Kaupapa Ihitanga
Enrichment Programmes
A number of extension and enrichment activities are available at Maidstone Intermediate. All enrichment groups involve ākonga working in an environment that provides challenges and the opportunity to work alongside like-minded and capable peers.
A number of enrichment activities are offered to Maidstone ākonga which the ākonga can apply to be a part of.
Aquabots
NZAquaBots is an innovative underwater robotics programme where youth teams build an underwater Remotely Operated Vehicle then compete in New Zealand themed challenges.
Ākonga 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.
Find Out More About NZAquaBots
EPro8 Challenge
EPro8 is a programme that culminates in a competitive event. Its key focus is science and engineering.
Ākonga 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. Ākonga have the opportunity to complete these challenges throughout the year in the classroom.
Selected ākonga also have the chance to take part in learning experiences that directly relate to EPro8, and to represent the kura in local competitions.
Find Out More About EPro8
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 ākonga 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 ākonga 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 ākonga 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.
Radio TV / Podcast Club
Ākonga will have the opportunity to share their thoughts and discuss them in detail. Once established, ākonga will research matters that they care for and discuss their findings via podcast. There will be an opportunity to further this into a news and current affairs show.
Welcome to Reo Irirangi, Maidstone Intermediates own Podcast. Here we talk about important topics relating to young people today and how we deal with the challenges and celebrations young people face today. This is a group made up of script writers, editors, hosts and producers. We develop our own content and work together to produce something for Maidstone students to think about. We are always looking for new ideas and members so drop us a line and we could even give you a shout out.
Listen To Our Pod CastsReo Irirangi Maidstone
Garden Club
We have an opportunity for our ākonga 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.
Ākonga 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.
Extravaganza
Every other year the Technology and Arts Specialist Kaiako plan and present a Extravaganza. This event showcases what the specialist programmes do through a variety of formats.
Maidstone's Got Talent
Once a year our ākonga have the opportunity to showcase their talents in this challenge
Production
Our kura puts on a major production every alternative year. It involved a large number of ākonga on stage (acting, dancing, singing), as well as backstage (lighting and sound technicians).
