Curriculum – Bruce McLaren Intermediate

Introduction

At BMIS, we provide a rich and engaging curriculum that equips students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to thrive. Our core subjects include reading, writing, maths, science, physical education (PE), and social science, ensuring a strong foundation in essential learning areas.

To further enhance their education, students also participate in our specialist subjects unit for half a day each week. Here, they explore visual arts, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), food and hospitality, performing arts, and PE and health. These hands-on, interactive sessions ignite creativity, critical thinking, and practical skills, giving students the chance to discover and develop their passions.

Our curriculum is designed to inspire a love for learning, foster curiosity, and prepare students for success both academically and personally.

The Learning Journey

As the name suggests Intermediate Schools specifically exist to help children in the middle stages of their school learning journey. During early adolescence it is vital to keep young learners motivated, connected and attentive, to develop cognitive flexibility, creativity, behavioural regulation as well as emotional/social competence and resilience and an eagerness to learn, attaining academic success and meaningful, fulfilling lives.

Our curriculum continues to build on the programmes delivered in primary school. As a point of difference, greater responsibility for learning is placed on the Intermediate School student. This takes time and proceeds at different rates dependent upon the capabilities of the individual. This is known as Metacognition.

To reach metacognition, students have to think about their own learning actions, attitudes, values and motivations so that they can develop into lifelong learners who drive and control their own learning journey.

How School is Organised

Students are placed into mixed Year 7 and Year 8 homerooms.
All classes are well equipped with digital tools, technology and furniture to facilitate learning in a 21st Century context.
All students use school Chromebook computers for their personal use, at school.
The Homeroom Teacher teaches his/her class the core curriculum subjects: English, Mathematics & Statistics, Science, Social Sciences, Health & Physical Education
Students attend classes with Specialist Teachers for one half day per week. These classes include: Visual Arts, Arts, STEM and Food & Hospitality Technology.
Identified students receive additional assistance which encourages their learning through participation in targeted enrichment literacy and numeracy programmes
Enhancement programmes operate for our most motivated and enthusiastic mathematicians, readers, writers, scientists, technologists, performing artists, environmentalists, visual artists and students who would like to learn another language.
A programme for gifted students is part of the school’s programme. This involves a one day school on site. MindPlus, the NZ Centre for Gifted Education administers this programme.

The School enters teams in weekly competitions for Hockey and Netball.
Students are offered the opportunity to become involved in the presentation of our major performing arts production
Face to face meetings with parents/caregivers and whanau, to discuss individual student progress are held twice a year. Parents/caregivers and whanau are reported to three times per year in a written format.
The school day commences at 8:30am with the emphasis placed on numeracy and literacy teaching during the morning hours of each day. School finishes at 3pm.
The school day comprises of four teaching blocks, of varying length. There are three breaks in the day in which the students manage their own food and liquid intake, their various practices/rehearsals/commitments and avail themselves to various recreational options.