Curriculum
We believe students grow best when their learning supports their academic, social and emotional well being. At Windy Ridge, our integrated approach to Reading, Writing, Maths and Inquiry help every child build confidence, curiosity and success.
“Our curriculum is designed to engage, excite and grow students’ whole learning competencies to prepare them for a future of life-long exploration and learning”
The Science of Learning
At Windy Ridge School, our teaching is grounded in the Science of Learning and educational research that recognises that students learn best through explicit, step-by-step instruction. By breaking down complex skills into logical building blocks, we build genuine confidence and ensure no student’s progress is left to chance.
Structured Literacy
We use a school-wide Structured Literacy approach that teaches the mechanics of language.
How it works: Students systematically learn to hear sounds in words, match them to letters and blend them to read and spell with accuracy.
Support for all: This sequential method gives advanced readers room to soar while providing a reliable framework for those who find reading more challenging.
Once students have mastered the foundational code of language and become fluent readers, our Structured Literacy approach shifts focus, with the emphasis transitioning from decoding words to vocabulary, comprehension and critical thinking and analysis.
Structured Maths
Just like reading, mathematical thinking requires a solid, structured foundation. We use a proven Concrete-Pictorial-Abstract (CPA) framework to take the guesswork out of maths:
Concrete: Students start with hands-on materials and physical objects to literally "build" math concepts.
Pictorial: They then translate those hands-on experiences into visual diagrams and pictures.
Abstract: Once the concept is deeply understood, they confidently move to numbers, symbols, and equations.
This explicit sequence ensures our students don't just memorise formulas—they truly understand how numbers work and become confident problem solvers.
Education isn't just about teaching facts; it is supporting students to think critically, ask the right questions and bring new ideas to life.
Inquiry Learning
We center the learning journey on inquiry, empowering students to follow their curiosity and work together to be the best they can be.
As they dive in, they bring learning to life through a natural cycle of wondering, discovering, meaning-making, creating, and communicating.
The inquiry process turns everyday curiosity into lifelong achievement.
S.T.E.M.
At Windy Ridge School, we recognise that our world is constantly changing. Our STEM programme, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, helps equip students with the future-focused skills, confidence and curiosity they need to explore, problem-solve and thrive in an evolving world.
At Windy Ridge School, STEM is more than a standalone subject, it is an important part of our specialist learning programme. This ensures every student has regular opportunities to learn with specialist teachers in a dedicated space, where they can explore ideas, think creatively, solve problems and take part in hands-on learning.
Garden to Table
At Windy Ridge School, our Garden to Table programme is a much-loved part of our Environmental Education curriculum and reflects our strong connection to nature, sustainability and hands-on learning.
Students are guided by specially trained staff through practical sessions in the garden and kitchen, where they learn to plant, harvest, prepare and share fresh food. Each session ends with a shared meal, giving our tamariki the chance to enjoy the fruits of their learning together. The programme provides rich, meaningful experiences that help students understand where food comes from, care for the environment, and make positive choices about what they eat.
As a proud Enviro School, Garden to Table fits naturally with the Windy Ridge Way, encouraging our learners to be curious, collaborative, respectful and connected to the world around them.
The Arts
The Arts at Windy Ridge School give our students a voice and the confidence to share it. Integrated into our daily classroom programme, students explore their creativity and build perseverance through Music, Visual Arts, Drama, and Dance. We love celebrating performance through our school choir, Kapa Haka and cultural events. We are also incredibly proud to be able to offer scholarship opportunities with the National Youth Theatre, empowering our young creatives to shine both on and off the stage.
Physical Education
At Windy Ridge School, Health and Physical Education aligns with our school values, strategic plan, and the New Zealand Curriculum. We aim to foster an inclusive environment where all students feel safe and develop a strong sense of self-worth and mana. As a core part of our classroom programme, our teachers explicitly teach the fundamental skills and concepts aligned with the Physical Education curriculum. Learning opportunities are developed and respond to the needs of our students and provide opportunities for students to engage, collaborate and think creatively and critically. Students are encouraged to maintain a fit and healthy lifestyle and are supported to make informed decisions that impact their physical and mental well-being.
Library
At Windy Ridge School, the school is fortunate to have an up to date library, which classes visit weekly. Students are encouraged to have at least two books (Year 0-1 only one book) issued which they are able to take home for up to two weeks. The Library is open from Monday to Friday and can be accessed during lunchtime.