Junior School

Curriculum

Our rich curriculum is grounded on structured literacy and numeracy programmes with Christian Education, Te Reo Māori, French, Music, Physical Education and TACT (The Arts and Creative Technologies) taught by specialist teachers.

Students learn to read and write through our comprehensive curriculum and our Singaporean methodology  to mathematics ensures a sound understanding of number that underpins future learning. 

Topical studies are brought into Science and Social Science learning to help our boys make sense of the world around them and provide opportunities for cross-curricular links. This provides many opportunities for boys to discover areas of interest, both in traditional and innovative settings. 

Home-school collaboration is important to us, and there are many opportunities for whānau to be involved in their son’s schooling. Morning family reading sessions allow parents to connect, and class trips provide opportunities for families to share in the wonders of learning. 

Extracurricular sports activities are also available:  basketball, cricket, football, and tennis. 

Fostering Creativity 

Our TACT (The Arts and Creative Technologies) programme provides balance to the traditional academic rigour of core-curriculum subjects. Our boys are introduced to the wonders of technology and encouraged to express themselves through many artistic and musical opportunities.  

Visual Art plays a big part in the Junior School. Our classroom displays reflect the variety of artistic techniques used to complement learning in all curriculum areas. This creative outlet sets the stage for future artistic endeavours. 

Igniting the Performing Arts

Junior School students experience a weekly programme enriched with singing and movement, playing instruments and early music literacy. In each class, the boys build their confidence exploring, recreating music and growing their essential music skills. They follow an Orff philosophy using percussion instruments as well as body percussion and vocal patterns. Alongside the Jellybeans percussion programme this method encourages rhythm notation, reading and interactive play.

Growing Tomorrow’s Athletes

Our outstanding facilities and dedicated coaching staff enables delivery of an exceptional Physical Education programme.  

Our boys learn fundamental skills through a variety of fun sports. We aim to develop confidence and instil a love of physical activity. The programme focuses on developing stamina, agility, coordination and balance. Opportunities to participate in swimming, athletics, cross country, and ball skills related to all major sports codes are available.  

Our Jubilee Sports Centre is the home base for our programme, with access to an outdoor Astro-Turf  for hockey and tennis, and nearby sand-based playing fields for rugby, cricket, and football.

We have a heated outdoor swimming pool and a learners’ pool at our Shore Road campus. 

Growing Tomorrow’s Minds

In education outside the classroom (EOTC) students are acquainted with cross-curricular activities that enhance their understanding of the world. These experiences reinforce classroom learning and foster curiosity. Trips include visits to the Auckland Art Gallery, Zoo and Botanical Gardens. 

We also host a variety of engaging experiences within our campus, including visits from the police, St. John, and the fire brigade, as well as speakers, storytellers, and performers. In the Junior School, we nurture the development of lifelong skills that transcend traditional subject boundaries.  

Developing a strong service ethic towards fellow students, family, community and beyond is a vital component of a Saint Kentigern education. Our commitment to service begins in the Junior School, with a focus on  our ‘Service in the Home’ programme. If you want to serve others, start at home.

Enhanced Learning

Our teachers and specialist educators work hard to give each boy the best opportunities to achieve his academic potential.  

Together with the help of supporting teachers, parents, relevant outside agencies, and our wider community, we provide a wrap-around service. This involves individual or small group tuition at a Tier 1 and 2 level and in-class support.  The Enhanced Learning Team also supports teachers and liaises closely with the pastoral care team to cater effectively to students with specific learning needs in their classrooms.

After careful assessment and identification of specific learning concerns, students may be tutored and monitored by our Enhanced Learning teachers, who work alongside the classroom teachers to deliver on the curriculum. Assistance will vary according to the student’s individual needs.