pīwakwaka Team

In our Pīwakawaka learning spaces, you will find Wakefield School’s youngest ākonga (learners). Our new entrant learning environment is fun, friendly and welcoming.

Our Pīwakawaka children see themselves as capable learners and feel proud of their achievements. We encourage whānau to visit our classrooms before and after school so the tamariki can share their learning.

Our Learning Programme

A smooth transition from early childhood education to school is important to us. In Pīwakawaka we provide a programme with lots of opportunities for children to share their interests and strengths and have choices in their learning.

Throughout the school day, Pīwakawaka tamariki can be found choosing from various ‘learning stations’. We value play and hands-on activities and base the learning stations around the children’s interests and learning themes.

Teaching takes place with small groups of children throughout the day with a strong focus on the children seeing themselves as learners.

Discovery Time

Every Wednesday afternoon (provided it isn't raining) from 2-2:45 pm, we welcome local 4-year-old preschoolers, accompanied by their parents or local early childhood educators into school to join our 5-6-year-olds in Discovery Time.

During this time, the tamariki are given the opportunity to engage in open-ended play, participate in activities that encourage creativity and curiosity, and be guided by adult and peer involvement.

We value this as a time for strengthening connections with our community and local whānau. It supports preschoolers and their families with the transition to school by making school a familiar place and establishing relationships.