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Extension and Enrichment
ENRICHMENT PROGRAMMES
A number of extension and enrichment activities are available at Maidstone Intermediate. All enrichment groups involve students working in an environment that provides challenges and the opportunity to work alongside like-minded and capable peers. Many of the tasks involve levels of difficulty beyond the normal classroom programme. Others are designed for those students who have different approaches and skills. Problem solving in a practical, authentic setting, and looking at creative ways to understand the world and its peoples are also encouraged in these activities and programmes.
William Pike
The William Pike Challenge (WPC) is an outdoor based programme that Maidstone Intermediate has been involved in since 2020. One of the major aims of the WPC is to showcase the outdoors as a powerful tool for building confidence, resilience, life long skills and for the development of personality and character within an individual. The WPC also aims to introduce more young people to the outdoors and in particular to encourage them to take advantage of the wonderful environments they have in their own backyards. There are three key components which students are required to take part in throughout the year:
- Complete at least 20 hours worth of community service hours.
- Complete at least 20 hours worth of ‘Passion Projects.’ A passion project is learning a new skill or hobby which students have not taken part in before.
- Students take part in five outdoor activities which are at least two hours in length and are challenging in nature.
EPro8 Challenge
EPro8 is a programme that culminates in a competitive event. Its key focus is science and engineering.
Students use kits that are designed to allow a team of four to use their collective understanding of the science and engineering aspect, as well as their problem solving and teamwork skills. Students have the opportunity to complete these challenges throughout the year in the classroom.
Selected students also have the chance to take part in learning experiences that directly relate to EPro8, and to represent the school in local competitions.
Aquabots
NZAquaBots is an innovative underwater robotics programme where youth teams build an underwater Remotely Operated Vehicle then compete in New Zealand themed challenges. Students learn engineering concepts and hone skills in problem solving, teamwork, scientific communication, and technical applications. Currently Maidstone Intermediate is the only school in the Wellington region that participates in this competition.
Students work together in small groups to build and modify these bots. Once completed they compete in a competition, usually held in the Wairarapa.
Students work together in small groups to build and modify these bots. Once completed they compete in a competition, usually held in the Wairarapa.
STEAM
STEAM is an acronym that is seen and heard often nowadays (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math). These subject areas have previously been known as solely ‘stand-alone’ subjects, but through the medium of STEAM students learn to use those subjects together, in context, to analyse problems and find/create solutions.
A problem would be offered to, or found by, our students who would then follow the Engineering Design Process (Ask, Imagine, Plan, Create, Experiment, Improve) to complete their concept. In the world of STEAM it is seldom the norm to get it right the first time! Each attempt (or iteration) gives the students further opportunities to collaborate, think deeply, problem-solve and use skills from across the STEAM range of subjects.
It is known that the skills acquired from a STEAM programme can assist our tamariki in becoming future focussed, adaptable learners who will be well prepared for integrated learning at college, and be resilient enough to deal with set-backs.
A problem would be offered to, or found by, our students who would then follow the Engineering Design Process (Ask, Imagine, Plan, Create, Experiment, Improve) to complete their concept. In the world of STEAM it is seldom the norm to get it right the first time! Each attempt (or iteration) gives the students further opportunities to collaborate, think deeply, problem-solve and use skills from across the STEAM range of subjects.
It is known that the skills acquired from a STEAM programme can assist our tamariki in becoming future focussed, adaptable learners who will be well prepared for integrated learning at college, and be resilient enough to deal with set-backs.
Garden Club
We have an opportunity for our students to work with the gardener and learn more about gardening. This includes: the correct way of weeding, cultivating seedlings, and planting natives.
This is a small group which works one hour a week alongside the gardener.
Enviro Squad
The Enviro Squad focuses on promoting sustainability principles through effective use of resources. Waste audits are done to measure how effectively we are minimising our waste. Students are encouraged to do the following:
Use the correct bins to minimise waste going to the landfill. We have a Worm farm to compost food scraps.
Blue recycling bins should be used only for Recyclable plastic, glass and metal.Red bins are to be used for Landfill rubbish – all chip packets and general rubbish. Reduce the use of plastic by using reusable containers.Minimise food waste – bringing healthy food enough to eat. Food Waste should be only fruit waste and inedible waste.
Using paper effectively – writing on both sides of the paper.
Turning off computers and lights in classrooms when not needed.
Ensure that the school is tidy – no littering.
Other Enrichment Programmes offered at Maidstone include:
Chef’s Masterclass – for those who wish to enhance their culinary skills
‘Glee Club’ – for those with a passion for singing, harmonising and performing
Podcasters – a variety of ways to spread the word
‘Off Beat’ – drumming group
ACADEMIES
Currently, Academies are offered in the following subject areas: Maths and Science, Literacy, Maori, and Sports.
Maths and Science: The Maths and Science Academy offers students the opportunity to explore a range of concepts that require a deeper level of thinking.
Students are able to influence the choices of their learning tasks. The concepts are often taught via a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematical) focus. Students in this Academy also have the opportunity to participate in a range of different competitions.
Some examples are Otago problem solving, Hutt Valley STEM Competition and Aquabots.
Literacy: The Literacy Academy offers students an opportunity to dig deeper into areas of interest. Developing further as a critical reader and a skilful writer are central to what we do.
Depending on the particular skills and interests individual students bring with them each year, topics may include:
- Journalism (investigate/research, write, and report for publication)
- Propaganda (how and why people persuade and are persuaded)
- Myths, folklore, legends, and fables (identify and critique moral purpose within the literature)
- The film, art, and performance critique (review and recommend).
MAD (Maidstone Athletic Development)
At the start of every year, the MAD Academy group of students is selected. This is a very talented group of young people who have already shown that they are excellent athletes. To be selected, students must complete an application process that includes both physical and mental challenges along with a written application, detailing all of their strengths. The group is diverse with athletes competing in many different sports and activities. MAD students pay a fee to cover activities and can look forward to the following:
- A competitive environment where everyone is supportive and aspires to become a better athlete.
- Exposure to a variety of sports and physical activities.
- Sessions with sports professionals from the wider community.
- Weekly sessions where they will learn new skills and knowledge in sports science, nutrition, game strategy, specific skills and much more.
- Leadership opportunities in school and the community.
- Access to elite training and skill development.
- EOTC trips focusing on improving and developing the students as athletes and as people.
- An awesome MAD t-shirt that can be worn as part of the school PE uniform.
Mātauranga Maori
This group of students is selected through an application process for those wanting to extend their Māori knowledge in all areas including Te Reo Māori, Mahi Toi, marae, Tikanga, whakapapa/pēpeha, waiata – to mention a few. This is a full-year commitment.
These students already have basic reo skills (greeting, farewell, mihi, short sentences). They will extend language knowledge using all language modes of whakarongo (listening), pānui (reading), mātakitaki (viewing), kōrero (speaking), tuhituhi (writing) and whakaatu (presenting). There is a lot of practical application during the lessons which will encourage the students to use their skills in the community, whānau and at home.
