Our Learning
Our Learning
At Masterton Primary School, we are committed to helping our students develop the skills and attributes they need to succeed in learning and in life. Our approach focuses on nurturing independence, encouraging curiosity, fostering collaboration, and building strong connections with others and the community.
Thinking is at the heart of what we do. We inspire our students to be curious about the world, ask questions, and think critically. They learn to analyze information, explore new ideas, and reflect on their learning. By challenging assumptions and thinking creatively, our students become confident problem-solvers and lifelong learners.
Managing self is another important focus. We teach our students how to take charge of their own learning by setting goals, staying motivated, and being resilient. They develop independence, self-discipline, and the ability to work confidently without supervision. These skills prepare them to cope with challenges and make the most of opportunities.
Our emphasis on language, symbols, and texts helps students communicate effectively in today’s digital and diverse world. From interpreting written text to using technology to share ideas, they learn to choose their words and actions carefully, understanding how their communication affects others.
We also value the importance of relating to others. Our students are encouraged to be active listeners, empathetic friends, and thoughtful collaborators. They learn how to understand different perspectives, work well with others, and appreciate the impact of their actions on those around them.
Participating and contributing is a cornerstone of life at Masterton Primary School. Students are supported to take an active role in their communities, care for the environment, and make responsible decisions that benefit both the present and the future. They learn to value their rights and responsibilities, ensuring they grow into engaged and thoughtful members of society.
Our school community is dedicated to providing a safe, welcoming, and stimulating environment where every student can thrive. Through the combined efforts of teachers, whānau, and peers, we model respect, honesty, and trustworthiness, ensuring that every student is supported in achieving their best. Together, we build positive, motivated learners who are equipped to contribute to their communities and the wider world.
Te Ara Whakamana
Te Ara Whakamana: Mana Enhancement is a unique tool crafted in Aotearoa/New Zealand. This innovative approach incorporates ancestral archetypes from the Māori creation story, utilising elements like animals, colour, shape, imagery, narrative, and metaphors to connect individuals with their Mana (spiritual authority), sources of strength, and their broader world.
Te Ara Whakamana is designed to facilitate positive behaviour change and enhance wellbeing in ways you might already practise but find hard to articulate, share, or measure.
Through Te Ara Whakamana, we support and enhance cultural identity and responsiveness, promoting higher academic performance and encouraging positive behavioural changes. This tool strengthens engagement with whānau, hapū, and iwi, and enhances overall wellbeing and hauora.
Our approach includes traditional storytelling, such as Māori pūrākau (mythic narratives) and narratives from the Māori creation story, which provide cultural and moral lessons. These stories include the separation of Ranginui (the Sky Father) and Papatūānuku (the Earth Mother), and the exploits of Māui, the cultural hero. Incorporating whakataukī (proverbs) and whakatauākī (tribal sayings) also enriches the learning experience with cultural wisdom and values.
We employ visualisation techniques that draw on traditional Māori art forms, using symbolism through colour and shape to evoke cultural connections and personal reflection. Emphasising core values such as manaakitanga (hospitality), whanaungatanga (kinship), and kaitiakitanga (guardianship) creates a supportive environment where students can thrive.
Te Ara Whakamana not only fosters an environment conducive to wellbeing and positive behaviour change but also enhances cultural identity and academic achievement. It is a powerful tool that can transform organisational culture and professional practice. Discover how Te Ara Whakamana can make a difference by reaching out to us.
