At Kaitao Intermediate in Rotorua, you'll find a vibrant community dedicated to shaping future leaders. With a diverse student body, the school focuses on holistic learning, integrating both English and te reo Māori. The innovative curriculum emphasizes core competencies and active involvement, ensuring students are engaged and empowered. Strong partnerships with families and local organizations enrich the educational experience and strengthen community ties. With a commitment to continuous improvement through evidence-based practices and strong leadership, Kaitao Intermediate fosters resilience, respect, and excellence in every student. There's much more to discover about how they're paving the way for future success.

Major Highlights

• Kaitao Intermediate emphasizes a strong curriculum that integrates core competencies, preparing students for future leadership roles.
• The school promotes cultural empowerment through dual-medium education in English and te reo Māori, fostering respect and resilience.
• Active community engagement and partnerships enhance student development and educational experiences, creating a supportive environment for learning.
• Strong relationships with parents and whānau encourage collaboration, empowering students to take charge of their education.
• Evidence-based instructional methods and professional learning foster continuous improvement in teaching practices, ensuring student achievement and growth.

Location and Student Demographics

Kaitao Intermediate, nestled in the heart of Western Heights, Rotorua, serves a diverse student body of 329 learners. This school's location offers significant advantages, as it sits within a vibrant community characterized by rich cultural heritage.

The student diversity here is remarkable, with 75% identifying as Māori, 18% as Pākehā, and 7% from other ethnic backgrounds. This mix fosters an inclusive environment where students learn from one another's experiences and perspectives.

You'll notice the school attracts learners primarily from the surrounding suburbs and rural areas, contributing to a strong sense of community. Many students whakapapa to Ngāti Whakaue and other hapū of Te Arawa, further enriching the school's cultural tapestry.

With a gender composition of 52% boys and 48% girls, Kaitao Intermediate promotes healthy social interactions among its students.

The growing enrollment trends reflect the school's popularity and community engagement, with an increase from 265 students in 2018 to a projected 353 in 2019. This growth showcases the school's commitment to embracing student diversity and supporting the educational needs of all learners in the area.

Educational Approach and Structure

At Kaitao Intermediate, the educational approach is meticulously designed to foster a well-rounded development in every student. Rooted in the New Zealand Curriculum, it emphasizes core competencies like thinking abilities and self-management while promoting respectful, resilient, and responsible behavior.

The curriculum structure is divided into Year 7 and Year 8 sections, offering a holistic experience with distinctive academies like Te Puna Reo, which provides dual-medium te reo Māori education.

Kaitao Intermediate embraces curriculum innovation through focused inquiry approaches that enhance teaching methodologies. Evidence-based instructional practices engage teachers in professional development, ensuring they're equipped to raise student achievement in reading, writing, and mathematics.

You'll find that students are actively involved in their learning, benefiting from new systems designed to track and monitor their progress.

Moreover, the school fosters a positive culture among students, encouraging participation in co-curricular and extra-curricular activities. This supportive environment is strengthened by strong relationships with parents and whānau, creating a community that values student empowerment.

Through these approaches, Kaitao Intermediate shapes the leaders of tomorrow, equipping you with the skills and knowledge necessary for success.

Strategic Priorities for Improvement

Strategic priorities for improvement at Kaitao Intermediate focus on enhancing teaching and assessment practices to elevate student achievement.

You'll see a targeted approach that employs evidence-based instructional methods aimed at curriculum enhancement. By prioritizing a focused inquiry approach, the school is committed to refining assessment strategies that directly inform and guide teaching.

Professional learning conversations are an essential part of this process, fostering collaboration among educators to discuss effective techniques and boost student outcomes.

The evaluation of student achievement, particularly in reading, is executed through the FISA approach, ensuring consistency in teaching and assessment practices.

With strong leadership in place, including a newly appointed principal and deputy principal, Kaitao Intermediate is well-equipped to drive this change.

The governance board brings a wealth of experience and actively engages in the school community, ensuring transparency and informed decision-making.

Monitoring and evaluating progress is critical, as new systems are developed to track student advancement and strengthen reporting.

This focused planning not only accelerates learning but also reinforces effective target setting for at-risk students, ensuring that every learner reaches their full potential.

School Culture and Values

Embracing a strong school culture rooted in shared values, Kaitao Intermediate fosters an environment where students thrive. The motto, 'Mā te whānau tātou e puāwai,' emphasizes achieving success together, promoting a sense of unity and belonging.

Values integration is at the heart of the school's approach, focusing on respect, resilience, responsibility, and excellence. These values empower you to face challenges with a positive mindset.

Kaitao Intermediate's commitment to cultural empowerment is evident in its diverse student body, where 75% identify as Māori. The dual-medium education system supports both English and te reo Māori, ensuring that all students feel represented and valued.

The dedicated staff create a holistic environment, tailoring learning to your interests and preferred styles.

With a refreshed vision developed alongside whānau, the school has cultivated a positive culture that nurtures growth and encourages strong connections among students and teachers.

These guiding principles, supported by a stable leadership team and community involvement, shape a vibrant school culture, allowing you to develop not just academically but also as a responsible, respectful individual ready to lead tomorrow.

Community Engagement and Partnerships

Community engagement and partnerships play a vital role in enhancing the educational experience at Kaitao Intermediate. When you get involved with the community, you'll see the incredible partnership benefits that come from collaboration. These connections make a significant impact on student learning and development.

• Imagine a vibrant performance hall buzzing with talent and creativity.
• Picture a beautifully constructed Māori community house, a hub for culture and connection.
• Envision students equipped with digital tools that ignite their passion for learning.

Through initiatives like the Grand Circle Foundation partnership, Kaitao has secured funding for vital resources, including a digital classroom and iPads. Community involvement doesn't just stop there; it extends to workshops focused on behavioural training, ensuring staff are equipped to support every student.

The Kiwi Can programme, supported by BayTrust, highlights how collaboration with local schools enriches the curriculum. Involving parents and whānau in strategic planning fosters strong relationships, ensuring everyone has a stake in students' education and wellbeing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Extracurricular Activities Are Available for Students at Kaitao Intermediate?

At Kaitao Intermediate, you can engage in various extracurricular activities, including sports programs like rugby and basketball, along with creative arts options. These opportunities help you explore your interests and develop your skills in a supportive environment.

How Does the School Support Students With Special Educational Needs?

To support students with special educational needs, the school uses inclusive practices that ensure tailored support. You'll find responsive assistance from specialists, creating equitable learning opportunities that cater to individual strengths and challenges.

What Measures Are in Place for Student Safety and Well-Being?

In the safety net of school, you'll find robust safety protocols ensuring mental health and well-being. Regular feedback loops engage you, while support services, counseling, and community partnerships promote a secure environment for all students.

How Can Parents Get Involved in School Activities and Decision-Making?

You can enhance parent engagement by participating in volunteer opportunities, joining school councils, and attending meetings. Your involvement helps shape decision-making processes, ultimately benefiting both your child's education and the school community as a whole.

What Is the School's Approach to Discipline and Behavioral Expectations?

Imagine a wild jungle where respect reigns supreme. Your school's discipline embraces restorative practices and positive reinforcement, ensuring you behave responsibly while fostering an environment where everyone can thrive, learn, and grow together.

Conclusion

At Kaitao Intermediate, you're not just witnessing the growth of students; you're seeing the birth of future leaders. While some schools focus solely on academics, Kaitao blends rigorous education with character development, ensuring every child thrives. The vibrant school culture contrasts sharply with the challenges many face outside its walls, creating a nurturing environment that champions resilience and collaboration. In this unique setting, you'll find hope, empowerment, and a commitment to shaping tomorrow's changemakers.