Karapiti, 2025 Term Two

Crazy Chemistry and Matariki

The inquiry focus for the first 5 weeks of term is Crazy Chemistry. Students will investigate key chemistry concepts such as acids and bases, the pH scale, and how we use indicators to test substances. They will also learn what molecules are and how different atoms combine to form new substances. Using the POE process (Predict, Observe, Explain), students will document their findings in science journals. Additionally, they will learn about the ways in which chemical processes are used in society, and how people use chemistry to create, invent, clean, cook, and improve their lives.

Learning throughout the second half of the term will be centred around Matariki and the connection to the stars. This will include hāngī preparation, and coming together to enjoy the meal at our Celebration of Learning in Week 8. 

Launch into Coding and EPro 8

Launch into Coding is a programme run by a facilitator, who will be working in all Karapiti classrooms to provide STEM learning experiences. Students will have the opportunity to develop their computational thinking and problem-solving skills through engaging activities.

We will also be running an EPro 8 internal series, where each classroom will be divided into teams to compete in hands-on engineering and problem-solving challenges. The winning teams from our school competition will go on to compete at the Taupō Intermediate finals.

St John

Facilitators from St John will be running 90-minute sessions in Week 6, teaching important first aid skills. They will be rotating between all Karapiti classrooms, teaching students how to respond appropriately in emergency situations, and basic first aid techniques. 

Structured literacy

Karapiti teachers will be out of class for three days throughout the term, taking part in professional development to strengthen our understanding and implementation of BSLA (Better Start Literacy Approach). BSLA will be replacing The Code as our structured literacy programme from Term 3. 

Pedal safe is a programme designed to teach best practice cycle skills. Two levels of training (Grade 1 and Grade 2) will be delivered between Weeks 2 and 5, with students being assessed at the end of each level.

Sports

There will be many exciting sporting opportunities, with hockey and netball beginning at the start of term. 

Orienteering tasters will be run by volunteers from the Taupō Orienteering Club, followed by the Big Day Out at Owen Delany Park, where students will be able to put their skills into practice. This event will be for Year 6 students only. 

Tackle5 is a 5-a-side rugby festival for both boys and girls. This is a great opportunity for students to develop their rugby skills in a competitive environment. 

Following a successful swimming sports in 2024, school swimming sports will be held at the AC Baths in Week 5, with interschool swimming taking place in Week 7. 

During the month of June, students will be busy practicing skipping skills, and learning moves like ‘walk the dog’, ‘push up’ and ‘toe catch’, with a whole-school Jumping June Celebration taking place at the end of term.