Our Learning

 

Literacy and Numeracy

At Big Rock we believe in a wide and exciting curriculum built around rock solid foundations in Literacy and Numeracy. Our achievement rates in Literacy and Mathematics are consistently high. Our high levels are due to a number of things; excellent teachers combining modern teaching techniques with the tried and true, great resources, smaller classes, teacher aide support, amazing parental support and children with fantastic attitudes to learning and hard work.

The Board also ensures that all of the classes have the resources they require to provide the children with the best opportunities. This includes modern technology such s chromebooks and laptops (Both Mac and PC), iPads, up to date reading resources, a well stocked library that the children themselves have a big say in what is purchased annually, and ongoing.    

       

 

Information and Communication Technology

Here at Big Rock we are continually striving to provide all of the children with a 21st century education and provide the resources to support this.  As part of this process all children over the age of 7 have their own laptop or chromebook, at no cost to parents.  We are immensely proud to be able to offer this to all of our children, which we believe puts us at the forefront of New Zealand education. Equally we ensure that technology is used to support learning and that computers and iPads are a learning tool, adding to the richness of our learning environment. I.C.T is used to to support Literacy and Mathematics programmes, as well as a research tool in our Integrated Topic based learning programmes.

We also utilise a number of online subscriptions including Mathletics, Moneytime, Epic, Study Ladder, Teach Your Monster to Read. The senior class also have Minecraft Education intergated into their learning programmes.

                             

 

Kapa Haka

The Big Rock Primary Kapa Haka group is well led and performs annually at the Otago Polyfest. The group is open to all children.

 
The Kid’s Kitchen

As part of our meaningful learning philosophy we have introduced a fully equipped Children’s Kitchen. The children undertake cooking, learn about nutrition and using cooking as a means of learning Maths, Reading and Writing. In 2014 our kitchen has had a major upgrade which creates an even better learning area. This is a phenomenal resource and provides all of the children incredible learning opportunities in what is best described as an 'Actual Learning Environment'.

 

Education Outside the Classroom (EOTC)

EOTC is an integral part of our curriculum at Big Rock, and we are so lucky with our incredible local environemnt, with Brighton and Ocean View beaches as well as Taieri Mouth. We utilise EOTC to not only provide a broad range of experiences but to also develop self-esteem, physical and personal resilience, which in turn supports Literacy and Mathematics programmes as well as other key learning areas. At Big Rock children have biking adventures across all ages, as well as mountain bike extension groups, kayaking, surfing, snorkelling and scuba diving, and Amazing Races (These include biking, running and problem solving in Literacy and Mathematics, all combined). Children also have class camps at Tirohanga, Berwick, Waiora, Stewart Island and Central Otago. 

 

Aotearoa New Zealand History (ANZH)

In 2022 all New Zealand schools were required, as part of the New Zealand Curriculum to teach Aotearoa New Zealand History. Schools were required to develop their own programmes. At Big Rock we embraced this opportunity and in Term Two every year the children learn and make connections to key parts of Aotearoa New Zealand history, research ANZH, present their findings in posters, books and electronically. They undertake Amazing Race type events around Dunedin historical sights, that they have previously researched and learnt about. So as to ensure parents are actively involved the children's work is shared with a community meal to celebrate Matariki, to recognise and celebrate local tangata whenua. We also celebrate all of the cultures and nationalities in our community. On the night of celebration we have had a hangi, venison bbq, we have pigs and lambs on a spit, as well as vegan/vegetarian options. To support this whanau bring food to share that is important to them. We fly the flags of every culture or nationality within our community, sing waiata and have an ANZH Quiz. It is is a remarkable night and one the we are fiercely proud of, and there is no cost to families. 

  

 

The Arts

We have a highly skilled staff in the area of the Arts. As well as classroom Arts programmes that include Dance, Music, Drama and Visual Art. The whole school has major events in the Arts that put on show the children's extraordinary talents. Most recently was the whole school musical production of Peter Pan, and scheduled for 2024 is our cyclic Art Extravaganza that showcases the children visual art but also includes visual displays of the children's research into Artists and significant works of art, local, from around the country and the world.

  
Swimming and Aquatics- Over, In and Under the Water

We are incredibly fortunate to have a fully heated swimming pool. Our pool has an average temperature of 30° Celsius.  Our pool is open from term four through to the end of term one.  We are in the position to be able to offer swimming instruction to all children as part of our summer programme.

Our school aquatics programme, Over, In and Under provides opportunities for all children to learn and experience a broad rage of aquatic activities, these include surfing (a key part of the Big Rock curriculum) Kayaking, Boogie Boarding, Snorkelling and SCUBA diving,. This is also supported with our Taieri Mouth Adventure, where all children get the chance to swim in the swim in the river, go for a speed boat ride, kayak and paddle board. Safety is our first priority, with all children wearing lifejackets, adult to child ratios 1-2 and 1-3, dependent on age and ability.

We know that these experiences help the children develop confidence, personal and physical resilience, supports mental health and has knock on benefits for the classroom and playground. It's fun as well!

Mountain Biking and Cycling at Big Rock

In 2022 we introduced a whole new biking programme. Traditionally, our Year 5-8 children went on an annual bike adventure. This was either the Rail Trail or the Goldfields Trail depending on the ages of the riders. However, in 2022, we introduced two new Mountain Biking  groups that learned new skills and had at least one mountain bike adventure every term. In 2023 this programme was broadened to three groups, an Introductory Group, Tracks n Trails (TnT) and Advanced Group. These groups are led by experienced, enthusiastic riders who take them on adventures on tracks around Dunedin and further afield. In 2024, the programme is being broadened further to include a Junior Biking (Years 1-3). The school has a supply of excellent mountain bikes and helmets, a bike trailer and van to support these programmes. 

The children also use bikes to solves maths and literacy problems all around Brighton and Ocean View. Biking is an important part of Big Rock and benefits the children's overall learning, personal confidence and supports their mental health.

 

 

No More Gaps and Gifted and Talented Education

At Big Rock our aim is to enable all children to reach their potential and be the very best that they can be. To do this we target any child who has not yet achieved where we know they can be and develop programmes specifically for these children. These are developed by the principal, deputy principal, classroom teacher and our specialist teacher. Equally when children are working well above the National Standard we ensure that programmes are put in place to continue to raise this achievement.

Gifted and Talented programmes are put in place to support children of exceptional ability in all areas of the curriculum.

 
School Sports Teams

In recent years, Big Rock has had teams in Futsal, Netball, Basketball, Cross Country Triathlon, depending on interest.

 

School Pet Day Extravaganza

Every year we host a Pet Day Extravaganza. This is a day where the children have the opportunity to bring their pets, share all of their knowledge and love of them. as well as this we host a number of A and P Show type games for the children to win prizes, we have a bouncy castle, families take part in baking competitions, a sausage sizzle, pop corn machines, art competions and all the fun of the fair. There is no cost to parents or family for any of the activities or games.

 

Equality and Equity in Education

Here at Big Rock we are proud that we do everything within our power to ensure that no child is disadvantaged by the cost of school trips, camp and other learning experiences. We heavily subsidise all extra learning experiences while ensuring that we still offer a wide and varied curriculum. Our philosophy is that ‘Education is for all, not just for those who can afford it.’ We are proud that our Board of Trustees subsidises all camps, school trips and extra activities.

 

Child Safety and Well Being

Child welfare and safety is a fundamental necessity for quality education, which is why we have an active, zero tolerance to bullying and have proactive programmes in place ensuring that we continue to provide a safe and happy environment for all of the children.

We encourage and create opportunities by having all of the children at certain times during the term working together in team building and problem solving activities.

This provides the older children in the school with the opportunity to put their leadership skills into action. Equally it provides our younger students with the opportunity to get to know the senior students.