Kia ora. Welcome to Team Pouakai.

Team Pouakai are our staff and students in Te Ra. They are students in years 7 & 8. Our Team works collaboratively and collectively across areas of learning. We work as a team, utilising the different strengths and passions of our teachers. Cross grouping for Mathematics and Reading enables us to strengthen our collaborative and collective teaching practice.

Our students work carefully in a blended learning environment. All students bring devices to school for digital technology learning and this is balanced with many other learning opportunities in and out of the classroom.

Mathematics and Statistics in Team Pouakai (Year 7-8)

Mathematics and Statistics is taught a minimum of 4 times a week. Learning sessions are between 45 to 60 minutes. Students are cross grouped across the Pouakai Team, based on specific learning needs and teaching observation. Mathematics programmes consist of clear learning intentions, enriched activities followed by students articulating success criteria and next steps. The programme includes basic fact practise for knowledge and instant recall, numeracy strategies, Mathletics, targeted teaching session followed by practice activities and games to develop the skill or strategy taught during their teaching session. Number and Algebra is the focus of 40-60% of Mathematics teaching time. Other strands such as Geometry, Measurement and Statistics, are taught throughout the year in 5 week blocks.

Literacy in Team Pouakai (Year 7-8)

Reading Programme:

Reading is taught a minimum of 4 times a week. Learning sessions are between 45 to 60 minutes. Students are cross grouped across the Pouakai Team, based on specific learning needs. Reading programmes consist of clear learning intentions, enriched activities followed by students articulating success criteria and next steps. The programme includes vocabulary building, information gathering, guided reading groups with differentiated texts, comprehension and follow up activities. Students are able to withdraw books weekly from the school library.

Writing Programme:

Writing in Team Pouakai is taught a minimum of four times a week. Learning sessions are 45-60 minutes. Writing programmes consist of clear learning intentions, enriched activities followed by students articulating success criteria and next steps. Each genre is taught for five week blocks.

STEPS is included in reading and writing programmes as a literacy tool to develop vocabulary, spelling and language structure at the individual student’s level.