Learning Team Years 7 & 8

Learning Team Four consists of three classes with approximately 30 Year 7/8 students in each class. The classes sit together in recently refurnished and updated classrooms. The students are taught by their home room teacher except for Mathematics and Interchange. To meet the students’ needs Mathematics is grouped into classes by similar leaning abilities. Interchange occurs once a week with Physical Education, Te Reo and the Performing Arts being taught. This organisation uses the skills and expertise of the experienced staff to teach in a student focussed manner.

Once a week the Year 7/8 students attend Technology at the Timaru Technology Education centre (TTEC). The
students rotate around the specialist teachers in the areas of Material Structures, Textiles and Graphics, Electronic Materials, Biotechnology, Energy Mechanisms and Food Technology.

Terms two and three include an enrichment programme in the timetable. This has a selected number of students
working with a specialist teacher once a week for two hours. The programme is wide ranging from a drama production, and school, magazine through to learning French and developing ICT skills.

The Outdoor Education programme is run in a two year cycle. Even years see the students attend a week long camp. The following year the students participate in a number challenging outdoor activities that test their stamina and endurance, enhance their team work, personal development and confidence.

The students have extensive well groomed grounds with a wide range of quality equipment available to borrow from the school at break times. Staff are available to supervise games and encourage skill and social development.

The students attend the South Canterbury educational competitions. They have had success in the South Canterbury
Maths, Spelling, Social Studies and Speech competitions. The school takes part in the boys and girls Primary Schools Cricket competition, often being involved in the latter part of the South Canterbury competition.

Giving service to the school is an important part of this Learning Team. The students understand and relish the
opportunity to take on leadership roles and give back to the school and the community. There are a number of positions from Peer Mediation, House Leader, Eco Leaders through to Road Patrol and ICT (Information and Communication Technology) Technicians.