Our Learning
21st Century Inquiry Based Learning, Teaching as Inquiry, Maori Medium and Education Outside the Classroom based on principles derived from The Treaty of Waitangi, which promotes effective partnership with iwi, hapu and the community.
The Mountview Curriculum
Principles
Our principles at Mountview are derived from The Treaty of Waitangi, which promotes effective partnership with iwi, hapu and the community.
We recognise the importance of developing student awareness of themselves as learners and as individuals.
Growth mindset is encouraged for them to reach their full potential; continuing to be lifelong learners who are contributing and valuable members of society.
Values
At Mountview we recognise the importance of individuals identity.
We value the diversity of staff, students and whanau.
Participation and integrity are embedded through the school WHAIA Values.
Strengths
Ngakau mahaki, compassion towards others, is the foundation for relationships at Mountview. We promote inclusive practices which value the diversity of our learning community. Our school is a safe, open and welcoming environment which reflects our core values. Our staff take the time to know our learners in order to provide responsive learning programmes, following an inquiry model.
Tuwharetoa Goals
At Mountview School we invest in learner success by reflecting the bicultural nature of New Zealand society within our learning environments. Te reo, tikanga and kawa is valued and practised by all members of our community. Teachers and students benefit from accessing knowledge such as korero tawhto; local myths and legends along with understanding how our whakapapa enables us to make connections.
21st Century Inquiry Based Learning
Mountview has a long held reputation as being at the forefront of 21st Century inquiry based learning and displays this within modern classroom environments with digital resources and learning opportunities. These include:
Individualised programmes
Interactive whiteboards in all classes giving rise to blogging, animation and powerpoint
Computers and/or notebook s available in all classes
Modern teaching spaces
New Entrant and Rumaki classes fully supported by Teacher Aide and Kaiawhina
Teaching as Inquiry
Another feature of teaching and learning at Mountview is the way teachers utilise Teaching as Inquiry in determining next learning steps for children giving them a sense of control over their own learning. A robust assessment programme ensures teachers are able to inform both students and their whanau of their progress in learning. Students learn appropriate and positive behaviours through a values based programme which we call WHAIA. Learning is supported by a Reading recovery and other interventions.
Maori Medium
At Mountview School we are able to provide Te Reo Maori me ona Tikanga to our tamariki who wish to learn in Te Reo within a whanau environment, called Rumaki. Two fluent kaiako maintain an engaging and enriching programme with students achieving well in Nga Whanaketanga (national expectations ). We have a Maori Medium classes where students are taught entirely in Te Reo as the language of instruction which cater for Years 0 to 8. The Marautanga o Aotearoa (curriculum) guides the basis of this learning as well as Te Ao Matua blended into the programme. We also have a fluent Kaiawhina to assist with the development and enhancement of Te Reo Maori me ona Tikanga as well as assisting with any students with special education needs.
Education Outside the Classroom (EOTC)
The programmes we run add extensively to that of the classroom. This provides a valuable learning opportunity for children and recognises that much of what we learn cannot be learnt solely within the 4 walls of a classroom. Our programmes of learning include technology and for Year 7-8 students this is provided on location in our well-equipped technology room. Students enjoy a programme of learning to swim once yearly by personnel at the AC Baths Arena. Our school is fortunate to have a large hall which allows both performing arts, sport, fitness and a variety of cultural events.
At Mountview our outdoor education goals are to;
Promote an appreciation of our heritage
Develop skills that enable children to confidently enjoy the environment and what it has to offer
Provide experiences that children may wish to pursue as adults
Develop social skills
Develop a respect for the environment