We use these broad inquiry topics over a 2 year cycle to develop our skills of critical inquiry
Assessment for Learning
Teachers uncovering and gathering relevant & timely information, that is then used to inform and improve both teaching & learning.
Teachers use a range of formative assessment techniques & tools throughout the literacy programme to:
- check in on progress during and at the end of lessons
- have students regularly reflect & self or peer assess
- adapt teaching & learning design
- provide relevant feedback & feedforward