Te Whāriki

What is Te Whāriki?

Te Whāriki is the bi-cultural curriculum framework for the early childhood sector in New Zealand. It is overseen by the Ministry of Education and Bright Sparks follows and endorses this curriculum.

There are four principles guiding learning and development. These are...

·     Empowerment? Whakamana

·     Holistic Development / Kotahitanga

·     Family and community / Whanau Tangata

·     Relationships / Ngā Hononga

Five strands arise from these principles...

·     Wellbeing - Mana Atua

·     Belonging - Mana Whenua

·     Contribution - Mana Tangat

·     Communication - Mana Reo

·     Exploration - Mana Aoturoa

Each strand is focused on a particular area of learning and development and becomes part of the daily programme in the centre.

The Goals

The goals enable the principles and strands to be woven into daily programmes in our centre, in practical ways.

The learning outcomes

Enhancing children's, teachers' and parents' knowledge, aptitudes, and attitudes are the focus of the curriculum. Young children develop theories about themselves and about the people, places, and things in their lives. These theories are developed through observation, listening, doing, participating, and discussing - and are all represented within projects investigated as part of our learning programme. The learning outcomes are questions, theories and ideas that the children want to pursue.