Curriculum changes from 2025
Mathematics:
The refreshed Mathematics and English New Zealand Curriculums come into effect from the start of 2025. These documents are underpinned by the science of learning, or how people learn, which is the result of robust evidence and insights from multiple fields of study.
What is the change?
Schools must ensure they provide 5 hours a week of teaching and learning focused on developing their mathematical ability.
The new curriculum provides greater clarity around what will be taught and the order in which new learning should be introduced. It encourages greater depth of understanding and the application of mathematical thinking to real world problems. In response to the changes to the order of teaching and learning there has been a shift in the expected outcomes for each year of teaching.
Literacy (Reading, Writing and Oral Language):
What is the change?
The Literacy curriculum has also been refreshed and will guide the direction of teaching and learning in this area from the start of 2025. This document is underpinned by the science of learning, or how people learn, which is the result of robust evidence and insights from multiple fields of study. Schools must now ensure that they are providing opportunities for ten hours per week of instruction focussed on supporting students’ progress and achievement in Reading and Writing.
The importance of oral language, particularly its role in early literacy development, is recognised. Priority is given to NZ literature, recognising that the work of NZ authors and our stories as a country, are unique and special. Schools are required to incorporate a structured literacy approach, particularly across Years 0 – 3.
The new curriculum also recognises the need to address students’ handwriting and spelling fluency and the significant impact these things have on a student’s success as a writer.
What steps are Takapuna Primary taking in 2025:
- Teachers already trained in Structured Literacy (All Years 1-2 teachers)
- 2024 – three Year 3 & 4 teachers trained
- 2025 – remaining Year 3 & 4 teachers trained
- 2025 – all teachers at Takapuna Primary will be working with an expert Literacy professional learning facilitator on Writing, including handwriting and spelling
- The Science of Learning, effective teaching practices have been embedded at Takapuna Primary School for many years. We look to sustaining effective practices.
Class Placements – IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Children are placed into classes using the following overall guidelines.
- Where possible and practical – children may have a second year with the same teacher, for example, a year 3 student could be placed in the same class again as a year 4 student with the same teacher. However, this may not always be the case as we may need to balance classes, or disperse students if there are extra classes.
- Moving from one transition to another, (e.g. from one whānau group to the next like Kiwi to Tūī) children will be mixed and spread across classes. There is a chance that your child will need to make new friends – this is good for them.
- If children need a specific transition plan, our Deputy Principal (Lisa) will contact you to discuss this.
- Teachers know their students and how they interact in social settings and friendships. What your child is like at home might be different at school. It is important that teachers are a big part of class placements.
Children will not be reclassified to repeat the same year. Our New Zealand curriculum and teachers cater to all learning needs, regardless of the child’s year level.
Please note: classroom organisation depends on the makeup of class numbers, this can mean different composition of class levels e.g Year 2s or Year 1 & 2s or both. Previously, we have had composite Year 4 & 5 as well as Year 5 & 6.
Once classes and teachers are finalised, we will share the organisation for 2025.
Students/families leaving at the end of 2025:
If you are planning to move from Takapuna Primary at the end of this year, please email the office – office@tps.school.nz and let us know as soon as possible. We rely on accurate information for class placements and 2025 planning.
Invitation for feedback: Sports at TPS:
The school invites you to give feedback/ideas, questions or thoughts around Sports at Takapuna Primary School. This will be a valuable community contribution. We are undertaking a review currently, please share any thoughts with Devika – devikat@tps.school.nz Our intention is to collect quality feedback for improvement so please do feel free to be honest.
RETURNING SCHOOL RESOURCES
We need all library books, school reading books and school owned devices to be returned asap! These are expensive resources that we need back, please leave them in the office or return to the teachers.
Regards, Devika and the TPS team
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