Our Programme

Our curriculum

Our programme is based around the early childhood curriculum of Te Whāriki. The curriculum is based on the following aspirations for children

"To grow up as competent and confident learners and communicators, healthy in mind, body, and spirit, secure in their sense of belonging and in the knowledge that they make a valued contribution to society".

With these aspirations in mind we develop programmes of learning based on the current interests of the children.

Values

As a teaching team we see the need to install good old fashioned values at an early age. As a result we have a values programme worked into our everyday operations, where children are introduced to and rewarded for showing values within their everyday learning.

Our Christian Aspect

Our Christian aspect is interwoven into our programme in a very naturalistic way. Rather than 'doing' Christianity it is embedded in our programme and teaching. You will find teachers and children speaking freely about God, Jesus, and his teachings as it relates to what we are doing in our programme . We also hold a short daily prayer time with the children where we are able to give thanks for the wonderful world God has given us to look after and care for.

Daily Programme

Throughout any given day inside and outside, the children are able to participate in a variety of experiences, both group and individual as well as structured and non structured play.

Learning through play

This term is often misinterpreted and as teachers we are often asked about the merits of play. We believe play is a very powerful learning medium. While engaged in play the children become involved in a variety of complex learning. It is through play that children begin to see themselves as competent and capable directors of their own learning. At Amana we view play as a very important educational aspect of our programme.