Learning an additional language

Te Reo Māori me ngā tikanga

Language is fundamental to learning, thinking and communicating; it’s a dynamic, life-long process that permeates the whole curriculum. At Scots College, we share this philosophy of the International Baccalaureate (IB), and are committed to provide the Māori language as a programme within the context of an international education.

Learning a second language is a key component of the PYP and is considered essential to an international education and for enriching intercultural understanding. Through the learning of another language, students are encouraged to not only develop their ability to speak more than one language but also to broaden their understanding and appreciation of their own and other cultures in Aotearoa , New Zealand and abroad.

The Māori language programme aims to enable learners to:

• Lay a basic foundation for their future conversational skills
• Develop their use of basic Māori language
• Further develop self-awareness and a sense of personal and cultural identity
• Prepare for a broader range of experiences in future use of Te Reo Māori in social and cultural activities, including leisure, work and study
• Increase awareness of The Treaty of Waitangi and Māori people as Tangata whenua in Aotearoa, New Zealand, a multilingual and multicultural Nation.

Through a variety of teaching and learning experiences the students are encouraged to use the language to communicate through:

• Participating in simulated and, where possible real situations related to the practical aspects of everyday life and in Te Ao Māori
• Seeking out and understand factual information conveyed orally, visually or in writing and engaging in a Māori World View, Tirohanga o Te Ao Māori
• Developing communication strategies

Developing strategies for expanding knowledge and skills in the language and for increasingly managing their own language confidence and competence.