Nurturing Our Future – Growing Together
Kia atawhai a mua – Kia tipu ngaatahi
Nurturing Our Future – Growing Together
Kia atawhai a mua – Kia tipu ngaatahi
At Tamahere Model Country School, our Year 3 EOTC programme is designed to give aakonga memorable, meaningful experiences that help them grow in confidence, build friendships, and explore learning beyond the classroom. EOTC is an important part of the Health and Physical Education curriculum, supporting students to learn safely in new environments, navigate outdoor spaces, and develop teamwork and problem-solving skills.
In Term Two, our Year 3 children take part in a three-day EOTC experience that is exciting, active, and perfectly suited to their stage of development.
Day One – How Things Grow programme & Tamahere Playground
Students explore how living things grow and change, make scientific observations, and enjoy outdoor play that strengthens movement skills, balance, and coordination. This hands-on day supports students’ understanding of their environment and encourages curiosity.
Day Two – Tent Erecting & Team-Building Day
This day is all about working together, solving problems, and giving new challenges a go. Students learn how to set up tents, follow instructions, cooperate as a group, and practise respectful communication. These activities reflect our curriculum focus on building resilience, noticing others’ needs, and developing positive relationships.
Day Three – Trip to Extreme Edge & Claudelands Park
Students take their learning further afield with a climbing experience at Extreme Edge, where they practise perseverance, body awareness, and confidence in a supervised, supportive environment. The day continues at Claudelands Park, where children explore outdoor spaces, notice navigational signs, and enjoy movement in a natural setting.
Our EOTC programme helps students to:
Our Year Four Camp is a highlight of the Pirongia Syndicate, giving students the chance to explore the outdoors while building confidence, resilience, and teamwork. Throughout the camp, students learn how to enjoy outdoor activities and make decisions in the outdoors. They are exposed to learning how to stay safe and prepared in an outdoor environment. They develop valuable skills by evaluating weather conditions and making recommendations about activity options and clothing choices.
A strong focus of the camp is collaborative problem-solving (mahi tahi). Students work together using effective group dynamics to navigate a range of outdoor challenges. They work through group problem-solving strategies to overcome these challenges, which not only strengthens relationships but also becomes a meaningful source of satisfaction and enjoyment for our aakonga.
At camp, aakonga are encouraged to give everything a go—by taking on new challenges, supporting one another, and trying their best, even when things get tough. The kaiako, along with wonderful parent helpers, create a nurturing environment that encourages personal growth, teamwork, and a “have-a-go” attitude.
Supporting our learners are around 20 dedicated parents, who bring warmth, guidance, and care to the camp experience. Their involvement enriches the learning environment, strengthens connections between home and school, and reflects good practice in using volunteers to support our tamariki throughout their educational journey.
Camp is one of the most exciting and memorable experiences our students/aakonga will enjoy during their time at Tamahere Model Country School. Camp is an opportunity for memories to be made and friendships to be forged.
During their time in the Maungatautari Syndicate in Years 5 & 6, our aakonga will have the opportunity to experience two different camps. In the odd-numbered years, they will be involved in a three-night camp at Waihi Beach and in alternate years, they will attend camp at Tui Ridge near Rotorua.
While on camp at Waihi Beach, our aakonga learn about the history of gold mining in the area during their time at the Education Centre and Discovery Centre. They will also take part in a Beach Education day and explore walking tracks and the windows walkway in the Karangahake Gorge. Camping in tents overnight is another exciting part of this camp experience.
Tui Ridge is a challenge by choice camp where the students participate in a variety of activities designed to build confidence, resilience and teamwork. These activities include flying fox, rock climbing and other exciting experiences.The opportunity for camping out in tents on this camp is also a highlight.
Both camps are carefully planned and organised and offer opportunities for the students to experience a variety of exciting outdoor activities. Camp is a fantastic place for relationships to be built, providing opportunities for children to challenge themselves by stepping outside their comfort zone and try new things.
We cannot provide these educational experiences without the support of a group of dedicated parents, and each year we are fortunate to have so many kind and caring volunteers who are prepared to give up their time to ensure camp is a positive experience for all.
Parent helpers are police vetted and selected for their skills and attributes. We try to ensure all parents get an opportunity to be involved in a camp or outdoor activity with their tamariki whilst at our school.
