Tamatea Intermediate is a dynamic learning environment in Napier that truly values diversity and inclusion. You'll find students from various backgrounds, including a significant Māori representation, all learning together. The school prioritizes collaborative learning, ensuring every student feels a sense of belonging. With strong programs that support student wellbeing and achievement, most students meet their academic goals in reading, writing, and mathematics. The culture here fosters respect, integrity, and aroha, making it a safe space for all. If you're curious about what else makes this school unique, there's much more to discover about its vibrant community.
Major Highlights
- Tamatea Intermediate emphasizes cultural diversity, with 47% Māori and 4% Pacific students, fostering an inclusive learning environment.
- The school's curriculum prioritizes te reo Māori and tikanga Māori, promoting identity and belonging among students.
- Targeted strategies and a dedicated learning support team help identify and assist students at risk of underachievement.
- Strong focus on student wellbeing through restorative practices and programs like PB4L enhances the school culture.
- Collaborative learning communities and continuous professional development for teachers contribute to a high-performing educational environment.
School Overview and Context
Located in the vibrant city of Napier, New Zealand, Tamatea Intermediate offers a dynamic learning environment for students in Years 7 and 8. With a diverse student roll of 356 to 397, you'll find a mix of cultures, including 47% Māori and 4% Pacific students. The school draws from over 24 contributing primary schools, creating a rich tapestry of backgrounds and experiences.
At Tamatea, the school mission revolves around fostering a strong sense of identity and belonging, particularly for Māori students. This mission aligns with the school's educational initiatives, which emphasize te reo Māori, tikanga Māori, and local histories.
The curriculum is designed to reflect *The New Zealand Curriculum* and includes a focus on Hangarau Matihiko, or Digital Technology.
With a dedicated team led by experienced senior leaders and a balanced gender composition among staff, you'll benefit from a stable teaching environment. The board of trustees, both new and seasoned members, actively supports these initiatives, ensuring that every student is equipped to thrive in their educational journey.
At Tamatea Intermediate, you're not just another face in the crowd; you're part of a nurturing community focused on success.
Strategic Aims and Priorities
At Tamatea Intermediate, the strategic aims and priorities reflect a commitment to fostering an inclusive and high-performing educational environment.
You'll find a strong focus on collaborative learning communities, where teachers and leaders work hand-in-hand to create a clear school vision and strategic plan. Programs like Positive Behaviour for Learning (PB4L) and the Virtues programme guide attitudes and behaviors, ensuring a supportive atmosphere that enhances student engagement.
The emphasis on student wellbeing is equally vital. Through restorative practices, relationships between staff and students are strengthened, creating a nurturing environment where everyone thrives.
Regular reporting on student wellbeing ensures a continuous focus on improving outcomes.
Teachers are actively enhancing their skills, especially in te reo me ngā tikanga Māori, to better support culturally responsive practices. This not only enriches the learning experience but also promotes a sense of identity and belonging for students.
Student Achievement Highlights
Many students at Tamatea Intermediate are achieving impressive results in core subjects. Most students meet expectations in reading, including the high majority of Māori and Pacific students. In writing and mathematics, the majority of all students are also achieving at curriculum expectations. However, there are notable writing disparities, particularly among boys compared to girls, which the school continues to prioritize.
Mid-year data from 2018 showcases significant acceleration in reading achievements, writing, and mathematics. In 2017, one-third of students made accelerated progress in reading and mathematics, a trend the school aims to maintain. For those at risk of not achieving expected levels, targeted strategies are implemented, and their progress is closely monitored by teachers and leaders.
The school utilizes analyzed data to set specific goals for student groups needing accelerated progress, ensuring a focus on continuous improvement. The learning support team plays a crucial role in identifying students with additional needs, ensuring they engage effectively with the curriculum.
School Culture and Values
While fostering an inclusive and supportive environment, Tamatea Intermediate emphasizes its core values of respect, integrity, manaaki, aroha, and diversity. These principles create a strong school culture where everyone feels valued and empowered.
You'll notice that respect is fundamental, ensuring safe learning spaces for teachers, ākonga, and whānau. Integrity thrives here too, as everyone is encouraged to be open and honest.
Key elements of Tamatea Intermediate's culture include:
- Manaaki (Care): Building trust through supportive relationships.
- Aroha (Love): Promoting inclusiveness and understanding among all.
- Cultural Responsiveness: Valuing the unique identities of ākonga.
- Collaboration: Encouraging teamwork between students and teachers.
- Feedback: Emphasizing constructive communication to enhance learning.
At Tamatea Intermediate, school inclusiveness is more than a concept—it's a daily practice.
You'll see the commitment to respect diversity reflected in how students and staff engage with one another. This culture not only enriches the learning experience but also prepares you for a diverse world, fostering both personal growth and academic success.
Community and Demographics
Tamatea Intermediate is deeply rooted in its vibrant community, located in the Onekawa-Tamatea Ward of Napier City. With a population of 10,380 residents, this ward reflects diverse demographic trends, including a notable 24% Māori representation, which enriches the school's cultural environment.
Your school serves 356 students in Years 7 and 8, with 47% identifying as Māori and 4% as Pacific heritage. This diversity enhances community engagement, fostering connections among students from over 24 contributing schools. The gender composition is balanced, with 53% male and 47% female students, reflecting the community's inclusive nature.
The median age in the ward is 39, younger than Napier's overall median of 42. Most residents belong to the middle income quartiles, and home ownership is comparable to the city average at 64%.
Although the ward has a slightly higher percentage of one-parent families, the unemployment rate remains stable at 3.7%.
Tamatea Intermediate thrives in this dynamic demographic landscape, creating an environment where students can learn, grow, and actively engage with their community.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Extracurricular Activities Are Available for Students at Tamatea Intermediate?
You'll find various extracurricular activities, including sports clubs like rugby and girls-only clubs to boost confidence. Additionally, arts programs such as kapa haka and annual showcases let you express your creativity and cultural identity.
How Does the School Support Students With Special Educational Needs?
The school supports students with special educational needs through inclusive education and tailored support. You'll find personalized learning programs, specialists, and close collaboration with families to ensure each student's unique needs are met effectively.
What Are the School's Uniform Requirements and Policies?
You might think uniforms limit your style, but the dress code ensures everyone wears specific uniform colors, like navy blue and white, promoting unity while allowing personal touches within the guidelines. It's all about presentation!
How Can Parents Get Involved in the School Community?
You can enhance parent engagement by attending school events and participating in volunteer opportunities. Join parent-teacher conferences, assist in classrooms, and advocate for school initiatives to make a positive impact on your child's learning environment.
What Safety Measures Are in Place for Students During School Hours?
Imagine a safety net woven tightly around your child. With vigilant student supervision and robust emergency protocols, the school ensures every student is shielded from harm, creating a secure environment for learning and growth.
Conclusion
In the heart of Napier, Tamatea Intermediate thrives as a vibrant learning community, where dreams take flight and potential is realized. You can see the passion in every classroom, where students aren't just learning—they're growing, exploring, and shaping their futures. With a deep commitment to excellence and inclusivity, this school embodies the belief that every child deserves a chance to shine. Together, we can nurture the next generation, lighting the path to a brighter tomorrow.
