The principles are foundations of curriculum decision making. They embody beliefs about the nature of the educational experience and the entitlement of students; they apply equally to all schools and to every aspect of the curriculum. Schools should be able to clearly demonstrate their commitment to the principles and to articulate how they are given effect in teaching and learning.
The curriculum supports and empowers all students to learn and achieve personal excellence, regardless of their individual circumstances.
The curriculum acknowledges the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi, and the bicultural foundations of Aotearoa New Zealand. All students have the opportunity to acquire knowledge of te reo Māori me ōna tikanga.
The curriculum reflects New Zealand’s cultural diversity and values the histories and traditions of all its people.
The curriculum is non-sexist, non-racist, and non-discriminatory; it ensures that students’ identities, languages, abilities, and talents are recognised and affirmed and that their learning needs are addressed.
The curriculum encourages all students to reflect on their own learning processes and to learn how to learn.
The curriculum has meaning for students, connects with their wider lives, and engages the support of their families, whānau, and communities.
The curriculum offers all students a broad education that makes links within and across learning areas, provides for coherent transitions, and opens up pathways to further learning.
The curriculum encourages students to look to the future by exploring such significant future-focused issues as sustainability, citizenship, enterprise, and globalisation.
Sunnyhills learners will be independent, articulate thinkers, able to take risks and solve problems. We strive for personal excellence and a positive mindset.
Our commitment to the Treaty of Waitangi is reflected through the recognition of cultural diversity and the unique position of Maori as tangata whenua. Partnership and consultation, acquisition of te reo and promotion of Maori achievement are priorities.
Sunnyhills has a diverse community. We are responsive to our learners and whanau through our recognition and respect and celebration of the many cultures, languages, identities and needs.
Our curriculum is inclusive of all learners and all cultures. All children will fulfil their potential through exposure to a rich school curriculum where participation by all is strongly encouraged
The learner is first in our list of priorities. Active engagement is encouraged in an environment where learners collaborate, take risks and persevere. We nurture a growth mindset, where mistakes are accepted as a part of the learning process.
Sunnyhills has a diverse community. We are responsive to our learners and whanau through our recognition and respect of the many cultures, languages, identities and needs.
Learning is authentic, inquiry driven and personalised.
Creative and critical thinking, the learning currency of tomorrow, is promoted. Our staff, students and the community are kept up to date with current and future technologies. We work together for a sustainable future by integrating and embedding sound environmental practices that meet the needs of the present, without compromising the generations to come.