H.I.S Local Curriculum

Creating clarity on a Local Curriculum at Howick Intermediate has been a process over several years.  It has involved consultation with many stakeholders; including students, teachers, local marae, whanau and families.

Through different consultation processes and workshops we have:

• identified ‘what’s important’ for learning at Howick
• the development of a Language of Learning for Howick and ensuring that we have a shared understanding of this language
• used the Language of Learning to create a summary paragraphs of what Local Curriculum is at Howick – see below

 

Howick Intermediate School’s Local Curriculum

The Why (Vision)

Howick Intermediate is a school of excellence where everyone feels welcome and where hauora is paramount.  Our students display the values of PRAISE which is underpinned by our graduate profile, which includes the attributes we plan to ensure our students leave our school with after their 2 years. 

Community:

At Howick Intermediate we value connections with whānau and want to hear the story, goals, and successes for their children. We will actively develop relationships with iwi and our local schools through the Kahui Ako to ensure smooth transitions for our students, valuing the local history of Howick and of wider New Zealand.

Curriculum

Underpinned by the Te Tiriti O Waitangi our school is future-focused through the use of our local curriculum which is supported by the strategic and annual plan.

We are a school that focuses on the bi-cultural nature of Aotearoa, where the curriculum is culturally responsive to reflect our globalised world. We offer a strong focus on the core areas of Literacy and numeracy and a diverse programme that includes EOTC, Specialist, Tikanga and Te Reo Maori, P.E, Health, The Arts Enviro, and Digital Technologies.  Curriculum coverage is enabled through an integrated approach as well as the use of Key Competencies and Capabilities.  Combining these ensures our students are prepared for the wider world. 

Teaching and Learning

Teaching and Learning are underpinned by Learner Agency, where learners move from being passive recipients to being more active in the learning process. We personalise learning, through UDL(Universal Design for Learning), to ensure that we meet the needs of all of our students.  Rigorous data analysis enables us to be responsive and adaptive in informing our next teaching steps. We have high expectations for all our students and offer additional support and extension for diverse learners.

We provide our students with the necessary tools to become lifelong learners through using a variety of tools such as the inquiry model, specialist subjects, depth, and complexity and using the Howick Intermediate School values, vision, and graduate profile allowing for student agency. 

Professional Growth

The teaching profession is ever-evolving and our dedicated staff is committed to improving the quality of their teaching.  This is done through collaborative inquiry, coaching sessions, and professional development opportunities.