Our Primary School, encompassing years 0-6, initially focuses on building a student’s ability to succeed at school. Growing an understanding around what being at school looks like, building connections with peers and teachers. and gaining confidence with school routines and disciplines is foundational in Year 0 – 2.
As each student progresses through to the middle primary, focus increasingly goes on building a child’s essential skills, knowledge, and understanding. We follow the New Zealand curriculum, thoughtfully integrating Biblical teachings whenever possible. In our approach, we explicitly instruct students in Mathematics and Literacy concepts, while our thematic topics take on an inquiry-based methodology.
Our curriculum is thoughtfully designed to build upon prior learning experiences, allowing students to progressively
deepen and broaden their knowledge from year to year.
We recognise the diverse learning needs of all our students. Thus, we tailor our instruction to meet each student at their level, providing both extension activities for those seeking enrichment and additional support for those who require it. This includes small literacy groups
and specialised English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) programs when needed.
In addition to our core focus on Literacy and Mathematics, our curriculum encompasses subjects such as Science, Social Sciences, Technology, The Arts, Health, and Physical Education. To enrich the classroom experience further, we offer Education Outside the Classroom
experiences, ensuring a well-rounded and engaging education for all our students.
Our Primary School Structure
Our primary school is organised into three learning teams:
- Aroha (Years 1–2), led by Mrs Karen Burrows
- Manahau (Years 3–4), led by Mrs Vicki Campbell
- Tūmanako (Years 5–6), led by Mr David Henderson
Teachers within each team work collaboratively to plan lessons and support one another, which enhances the delivery of the curriculum and strengthens assessment practices across the Primary school.
We deliver the New Zealand Curriculum in a way that is integrated with our Christian Special Character, ensuring both academic and spiritual development.
Students with special education needs or those requiring additional learning support receive assistance from teacher aides, coordinated by our SENCO (Special Education Needs Coordinator). Additionally, Miss Gemma Stewart, our specialist ESOL and Literacy Support teacher, provides targeted support for students who need help with literacy or are learning English as an additional language.
Primary Curriculum Model
Primary Curriculum Model
The diagram to the right depicts Cornerstone’s primary curriculum.
The Christian Special Character undergirds the curriculum and is explored through curriculum themes which are designed to explore the wonder of God and growing our relationship with Him. On this foundation lies our school vision, for our students “To be confident followers of Jesus Christ, equipped and inspired to creatively impact our world.” The learning areas, principles, key competencies and values of the New Zealand Curriculum are incorporated into the curriculum together with our core school values of respect, kindness, diligence, integrity and humility before God. In line with the Tiriti o Waitangi, our curriculum is responsive to Maori culture. It is also responsive to the Pasifika cultures and the wide range of other cultures represented in our school.
Devotions
In the Primary School the morning programme begins with Devotions. This is a time of prayer, praise, worship and Bible study which focus on the theme for the term:
Term 1: The Bible – His Story and other’s response to God
Term 2: The Nature and Character of God – Who God is
Term 3: Personal Faith – My response to who God is
Term 4: Community – My response to others because of who God is
Primary Subjects
English (Reading, Writing and Oral Language)
At our school, literacy is taught through a structured literacy approach, which ensures that reading and writing are taught in a systematic, explicit, and evidence-based way. This approach recognises the interconnected nature of reading and writing, helping children to build strong foundations in phonological awareness, decoding, vocabulary, and comprehension. As students learn the building blocks of language, they also develop confidence and see themselves as capable readers and writers. By making clear connections between reading and writing, we support learners in applying their skills across a range of contexts, fostering both competence and a love of literacy.
Mathematics
Mathematics at our school is taught in alignment with the refreshed New Zealand Curriculum, using a balanced and engaging approach that supports deep understanding. Students take part in a wide range of activities that include the use of hands-on materials, guided practice, and opportunities to apply their learning in meaningful, real-life contexts. Through these experiences, students learn to represent, explore, and apply mathematical concepts across the strands of algebra, geometry, statistics, measurement, and probability. This approach helps students make connections between different areas of mathematics and develop the confidence to use their mathematical thinking in everyday situations.
Other subjects
Year 1-6 students’ learning focuses on the term’s curriculum focus area. Our year is divided into four terms each having its own theme and focus moving through the Science, Social Sciences, Health and PE, Technology and The Arts curriculums.
Enriching the Curriculum Through School and Community Programmes:
The school curriculum is enriched and supported by a wide range of programmes both within the school and through external providers. These include hands-on learning experiences such as Garden to Table and cycle safety sessions, as well as valuable educational initiatives like the Life Education programme. Students also benefit from author visits and a variety of special events throughout the year. In addition, cultural and creative opportunities are offered through choir and Kapa Haka groups, while school-wide events such as Cultures Day, Book Week, and sports days—including cross country and athletics—help to foster community and school spirit. Regular Tribe (house) activities each term further support student engagement and wellbeing.
Student Leaders
We encourage all students to grow and develop their leadership skills throughout their time in Primary School.
In their final two years, students have the opportunity to apply for Primary Student Leader roles. These leaders actively serve the school community in meaningful ways—such as leading assemblies, managing the Loose Parts shed, and looking after sports equipment during break times.
Student Leaders meet regularly to share ideas, represent the voices of their peers, and work together to bring new initiatives to life. They are also encouraged to reflect on leadership and service through a biblical lens.
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve…” (Mark 10:45)