Our Curriculum Essence Statements

Assessment for Learning: How we Learn

At Sandspit Road School, assessment isn’t just a test at the end of a unit—it is the daily, active conversation that drives learning forward.

We use an Assessment for Learning (AfL) approach, which means assessment happens during learning, not just after it. We empower our students to take true ownership of their progress by learning to answer three key questions every day:

• Where am I going? Students understand the clear goal (Learning Intention) of each lesson.
• How am I going? Students know what quality looks like (Success Criteria) and can measure their own progress along the way.
• Where to next? Students receive actionable, supportive feedback (Feedforward) from teachers and peers to know their exact next steps.

What This Means for Your Child

• No Secrets in Learning: Children co-construct success criteria with teachers so they always know how to succeed.
• Actionable Feedback: Teachers give prompt, helpful feedback focused on how to improve, rather than just giving grades.
• Self & Peer Reflection: Students learn to critique their own work, learn from mistakes, and help their classmates grow.
• Student-Led Conferences: Because students understand their own learning pathways, they can proudly share their progress, achievements, and next goals directly with you at home and during school conferences.

Student Led Conferences

What is a Student-Led Conference?

Held at the end of Term 2, Student-Led Conferences (SLCs) are a special opportunity for your child to share their learning, progress, and next steps directly with you. 

Grounded in our Assessment for Learning (AfL) philosophy, SLCs empower students to take active ownership of their education. Rather than the teacher doing all the talking, your child takes the driver's seat—guiding you through their work, reflecting on their progress, and explaining where they are heading next.

How Learning Conferences Work

Simultaneous Conferences: In the Junior School several student-led conferences take place in the classroom at the same time. This relaxed format means whaanau are not rushed through a brief, time-strict slot—giving you plenty of unhurried time to sit with your child and discuss their learning in depth.  While your child leads the conversation with you, the teacher circulates around the room to connect with each family, celebrate progress, and offer guidance.

We are moving to this simultaneous approach in Years 4-8 based on the successful conferences in 0-3. 

You don't need to be an expert to support your child—listening and asking open questions makes a big difference:

• "What were you learning to do in this piece of work?"
• "What are you most proud of here, and why?"
• "What was challenging, and how did you work through it?"
• "What is your next goal in reading, writing, or maths?"

(Note: SLCs are dedicated to celebrating learning. If you ever wish to discuss sensitive, social, or private matters, teachers are always happy to schedule a separate appointment).

Learning with Digital Technology

 At Sandspit Road School, digital tools enhance everyday learning—helping students research, collaborate, and receive real-time feedback alongside hands-on, traditional learning.

A Google & Chromebook School

We use Google Workspace for Education paired exclusively with Chromebooks.

• Why Google Workspace? Students create, collaborate on shared tasks, and receive prompt feedback from teachers directly on their work.
• Why Chromebooks Only? They are fast, secure, affordable, and built specifically for Google Workspace. Using one standard device keeps learning simple and equitable for everyone.

Technology Across Year Levels

• Junior School (Years 1–3): Shared classroom devices are used purposefully under close teacher guidance to support foundational literacy and numeracy.
• Senior School (Years 4–8): Students use Chromebooks daily (via our BYOD guidelines) for research, writing, and project work.

Digital Citizenship & Safety

Keeping our tamariki safe online is our top priority. Supported by N4L web filtering and Netsafe guidelines, we teach students how to:

• Be respectful, responsible, and positive online.
• Keep personal information and passwords private.
• Maintain a healthy balance between screen time and off-screen learning.

All families sign a Digital User Agreement at the start of the year to ensure clear safety expectations.

Embracing Te Reo Maaori

At Sandspit Road School, we warmly welcome and celebrate the use of Te Reo Maaori across our school community.

We actively weave everyday kupu (words), phrases, and tikanga (practices) into our daily classroom routines, greetings, and school gatherings. By making Te Reo Maaori a natural part of our everyday conversations, we honour Aotearoa’s bicultural heritage and create an inclusive environment where all tamariki feel connected to the language and culture of our country.

Technology for Year 7/8

Our Year 7 and 8 senior students attend specialist Technology  and Arts lessons at nearby View Road School.

These fortnightly, hands-on sessions give our learners access to specialised facilities and expert guidance in areas such as Visual Arts, Food Technology (cooking, nutrition, and food preparation) and Hard Materials (designing and constructing with wood, metal, and plastic). It is a fantastic practical experience that builds problem-solving skills, creativity, and independence in our senior students.

Wellbeing - PB4L & Mitey

 At Sandspit Road School, we believe that looking after our mental health is just as important as looking after our physical health. We are proud to be a Mitey school, delivering an evidence-based mental health education programme developed by the Sir John Kirwan Foundation alongside New Zealand educators and the University of Auckland.

Mitey is designed specifically for Kiwi children in Years 1–8. Rather than being a one-off topic or extra activity, Mitey is woven naturally into our everyday classroom curriculum.

Through Mitey, our tamariki learn how to:

• Understand Feelings: Recognise, express, and manage their own emotions and mental wellbeing.
• Support Others: Build empathy, navigate relationships, and know how to help friends when life gets tough
• Build Resilience: Develop positive self-esteem, confidence (mana), and practical strategies to handle life’s ups and downs.
• Ask for Help: Normalise conversations around mental health so every child feels safe and comfortable seeking support whenever they need it.

By embedding mental health education early, Mitey equips our students with lifelong tools to grow into healthy, confident, and mentally thriving young people.