Our school property has been thoughtfully remodelled and expanded over the years. The original school building from 1953 has been updated and now includes six classrooms. In 2002, a new hall and library were added, followed by a brand-new swimming pool complex in 2003. Our younger students enjoy three modern classrooms completed in 2014, while our senior block was fully refurbished to modern learning environment (MLE) standards in 2020. Our outdoor facilities are fantastic, featuring large playing fields, three adventure playgrounds, a turfed court and of course our greatest asset - our surrounding local environment.
Most of our students travel to school by bus from Whangamatā, with others joining us from the coastal villages of Ōpoutere and Ōnemana. Our dedicated and caring staff create a safe and supportive environment where everyone can thrive. We believe in Restorative Practice using a relational approach to managing school life grounded in beliefs about equality, dignity, mana and the potential of all people.

​Our Unique Curriculum: Where Learning is an Adventure
At Ōpoutere School, we believe that learning is an adventure—He Ako, He Ngahau. We take full advantage of our beautiful surroundings, with a strong focus on outdoor and environmental education. This unique approach complements a robust literacy and numeracy programs, providing students with meaningful, real-life contexts for their learning. Our commitment to environmental education was recognized when we received the prestigious Enviro School Green Gold award in 2016. Our innovative Adventure Learning program, which makes the most of our local environment, even led us to become finalists in the 2019 Prime Minister's Award for Teaching and Learning.
A strong Kapa Haka group is a core feature of our school. We have two distinct groups: Tāne Mahuta for our confident and passionate Yr 5-8 students, and Pūawai for our youngest learners NE - Yr 4. Kapa Haka is a valued and important part of our curriculum, helping to build a sense of pride in our students' personal identity, our school, and Te Ao Māori. It encourages collaborative learning, develops a sense of belonging, and strengthens relationships between students, teachers, and whānau. Our Kapa Haka groups perform regularly at local events, including the Coromandel Cultural Festival, the Matariki Community Festival, and the Hauraki Festival.
 

Our Curriculum Framework
Our curriculum is built on a comprehensive framework that ensures a holistic and well-rounded education. We focus on Proficiency in core subjects like reading, writing, and maths, with a personalised approach to help each child succeed. Our Experiential frame provides hands-on learning, integrating activities like gardening, Kapa Haka, and sports with Māori culture and Tikanga. Our unique Adventure learning program uses outdoor challenges to develop self-awareness and character. The Conceptual frame uses an inquiry-based approach, encouraging students to explore real-world concepts and fostering a love for discovery. Finally, Kotahitanga promotes a culture of unity, care, and respect, ensuring every member of our school community feels valued.

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