The Waitara East School curriculum is conceptual in nature, inquiry based, future-focused and promotes self-efficacy. We use a Learn, Create, Share pedagogical approach that allows our learners to be connected, visible, ubiquitous, and empowered. Our curriculum is localised and learner centred which draws on and adds to parent, whānau, and community knowledge resulting in student-initiated action. Our curriculum design develops and explores student identity, health, language and culture. Waitara East School believes and implements the Positive Culture for Learning (PC4L) philosophy.

Leaders, teachers and learners transform information into actionable practices by collecting, analysing, interpreting and communicating all types of data (qualitative and quantitative) to help determine next steps in the learning process. We combine our understanding of data with curricular knowledge and pedagogy to inform how we can support children to learn best.

Internal and external communication at Waitara East School is clear, inclusive, accurate and timely.

Teachers and leaders at Waitara East School collaboratively involve themselves in planning, coordinating and evaluating the curriculum and teaching. Leaders, teachers, support staff and students together attend to the relationships, structures and processes that promote equality. We are committed to working collaboratively and engaging in professional conversations to continue the development of our own professional capability.

We regularly, effectively and proactively identify, and draw on community resources and expertise to increase learning opportunities to enhance student achievement and well being. Parents and whānau are the primary, ongoing influence of the development, learning, well being and self-efficacy of their children. Te Atiawatanga beliefs, values and practices are strongly reflected and connected to the inherent identity, language and culture of our learners and whānau.