We live in a truly special place in the world, which has been shaped by the actions of various groups of people over a long time. Learning the history of Te Tauihu o Te Waka o Maui, the influences of tangata whenua, colonisation, recent immigration and environmental changes helps us to understand where we are, and in turn, our own place in the world.

We take opportunities to visit local sites, use local resources and hear the stories of local people to enhance learning experiences.

All of our classes are committed to learning te reo me ona tikanga Māori. As well as incorporating the Māori language in every aspect of classroom learning, we have our Kaiārahi i Te Reo specialist language teacher who supports classes in their programmes.

All syndicates hold regular wa whānau hui, will use karakia throughout the day, and learn to value and uphold tikanga.

All new whānau to our school are welcomed in a Mihi Whakatau, following the tikanga of our iwi kaitiaki, Ngāti Kuia.

At Nelson Central School we use a Structured Literacy approach across all age levels to provide the best possible opportunity for children to develop essential literacy skills.

Structured Literacy is based on the latest research in cognitive science into how our brain learn to read, write and spell. We use the Ideal framework for literacy learning in English, and Mahi by Mahi for literacy learning in Te Reo Māori.

Maths learning at Nelson Central School is based on a combination of approaches, including DMIC (Developing Mathematical Inquiry Communities), rich task learning and explicit teaching.

Using mathematical talk and coopertaive groupwork is a big focus of learning at all levels. Communicating mathematical concepts, exploring problems from a range of angles and having a sound understanding of basic mathematical concepts are the foundations for maths learning.

At NCS we ensure a balanced curriculum, and learning through The Arts is an important part of this.

Learning in class includes exposure to dance, drama, visual art and music. Our Year 6 end of year production is a highlight of the year.

All classes have specialist learning in The Arts through our specialist teacher.

Extra curricula learning in the arts include our school band, choir and art extension programmes.

Health and PE are strong areas of focus for our school. Our school PE programme includes learning across a range of modes, including large and small ball skills, aquatics, gross and fine motor skills and sport specific skills.

As well as holding traditional school sporting activities such as our cross country, swimming sports and athletics, children get opportunities such as lunchtime games, sports leadership and Māori kemu.

We are proud to be an Enviroschool. We apply a lens of sustainability across everything we do at school, developing children’s critical thinking about the impacts they have today and how we can collectively build a better world for the future.

Enviroschools initiatives include waste minimisation, edible gardens, weta and bird houses, sustainable transport and enhancing our environment through projects such as murals. Our Enviro-Group meet weekly to work on projects, and classes take up their own mahi based on our value of kaitiakitanga.

We provide many opportunities for children to play sport both in and out of the school day. Weekend and afterschool sports offered through the school include basketball, netball, volleyball, football and touch rugby. Local clubs manage other sports, and our sports co-ordinator works closely with them to encourage as many children to be playing as possible.

We often bring clubs and organisations into school for coaching and promotion, giving children opportunities to learn and develop skills in a range of sports.

We are positioned in an Outdoor Education paradise. With three national parks on our doorstep, along with a range of other areas to explore, we ensure we maximise learning in, through and about outdoor environments. Children are challenged to step out of their comfort zones, to work collaboratively and support each other.

To get a taste of EOTC (Education Outside the Classroom) at Nelson Central School, please click this link…