English for Speakers of Other Languages
Warkworth School has an experienced teacher and teacher aide, who work with students in the school who have English as a second language. This is additional to the work done by the regular teacher in the classroom.
We currently have 42 children from 14 different language and ethnic backgrounds who receive support for learning English. Additionally there are approximately another 20 who have reached the point where they no longer need extra support.
The children and their families bring a richness and diversity to our school that is celebrated. The children of Kiribati and Tuvaluan background make up one significant group and all belong to a successful school based cultural group.
Perceptual Motor Programme
All the Year 1 classes participate in PMP - The Perceptual Motor Programme - as part of their Physical Education programme but it is much more than that.
There is a point where children need to have skills if they are to cope in specific subject areas and we give the children a wide range of experiences in seeing, hearing, touching, making perceptual judgments and reacting.
PMP aims to develop the child's perceptions and their understandings of themselves and their world through movement and gives them the language to express themselves.
At every equipment session there are Locomotion, Balance, Fitness and Eye/Hand-Eye/Foot Co-ordination activities.
The classroom teacher takes each session, but parent support is needed to get the best out of the programme.
Transition to School
New entrants are introduced to Warkworth School through a series of school visits before officially starting school. These visits allow pre-schoolers to become familiar with school routines in a carefully nurtured and supported manner. Once enrolled, new entrant students begin in a class where the number of students is kept low. This ensures your child has as much contact with their teacher as possible in small group situations where learning is successful and satisfying.
Specialist Services:
Public Health Nurse
The Waitemata District Health Board Public Health Nurse visits the school on a regular basis and helps with any health matters for children and their families. She is available for individual consultations with caregivers or parents at home, school or the WDHB office. This is a free service meeting the Health Contracts of the Ministry of Health.
Resource Teacher for Learning and Behaviour (RTLB)
Mrs Bronwyn Johnson-Thoms is the primary RTLB for the Mahurangi area. If she is working with your child you will be informed before this happens.
Ministry of Education Group Special Education Service
The School Psychologist who is specifically trained in the diagnosis of children’s difficulties, may be called upon to assist school and family should this be considered necessary.
Hearing and Vision Checks
Teachers or parents may request that a child’s hearing or vision be examined by the District Health Board Hearing & Vision technicians. These technicians visit the school at least once a year to check all New Entrants and those referred by teachers or parents.