All About Purakanui School

 Our first concern is to support the learning of literacy and numeracy, but we extend this in many ways. 

Much basic learning is integrated through broad themes each term.  Children lead the exploration of these themes through inquiry learning.

Fitness and physical activity are encouraged through:

• Daily fitness sessions
• Organised sports, e.g. soccer, athletics
• Special lessons, e.g. sailing, rock-climbing

The Arts are explored by:

• Weekly visual art lessons
• Senior crafts, e.g. knitting, clay work
• Whole school involvement in large scale productions such as 'Stars on Stage', Kapa Haka Festival and Wearable Arts
• Music, singing, aerobics, dance
• Drama as part of literacy

All children learn two second languages:

• Maori throughout the school from Year 1
• French from Year 4 onwards.

Our senior students (Yr 7 & 8) are offered extra challenges, for example:

• Year 7 & 8 camp combined with two other small schools.
• Young Leaders' Training
• Extra homework!

Education outside the classroom is vital!

• We are proud to be an Enviroschool and are always running several projects in our garden and grounds.
• We organise frequent trips and visits to complement our classroom study.
• School Camps - Every year there are three:  Year 7 & 8, Seniors and Juniors.
• We use our beautiful local environment for learning opportunities as often as possible.  Activities range from our Friday walks down Mihiwaka Station Road, to whole term themes such as 'The Inlet'.

As teachers we take special care to get to know each child and family.  With small class sizes we are able to gain intimate insights into every child's behaviour and learning needs.

We truly believe Purakanui School can give your child the best a primary education can offer.