“By deeds a chief is known.” That’s the philosophy of Te Kura Māori o Ngā Tapuwae. This special character Kura-a-iwi sits right here in Māngere, Auckland.
Te Kura Māori o Ngā Tapuwae emphasizes every student’s potential. It educates them through their language and cultural values. Te Reo Māori me ona Tikanga thrive here. The local tribe Waikato supports this.
Imagine students learning in te reo Māori. Picture them immersed in their culture. That is what happens here at Ngā Tapuwae.
Most teachers were taught right here at Ngā Tapuwae. This promotes the school’s special philosophy. It creates a strong connection between the teachers and students.
A strong ex-pupil commitment exists at our school. An active parent network supports the school greatly. They help with fundraising and extra activities.
The parent’s society is called Te Huarahi Hou. One function is providing computers. They offer computers to students’ homes at minimal costs.
Ngā Tapuwae o Mataoho also supports the Kura. This culture group includes ex-pupils and parents. They are all supporters of Te Kura Māori o Ngā Tapuwae. The Marae Committee offers support too. They hold monthly meetings to discuss important matters.
All students at Ngā Tapuwae have Māori heritage. They seek entry because of its special character. This character pertains to Te Reo me ona Tikanga.
The school develops curriculum pathways with tertiary institutions. These pathways include Te Reo Rangatira and Sports. Also Science and Health and Recreation. The Arts, Business Studies and the Technologies are included too. The school emphasizes a quality core program. It promotes academic excellence too. Extra-curricular activities thrive in Sport, Arts, and Culture.
Classes range from New Entrants Year 0 to senior level Year 13. This allows the school to foster whānau. Te Kura Māori o Ngā Tapuwae takes family seriously. It is embedded in daily routines. This ensures a safe learning place for students.
Teachers assist with literacy and numeracy projects. These are specifically for Māori learners. They are committed to develop assessment tools. These tools are conducive to Māori medium learning. The end result will be an assessment tool. It is designed for Māori learners. It can then be used nationally.
Te Kura Māori o Ngā Tapuwae is more than just a school. It is a place where language and culture thrive. It is a whānau. It fosters the potential. It lives by deeds.