Vardon School has developed a curriculum to meet the needs of the learners at our school, now and into the future.   It is based on the values of our community and also clearly reflects the values and vision identified in the revised New Zealand Curriculum.  Vardon School has integrated the Key Competencies to be a central element of all learning that takes place at our school.  Children understand what it means to be a Thinker, Contributor and Manager, they relate well to others and there is clear focus on using language, symbols and text.

The Vardon curriculum has a strong emphasis on Numeracy and Literacy.  Teaching programmes are focused and up to date.  We seek to engage and challenge all students in their learning. 

Through focused formative assessments we monitor all students’ progress and use data to inform the next steps to progress students in their learning.  Where a student needs support with their learning, be it extension or remedial, we have a range of specialised programmes and interventions.

We believe in developing life-long learners.  Students who are more confident in their own learning ability are able to learn faster and learn better; a positive self-learning image supports the belief systems in learners.  Building ‘learning power’ can address the problems of disaffection, disengagement and disenchantment by helping learners become more focused learners. At Vardon School we believe in developing self-regulated learners.  We have based our work in this area on Guy Claxton’s research.