Te Ropu Nikau (Intermediate)

The Nikau syndicate represents students, teachers, learning assistants and therapists in Balmoral School 1 and 2, Wesley Intermediate 1 and 2,Waikowhai Intermediate, and two classes at both StAR (St Andrews Rd site) and Base School.

Students are usually aged between 10 and 15.

The purpose of the team is to work together creatively, supporting each other to meet the learning needs of each and every one of our students in the best way possible.  This can be through training, joint planning, regular discussion and experience sharing.  We strive to provide students with the experiences necessary to realise their potential.

Students are included in mainstream learning opportunities wherever possible and are encouraged to wear the school uniform of their host school.

We are guided by the New Zealand Curriculum, which forms the basis for our learning programmes.  Teachers and therapists ensure that individual learning and sensory needs of students are met by employing a variety of evidenced based pedagogical approaches, programmes and tools within their teaching. Teachers provide students with rich learning experiences across all curriculum areas through our topic-based inquiry framework.  This framework allows students to focus on a different topic each term, keeping learning fresh and engaging.  There are also daily learning opportunities focused specifically on developing and extending each student’s literacy, numeracy and social communication skills.

We are fortunate to have access to an array of digital technologies across the school.  Computers, iPads and Interactive Whiteboards are used in our classes to promote engagement and enhance student learning opportunities.