Maori Hill School was established in 1906 and was rebuilt on the present site in 1977.  The ethnicity is predominantly European (90%) with Maori (6%) and Asian (4%). 

The school has always had a supportive community, a professional Board of Trustees and an energetic Parent Teacher Association (PTA).  All groups work together to provide the best possible opportunities for the students.

Through the efforts of these organizations the school is well organised and resourced. 

 
Learning in the Classroom

Maori Hill School students work in a variety of learning situations. They are usually based in one classroom with one teacher. However they may join with other classes or teachers for learning activities or go on trips and visits e.g. museum, art gallery to support their learning.

In the classroom, group activities help students learn to share and work co-operatively. At other times students will work individually on learning tasks.

Class sizes vary but are generally smaller in the junior school level (Years 1-3). The school determines class size, but they have to be within the Ministry of Education's guidelines.

The school day begins at 9.00am and finishes at 3.00pm with breaks (intervals) at mid-morning and lunchtime.

The Curriculum

Maori Hill School focuses on the achievement and success of all students.   Teachers use their expertise to establish a supportive learning environment, identify their students learning needs, and make decisions on what to teach and how to teach it.  In doing this, they draw on what they know about their students, about the curriculum, and about good teaching practice.  While the New Zealand Curriculum sets out the national direction for learning for all students, Maori Hill School  designs and implements its curriculum in ways that engage and motivate our students with a priority placed on Literacy and Numeracy, especially in years 1-3.  The curriculum is also intended to reinforce commonly held attitudes, values and beliefs.

The New Zealand Curriculum is set out in seven essential learning areas including: Language (English), Mathematics, Science, Health and Physical Education, Technology, Social Studies, The Arts (Music, Art, Drama, Dance).  To help manage the curriculum teachers use an integrated teaching approach for some learning areas.

Checking Progress

Student’s progress and achievement is assessed to improve teaching and learning. Assessment helps identify a student's strengths and any areas needing development.

Maori Hill teachers report to parents on the progress of their child. They do this using both formal and informal strategies.  Parents can also meet teachers to talk about their child and may ask for a meeting with their child's teachers at any time.

Assessment information is used to measure the success of our school's programmes and to provide information for planning and development.