Proficiency

Mastering Core Skills
Focus: Cognitive skills in reading, writing, and mathematics.
Approach: The Proficiency frame focuses on these core cognitive skills, with attention to detail for individual learners to maximise success. Students develop competencies in thinking, learner agency, communication, and reflection. Our learning pathways take a holistic view of each child's skill levels, interests, strengths, challenges, culture, and prior knowledge. We empower learners to understand how they learn and to own and drive their educational journey.
"He kura tangata - he kura whanau"

(A person educated is a community educated.)
 

Experiential 

Learning by Doing
Focus: Hands-on, practical learning.
Approach: Experiential learning at Ōpoutere School is our 'hands-on' style of learning. Its purpose is not simply to learn a skill through practice, but also to think critically about that practice and to continuously improve upon it. Whether learning through play, working in the school garden, performing new waiata in our Kapa Haka group, creating art, or developing team sports skills, students are engaged and often exploring our school and local environment. Māori culture and Tikanga are deeply woven throughout the Experiential Frame, playing a vital role in our children’s learning experiences.
"Poipoia te kakano kia puawai"

(Nurture the seed and it will blossom.)
 

Adventure

Developing Character
Focus: Character development through adventure-based learning.
Approach: Adventure learning at Ōpoutere School is a significant and unique component that differentiates our school from other mainstream educational establishments in New Zealand. Our vision is "Character development through adventure-based learning." The Ōpoutere School Adventure Learning programme uses specific curriculum content to challenge each student, leading to increased self-awareness and equipping them with the ability to lead a more engaging and rewarding life.
"Kia Kaha, kia maia, kia manawanui"

(Be strong, be brave, be steadfast.)

Conceptual

Inquiry and Discovery
Focus: Inquiry-based learning centred on key concepts.
Approach: The Conceptual Frame takes an Inquiry approach, where learning is focused on a particular concept. Inquiry learning inspires and engages students through real-world experiences and student passions. Inquiry lessons are holistic, engaging multiple styles of intelligence and following the four phases of the Action Learning Cycle. This cycle begins by 'Identifying the Current Situation,' immersing students in the subject; they then 'Explore Alternatives,' plan and 'Take Action,' and finally engage in 'Reflection' to consolidate learning. Junior and Senior teachers approach Inquiry differently to match child development. In the Juniors, students’ natural curiosities, imagination, and developing passions are fostered. In the Seniors, there is a strong focus on building critical and creative thinking, communication, collaboration, initiative, and reflection as students question the world around them.
"Ko te ahurei o te tamaiti arahia o tatou mahi."

(Let the uniqueness of the child guide our work.)
 

Kotahitanga

Unity and Well-being
Focus: Unity, well-being, and inclusiveness.
Approach: The Kotahitanga Frame advocates for unity and well-being, where inclusiveness is created within our school by recognising everyone’s uniqueness. The glue that holds our school together is a culture of care, which combines rituals, relationships, whānau engagement, and reciprocal respect. These elements weave together to ensure every member of our school community feels valued and connected.
"He waka eke noa"

(A canoe we are all in with no exceptions.)