The Harrisville Learning Hubs

The best quality teaching and learning possible is provided in the hubs with teams of 2 teachers working collaboratively to benefit every child.

The team of teachers meet daily to plan and to discuss the learning needs of the children.
Both teachers are responsible for every child in the Hub and may teach many of the children  at some stage throughout the year.

Guide Teacher  Each teacher in the Hub is responsible for a group of 20-30 children.  They ensure that all testing is completed and each child is teamed up with the best teacher to help them. They also ensure that every child they are responsible for is supported and happy.The guide teacher prepares the written reports for parents and meets with / or contacts parents regularly as they work together to benefit the child.

Learning Assistant   All Hubs are supported by trained and intuitive Learning Assistants. The teachers guide them as to who they would like supported each day: one-to-one or small groups. We have a very talented team.

Teaching and Learning Hubs

Each Learning Hub has a slightly different emphasis. This is based on our experience of the learning and social needs of Harrisville School children.

Tane Mahuta = Year 0&1            Guide teachers - Julia Thompson and Kirstie Campbell/Jude McCulloch (job share)
Tane Mahuta is at the centre of the school because this is the very starting point of a child’s journey to learning at Harrisville School.
This Hub provides children with the best support in reading, writing, and maths setting them up well for future learning.
The programme is based on the Reggio Emilia approach. 

Rongomatane = Year 1-3 Hub     Guide teachers - Simone Shore and Veni Naidoo (Senior Teacher)
Developing confidence and further reading, writing and maths skills. This is a time to emphasise social skills as the children learn to consider the needs and feelings of other people around them. At this age children begin to work with others in co-operative groups. 

Tawhirimatea = Year 3 & 4 Hub     Guide teachers - Jo Dutton and Paula McCall       For more about the hub Click here:    Tawhirimatea Website
Children in this Hub increase their ability to work on tasks independently. Strengthening social skills is even more important as children try to find their place in the world. The skills needed for reading, writing and maths increase in difficulty and so greater levels or resilience are needed. 

Ruaumoko = Year 4 to 6 Hub          Guide teachers - Catherine Wheeler and Zara Wright 
This Hub has a digital technology emphasis. The preparation of Year 6 children for Intermediate is high on the agenda. This will intensify in term 4 with specific programmes just for them.

What is “Inquiry”

The whole Hub gets involved in a range of in-depth studies. Each teacher, and sometimes the children themselves, prepares a range of activities to motivate the children, giving them a chance to gain more knowledge and giving increased time for research, discussion, brainstorming  and hands-on activities.

Kapa Haka
All children are welcome to participate in. They learn basic waiata and learn aspects of tikanga. Children in Kapa Haka have the opportunity to perform at a number of school events during the year.

Harrisville School continues to provide an extremely high level of education for all children.