Learning Focus 

English 

Literacy in English means having the skills, knowledge and understanding to participate fully and successfully in the world in which we live. Success in English is fundamental to success across all learning areas.

English in the New Zealand Curriculum is the study of the English language. It involves learning how to become skilled at using and understanding English both in its written and spoken form.

Children are encouraged to develop a love of English, to enjoy reading a range of different types of text, to question, critique and analyse in order understand the power of language and how it enriches their lives and the lives of those around them.

At Beachlands this means our students will become fluent at understanding written English, communicate effectively in spoken English and they will be able to record their ideas, thoughts and feelings clearly when writing in English. They are also supported to discuss, question, and critique different texts types to develop deeper understanding of how language is used to influence the world in which we live.

How you can help at home:
Learning to read and write begins with role models, parents as readers and writers are the first people children learn the value of reading and writing from.  Reading with your child, listening to your child read and enjoying books together is a great start. 
Showing your child that writing is a part of our everyday lives helps children to become motivated writers.  Supporting them to write about family events, send emails, write shopping lists, birthday cards, fill in forms, and understanding that very often the things that we view in film or on television have been written by someone first helps to build a picture of the role writing plays everyday. 

Mathematics
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Being a successful Beachlands Learner means being successful at maths. We want our children to be excited about their achievements in maths and learn to recognise and value maths as a vitally important part of everyday life –now and in the future. 

Maths isn’t just about using numbers; mathematics develops children’s ability to reason, analyse, think critically and creatively and most importantly to solve problems in a variety of ways; all skills that can be transferred across the curriculum to support other learning areas. The maths curriculum in New Zealand is divided into 3 areas; Number and Algebra, Geometry and Measurement and Statistics. We provide a balanced programme to ensure all children are given the opportunity to make progress across all areas.

Our teachers have high expectations for student achievements in maths; we also encourage our students to have high expectations of their own learning and to celebrate their successes.  We know that children need learning experiences that are enjoyable and are easily connected to their everyday lives. We aim to make the maths children learn at Beachlands motivating and exciting to truly develop life-long learners.

​How you can help at home: 
Learning doesn't just happen at school; mathematics is a vital part of our every day lives and we encourage our community to support their children by making these links as often as possible. Cooking, measuring, playing board games, gardening, involving children in building projects, shopping, planning holidays and budgeting for special treats are just some suggestions that are all easy and enjoyable ways of ensuring that maths comes alive everyday.