Figure 1.--Computers have made a major difference in the instructional program. Only a few schools had computers in the 1980s, by the 1990s even elementary like Fruitvale School had sophisticated computer technology rooms for the children..
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Figure 1.--Computers have made a major difference in the instructional program. Only a few schools had computers in the 1980s, by the 1990s even elementary like Fruitvale School had sophisticated computer technology rooms for the children.. |
New Zealand has two types of elementary schools, contributing (years 1-5 or 6) and full primary (years 1-8). The full primaries are generally in rural areas where
intermediate schools are not available. Students in urban areas are much more likely to go to contributing primary schools. Many New Zealand children once attended small rural primary schools. Today ;arger suburban schools are more common and many of the small schools are being closed.
These brief descriptions provide a general idea about the size and nature of New Zealand primary schools.
The school roll begins each year at around 320 children, building to 350-360 as the year progresses. Significant numbers of students whose families have moved out of the area to obtain cheaper housing, are still transported back to school for the continued benefits (as perceived by the parents) of what the school has to offer:
* special language group tuition at all levels
* extension groups across the curriculum
* opportunities for students to participate in many extra curricular activities
* small group and / or one to one assistance for children experiencing learning difficulties,
* high levels of student achievement
* a strong stance against bullying
* warm, friendly caring attitudes of staff and children
* mutual respect shown children to staff, staff to children
The school has its own Computer Technology Room. Grounds and buildings are well kept and very attractive.
The school has 3 major points of emphasis for its professional staff: (1) Meeting individual needs through provision of programmes for children of special abilities and special needs at all levels, across all
curriculum areas, including programmes for children from a Non English Speaking Background, (2) The maintance of a firm, fair, discipline system, consistent from
year one through to year 6 children. (3) The elimination of bullying through constant revision of the police programme kia kaha, at all levels of the school, coupled with the Cool Schools peer mediation programme in which senior students receive training each year.
Kaeo Primary School is a small (160 something kids) school, four hours drive north of Auckland. Our closest town is Kerikeri, which is 30 kms away. We are
an old school, having been around for over 100 years. We have eight classes. Four of our classes are for little people, each having 5 to 7 year olds in them. The other four classes are full of our big people, whose ages range between 8 and 10. We are in the process of having all of our classes wired for the internet (4 so far!) - so keep an eye out for Kaeo Kids on your net journeys. Ka kite ano. (Maori for see you again!)
Omakau School is a full primary school catering for students whose ages range from 5 to 13 years. The school was established in 1935 and the current roll is 59. The children come from two major areas:- those who travel to school from the out lying farms using the school
bus and those who live in the township. The school has three full-time teachers as well as others who come into the school to deliver specialist teaching in Maori Language, Reading, and Special Needs.
Owairoa Primary School is situated in Howick, a seaside suburb approximately 17 Km from Auckland City centre. The school caters for children aged 5 to 11 in
their first six years. The roll passed 700 in December 1996 making it one of New Zealand's largest primary schools. The school was first opened in 1961. With the
addition of the new permanent block, which was completed in March 1998, the number of classrooms rose to 38. All rooms are of the single cell type.
Paremoremo Primary School was opened on its current site in 1969. It caters for the children from the Village and the surrounding community. It is a small contributing school that caters for children from Year 1 to Year 6 (J1 to Std 4). The school provides an attractive environment with excellent playground facilities sited in a semi-rural environment. The total roll of the 4 classes tends to fluctuate between 65 and 80 children.. Compared with most schools the class sizes are very small, less than 20 children in Years 1 and 2, and about 25 children in the other
classes. Although it is a small school it has all the resources that are found in bigger schools including an excellent library, modern teaching equipment, audio-visual equipment and computers in all classrooms.
Richmond School was established in 1856 under the control of the Nelson Provincial Government although private schools had been set up in the town by the first
British settlers several years earlier. Our school today has a roll of between 330 and 370 children with 17 teachers.
Richmond Road School is a vibrant multicultural state primary school in the heart of Auckland, providing education for students ranging from 5 to 13 years of age. The New Zealand curriculum covered. There is a good staff/student ratio. There are four bi-lingual options: Maori/English, French/English, Samoan/English, and Cook Islands Maori/English.
There is a emphasis on mathematics, science, technology and regular in-depth monitoring and assessment of all students. Computers are used daily in all areas by the students.
Welcome to Walton Primary School! Our school was started in 1896 and is a small rural school located in the central North Island of New Zealand. New Zealand
is a collection of islands about 3 hours flight south-east of Australia. Our claim to fame is that we are the most technically literate four-teacher school in the country!
We'd love to meet any challengers.
This is what some of the children thought about their primary schools and what they like to do at school.
I like story writing and handwriting and the teachers. I also like playing with mobilo and the slide thing at the adventure playground.
- Alistair, 5
I like the stories we write and the playground and my teacher. I love the swing thing at the playground.
- Jessica Aged 5
I like playing at the playground and I like to go to the school's swimming pool.
- Kris Aged 8
I like the playing, swimming, the teachers and the music lessons.
- Tess Aged 8
I like swimming, drawing and the nice teachers.
- Ali 9
I like the fun topics and the participation in all the sports we have.
- Amy 9
