Our curriculum goals for Aurora Middle School and how these relate to other curricular systems 

For Senior Primary and Middle School, we follow the New Zealand curriculum goals more closely. The New Zealand National Curriculum is internationally acclaimed due to its holistic approach and focus on deep and rich learning experiences which engage the children and allow them to develop a broad skills base. This is a broad and inclusive curriculum, so we are able to align our learning outcomes for all subject areas, including our modules of inquiry guided by the Common Ground Collaborative (CGC) framework, with the New Zealand achievement objectives. These achievement objectives are organized by levels which span more than one academic year, allowing teachers to support and challenge each individual learner by meeting them where they are and offering what they need to progress and succeed. The New Zealand objectives, while notably holistic and inclusive, do broadly align with other common national curriculum goals such as those of the UK, US common core and Australian state curricula. The process, and particularly the assessment, are true to the Aurora culture, but the content and skills are transferable should learners be moving between the New Zealand and other curricula. 

Vision of the New Zealand National Curriculum 

The vision is for young people to be confident, connected, actively involved, lifelong learners.  

Values of the New Zealand National Curriculum 

Students are encouraged to value:  

• excellence, by aiming high and by persevering in the face of difficulties  
• innovation, inquiry, and curiosity, by thinking critically, creatively, and reflectively  
• diversity, as found in our different cultures, languages, and heritages  
• equity, through fairness and social justice  
• community and participation for the common good 
• ecological sustainability, which includes care for the environment  
• integrity, which involves being honest, responsible, and accountable and acting ethically
• to respect themselves, others and human rights 

Key competencies  

Competencies are abilities and capabilities that people use to live, learn, work and contribute as active members of their communities.  The New Zealand Curriculum identifies 5 key competencies that it has a focus on children developing throughout their time at school:  

• Thinking – is about using thinking processes to make sense of information, experiences and ideas.  
• Using language, symbols, and texts – working with, being able to understand, and making sense of the codes (languages and symbols) in which knowledge is expressed.  
• Managing self – having self-motivation, a “can-do” attitude, and seeing oneself as a capable learner.  
• Relating to others – is about interacting effectively with a range of different people in a range of different situations, including things like being able to listen well, recognise different points of view, and share ideas.  
• Participating and contributing – being involved in communities, such as family or school, and be able to contribute and make connections with other people. 

Learning areas

There are 8 learning areas (or subject areas) in The New Zealand Curriculum:  

• English  
• The Arts  
• Health and Physical Education  
• Learning languages  
• Mathematics and Statistics  
• Science  
• Social sciences / Humanities  
• Technology 

The values and competencies in the New Zealand Curriculum are woven into these learning areas. They are designed to encourage enjoyment of learning and the ability to think critically, manage oneself, set goals, overcome obstacles and get along with others – the attributes learners need to succeed as adults. 

Read more about our Senior Primary and Middle School here