Curriculum

The goals we set for our students are demanding ones and our aim is to achieve a balanced educational programme for all through the promotion of:

Academic, sporting & cultural growth
The building of self esteem and character
Giving equal rights and opportunities to every child
Developing respect and concern for others
An awareness of the dual heritage and multi-cultural nature of our society
Students striving to achieve their personal best
Out curriculum encourages high achievement offering a broad range of achievement opportunities:

Academic
We place high value on academic achievement in the eight essential learning areas of English, Mathematics & Statistics, Science, Social Studies, Technology, The Arts, Health & Physical Education & Learning Languages. Success criteria for achievement are outlined to assist students achieve high personal academic standards. Learning opportunities in Te Reo and international languages are also provided as part of our learning languages programme.

Hauora
Our Hauora/Health programme covers such areas as friendships, decision making, coping strategies, family relationships, goal setting and character virtues. The programme focuses on practical ways students are able to enhance their well being.

Physical Education

The importance of the physical wellbeing of our students is well catered for in the extensive Fitness and Physical Education programme. Lunchtime inter-class sports competitions are arranged each term covering a wide range of activities to cater for as many students as possible. The high expectation we have for elite sports competitions is borne out by our results at Inter-Intermediate competitions, Waikato representation levels, Winter Olympics week long sports camp and successes at the New Zealand Association for Intermediate & Middle Schooling Sports Championships (NZAIMS).

The Arts

The Arts have a very high profile with excellent programmes delivered by specialist teachers in classroom music as well as performance music and Visual Art. Dance & Drama are also incorporated as part of our school curriculum.

Inquiry

We are able to supply a well stocked library with a bank of computers which students can access for researching information, library searching and word processing.

Music

New students are welcomed & encouraged to join our very successful concert band. Previous musical experience is not a prerequisite. Instrumental tuition is provided for students at a small fee per term. A meeting for interested parents and students will be held early in the year to assist students to choose an instrument, which can be hired, or hired to buy. There may be opportunities for private guitar, base guitar, drumming, violin, cello, flute & keyboard & singing tuition during the school day as well. The school also has a rock band. Students having music lessons during class time and taking part in music performances are expected to maintain their classroom learning as well.

A special music camp is held during Term 2, combined with Te Awamutu Intermediate, at Totara Springs for Concert Band and Choir.

Visual Art

All students attend specialist classes in the Art Studio. They are able to explore a wide range of creative processes and media and gain confidence and skill in producing their own art works.

Technology

Three updated & well equipped technology workshops, with specialist teachers, ensures learning experiences in a wide range of technological areas are provided. Students are able to design and produce individual solutions to problems and develop a high level of practical skills. Workshops are open at lunch times for students who wish to have extra time on constructing their designs or who are involved with complex designs at an enrichment level. Learning opportunities are provided in Food Technology, Materials Technology and Production Technology using fabric.

Digitally Enhanced Learning

Matamata Intermediate is fully networked with computers & internet access in every classroom. The library is also fully equipped for information technology with computers linked to our network and the internet. We have one laptop classroom where all students have purchased their own laptops and 16 school owned laptops which are available to other classes. There are also 6 classrooms with interactive whiteboards and data projectors in all classrooms. All students have ready access to digital, video and still cameras.

Staff are currently involved in an ICTP (Information & Communication Technologies Professional Development) Ministry of Education Contract with all local contributing schools.