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

• 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 students need to succeed as adults.

Key Competencies -Learners Qualities 

Competencies are abilities and capabilities that people use to live, learn, work and contribute as active members of their communities. At St Joseph's School we call these our Learners' qualities. 

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, whānau, school, and be able to contribute and make connections with other people

At St joseph's School we call these key competencies the St Joseph's Learner's Qualities. We have 4 of these . Contributor, Thinker, Motivated Learner and Communicator.