• Works to create a more seamless connection between programmes in Years 5-8

• Make connections within and across subjects

• Greater engagement and perseverance for students

• Fewer attendance concerns, less disruptive behaviour and fewer discipline problems

• More personalised learning for each student which benefits both high achieving and at risk students

• Greater preparedness for the work environment of 2020 and beyond.

• Transference - the ability to extend/use what has been learned in one context to new contexts

• Conceptual level of understanding

• Consistent strategies, language and expectations

• Making learning relevant the students’ lives and society

How do we Integrate learning at OAS?

Learning units are co-constructed, taught and assessed collaboratively by teachers from both the English and Social Studies curriculum learning areas in response to student needs and interests. We use real world contexts to foster deep learning and student engagement, with meaningful connections across the learning areas.

• Keep in touch with the whānau teachers and SLT (senior leadership team) through the 3-way conferences and emails. In the first instance you should speak with the whānau teacher about challenges or support that is needed. This is also a chance to let us know if you have any special interests or expertise that you could contribute.

• Stay involved with your child by making it part of your day to ask what they are learning and what are the biggest challenges for them. Don't do their homework for them, but set shared expectations about homework. It might be worth talking to teachers about their expectations too. As your child gets to Y10, it is a good idea to talk about subject options for the future too. Maybe make a meeting with our Careers Advisor by sending an email.

• Get involved when there is an opportunity through feedback surveys, contacting teachers, talk with the members of the Board of Trustees (BOT), or run for a position on the BOT at the next election. There may also be an opportunity to participate as a member of a Parent Teacher Association or by volunteering your time.

At school we are trying to help your child learn about 5 critical skills; The Key Competencies - thinking, using language, symbols and texts, managing themselves, relating to others and participating and contributing. You can support these competencies:

• Thinking

Give children chances to be creative and critical with their thinking. Notice and praise them when they try to think about things differently. Encourage them to plan meals, what needs to be on the shopping list?

• Managing self

Notice and praise when your kids do things without being asked - taking the dishes from the table, doing chores, finishing homework. Help your kids get through tricky learning, challenges are part of life, help them see this with your support. Encourage them to manage their own fitness and offer to support them to do this.

• Relating to others

Talk about differences in the world and why this is. Be open and respectful of difference. Model listening and negotiating with your kids.

• Participating and contributing

Encourage your child to take part in new things, help them to take on leadership roles; looking after a pet of be responsible for a household chore. Encourage them to participate in pōwhiri at your marae or be in a sports team.

• Using language, symbols, and texts

Check that your child understands the meaning of different types texts or languages, ask them how they know that or what makes them think this answer. Talk about the different symbols that you see around your life. $ % @ - what do they mean?

Examples of student work showing the integration of Social Science contexts and skills with English Skills.

Student Feedback