LEARNING HUB
Whare Tautoko / Learning Support
Whare Tautoko is a learning support space that is woven throughout the fabric of our kura (school) and wider community. As well as having dedicated learning spaces, we also provide specific learning support within the mainstream classroom environment. Deliberate attention is given to identifying and addressing any barriers to learning. These barriers may be academic, social, psychological or medical.
In the Whare Tautoko space, we embrace and acknowledge diversity and difference. We provide opportunities for rangatahi (young people) and their whaanau to participate in all meaningful aspects of their life at school. This inclusive educational environment provides every learner with the opportunity to develop their sense of belonging and overall hauora (wellbeing). We believe that meaningful participation within kura occurs when students feel accepted, experience success, are visible members of society and have positive connections with their peers and teachers; we can all learn and participate together.
Our department has a close connection to the pastoral team including the pastoral Deputy and Assistant Principals, deans, counsellors and nurses. We also support the transition of all new students to Cambridge High School with additional needs of any nature.
Our role includes learning and pastoral support, special assessment conditions and exams, and supporting students with high and very high needs.
Please email Lee Boyd with any questions on lbd@camhigh.school.nz.
Whare Tautoko Learning Hub
Whare Tautoko, or WT as many call it, is a multifaceted, meaningful and positive learning support area for CHS Aakonga. This hub is a shared space where academic, restorative, pastoral and accelerative mahi can all be seen in action. There are two smaller attached rooms connected to one main learning central room. This space also provides direct internal access to RTLB, the Nurse's office, and our counselling team are nearby.
In addition to the central learning hub, we have two specialist classrooms or homerooms in S Block (Te Atawhai and Te Haerenga). Students are carefully selected for these two classrooms in consultation with their teachers (if transitioning to CHS), the leadership team and the specialist teachers in Te Atawhai and Te Haerenga.
Our highly skilled Learning Assistants can be found throughout the school, working alongside teachers and students from Year 9-13. They provide additional support for students in a wide range of subjects and classes.
Some services currently running in WT:
SAC Assistance (Special Assessment Conditions) following NZQA requirements.
Te Kura (Correspondence School)
Whare Ora (internal restorative programme)
Tuition and learning assistance
Student support for the Co-Requisite exams (literacy and numeracy)
Transition Assistance
Assessments for learning
Northern Health School (NHS)
ESOL classes for students who qualify for MOE funding
Access to computers for assessment and additional mahi
A space for students who need a quieter space to study when required
Te Atawhai
In Te Atawhai, relationships are key, and we provide a safe, fun and nurturing space where students in Year 9-13 with diverse learning needs are fully supported to make the transition from their primary to secondary school years with a focus on building self-confidence and independence.
There is a strong home-school partnership and we pride ourselves on the fun family atmosphere. The class offers an adapted curriculum which covers all the core learning subjects English, Maths, Science, Social Studies and Physical Education. Other subjects include Art/Craft, Languages, gardening and life skills. Class numbers are limited to allow a higher staff to student ratio; staff are skilled in providing an adapted programme that allows all students to experience success. Programmes are designed to ensure that the learning needs of all students are met, with some students having individual education plans. All students have the opportunity to attend mainstream option classes and some successfully continue with a supported mainstream pathway.
Opportunities for extra-curricular activities also exist including Riding for the Disabled (RDA), work experience, and volunteer opportunities.
Te Haerenga
In the Te Haerenga learning environment, we focus on equipping our young adults with the necessary life skills for their individual needs. We provide practical experiences, in and outside of the classroom which help develop these skills, enabling students to become more confident, connected, actively involved and lifelong learners.
We aim to:
Meet the needs - Individual education programs and transition support
Set high expectations and foster success – Scaffolded, reflective, and inclusive learning
Tautoko (support) and guide – day trips with practical life skills
Discover and develop interests – community involvement, work experience
Encourage new experiences and set new challenges – overnight camps, production, shows, Outward Bound, Spirit of Adventure
Differentiated numeracy and literacy programmes
It is a class filled with laughter and learning. Our learning focusses on practical experiences and the transfer of skills. These experiences include participating in ‘The Arts’, work experience, cooking, reading, financial literacy, opportunities to develop social interactions, team sports, and excursions.
Links and Resources
Ngaa Ringa Awhina is the contracted single point of entry into child and adolescent mental health services in the area. It undertakes screening of children and young people where there are concerns about their mental health, behaviour and any other co-existing problems.
Cambridge Community Marae offers a place to gather and meet.
Cambridge Community House is a social service and wellbeing provider in the Cambridge area, providing confidential services with professional and qualified staff in a safe environment. It also provides used Cambridge High School uniforms.
Autism New Zealand is an outreach service is available across the country with Outreach Coordinators offering a range of support services, information, and education on autism.
Infant child and adolescent Mental Health (ICAMH) offers assessment and treatment of mental health for children and adolescents.
The Waikato DHB Child Development Centre is a child-centred and family-focused service for children who have, or are suspected of having, developmental differences or neurological diversities.
Northern Health School is one of three NZ Health Schools that provides community, in-home and hospital based teaching to school aged students who are unable to attend school.
Life Unlimited is a charitable Trust offering health and disability information, advice, and equipment to enable you to live the life you choose.
Recreate offers life changing experiences for young people with disabilities.
Alternative Education provides educational support for students who have disengaged from mainstream schooling.
The Parenting Place offers a range of parenting programs, including courses, camps and resources tailored to your whaanau.
Enabling Good Lives is a partnership between the disability sector and government agencies to ensure that disabled people can plan for the lives they want.
The Dyslexia Foundation provides a voice for, and services to New Zealanders with dyslexia as well as to those supporting them.
Parent 2 Parent is a nationwide not-for-profit organisation formed in 1983 by parents and professionals to support the families of babies, children, teens and adults with any type of disability or health impairment.
Special Olympics New Zealand was founded in 1968 and aims to enrich the lives of people with intellectual disabilities through sport.
Click here for further Ministry of Education learning support funds, schemes and services available to schools and kura.
Physical Address:
25 Swayne Road, Cambridge 3434,
New Zealand
Postal Address:
Private Bag 882, Cambridge 3450,
New Zealand
Telephone:
+64 7 827 5415
