Our Curriculum
Willow Park School’s curriculum is based on the New Zealand Curriculum, but localised to meet the needs of the school’s vision and values.
Our vision and values
Our aim with our curriculum is to allow our students to flourish with areas that they are passionate in, but to encourage growth into new and developmentally appropriate areas, through a range of play and inquiry-based learning. With an integrated approach, traditional subject areas such as English and mathematics can be combined in a range of meaningful contexts.
Our aim is for students to be ignited in their thirst for knowledge and skills, inspiring them to be lifelong learners, with opportunities to inquire collaboratively with their peers.
Aspects of the curriculum that are special to Willow Park
Structured Literacy
Willow Park School is using research-based reading programs that emphasise phonological awareness, phonics, the rules of spelling and writing, as well as comprehension and fluency. A structured literacy approach uses the latest neuroscience research, and with world-class professional development through Learning Matters, our literacy support for all students is a real strength.
Structured Maths
At Willow Park we use Maths No Problem resources to enhance our mathematics programme. A research-based programme means that not only do we reinforce the basic number knowledge and strategies, but we provide opportunities for our children to explore and create using a concrete, pictorial, abstract model of learning.
Learning Through Play
At Willow Park we want learning to be fun and inspiring for our students, to develop a love for coming to school and for learning. Learning Through Play helps with the transition from Early Childhood Centres, and particularly supports those children who are still developing their readiness for a more formal school setting. Learning Through Play works on foundation skills, oral language, social skills, gross and fine motor skills, self belief and independence. This approach weaves in seamlessly with the NZ curriculum, and fits wonderfully with our school vision and values. Children can explore and play both indoors and outside the classroom, with many opportunities to make connections with children in other Junior classrooms.
Specialist Curriculum
All students receive instruction in a range of specialist subject areas during their time at Willow Park. Each week students visit specialist teachers for music, physical education and health, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering the Arts and Maths, Kapa Haka Arts, and Mandarin.
Ms Erica Knights leads our music programme at school, teaching all students as part of the New Zealand Curriculum, but also enrichment activities through choirs, instrumental groups and orchestra. A range of opportunities are provided inside and outside of school performing as part of Willow Park School music programme.
Mrs Becky Revell provides a comprehensive PE and Health curriculum for all year groups, ensuring the demands of the New Zealand Curriculum are met. The programme also provides opportunities for children to try new sports and games, to increase fitness and enjoyment of fitness and health, so it becomes lifelong enjoyment.
Mrs Janet Willmott has developed a STEAM programme within the school and introduces the children to action based programmes where they are empowered to design and lead projects based around science and technology. Such an important area for our children to be creative thinkers, scientists and engineers for the furture.
The Confucius Institute based in Auckland University supports our Mandarin programme through funding and provision of a Chinese Modern Language Assistant to support our Chinese teacher, Mrs Linda Dai. Children throughout school have the opportunity to learn and expand their understanding of Mandarin, and to discover the wonderful Chinese culture. The school also has a Lion Dancing group that performs at many events in our school calendar.
Quality Sports Provision
Mrs Sue Whiteman and Mrs Becky Revell are the school sports coordinators and they ensure that Willow Park School students have as many opportunities that are available throughout Auckland. A range of sports teams from netball, touch rugby, tackle rugby, basketball and flippaball are offered in a range of ages. Many of our parents support these teams through coaching and management. Our school also participates in cluster school, and Auckland-wide competitions. In 2020, Willow Park had the most families involved in the annual Shore to Shore fun run event. Sport is a real strength of our school.
Te Reo and Tikanga Māori
In 2024, the school introduced a Kapa Haka Arts programme as part of the specialist teacher programme. Whaea Sam continues to lead this programme to ensure all of our students are immersed in te ao Māori.
Willow Park School has a strong commitment to the use of Te Reo Māori and Tikanga Māori, honouring our Treaty of Waitangi commitments, and celebrating the unique bicultural environment of New Zealand. All teachers use everyday Te Reo Māori, and with the support of Kōkā Kelli Kawhia-Conrad, the school is developing school-wide Tikanga Māori practices. Willow Park School has a junior kapa haka group for Years 1-3 students and a Senior Kapa Haka group for Years 4-6 students. These groups perform at school events and the Senior Kapa Haka group takes part in the local Onepoto Festival each year.
