Our Curriculum
Building learning power
At Uplands Kindergarten, our teaching is guided by Te Whāriki, Reggio Emilia, and Guy Claxton’s Building Learning Power. These frameworks shape a learning environment where tamariki are seen as capable, curious and creative. We honour each child’s identity and voice, follow their interests, and nurture key learning dispositions - like resilience, empathy, collaboration and critical thinking. Through rich play experiences, meaningful relationships & real-world exploration, we empower lifelong learners who feel confident, connected & inspired.
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Learning through play
At Uplands, play is how tamariki explore, make sense of their world, and grow as thinkers and creators. Through play, they develop the foundations for lifelong learning - like problem solving, resilience, communication & self-regulation. Our kaiako (teachers) observe, guide and extend learning with intention, supporting each child’s growing independence & confidence. It’s joyful, meaningful & prepares tamariki for the transition to school & far beyond.
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Envrionment as the third teacher
Our children are given the time to explore and play at Uplands.
We follow the children’s interests and our teachers understand that learning begins with curiosity and wonder.
A bug under a log becomes a science investigation, a leaf becomes art, a question becomes a working theory.
Every spark of interest is nurtured through play, explorations & joyful discovery.
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Holiday Programme
Uplands Kindergarten remains open during school holidays with a relaxed, play-based programme for tamariki who attend. With smaller group sizes and a calm, unhurried vibe, the holiday programme offers time to unwind, connect & explore favourite activities at a gentler pace. Attendance is optional - perfect for families who need care or want to keep the kindy rhythm going through the break.
What we get up to at Uplands
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Art
Creativity flows freely at Uplands. Tamariki explore painting, drawing, clay, collage & more! Art isn’t just a product, it’s a process of storytelling, experimentation & joy.
Whether they’re mixing their own colours or sculpting their thoughts into clay, our children are discovering themselves & the world, one brushstroke at a time.
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Baking
Baking is more than just yummy treats - it’s rich, hands-on learning! Tamariki measure, mix, pour and knead while developing maths skills, teamwork and patience. Whether its rewena bread, banana muffins or Matariki star biscuits, shared kai becomes a time for connection, conversation & developing skills in our kitchen.
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Field Trips
At Uplands, our learning doesn’t stop at the gate. Guided by children’s curiosity, we venture into our local community on regular excursions in small groups. Whether it’s a spontaneous bug hunt at Wairua Reserve, or visiting places such as Ambury Farm or the zoo connected to tamariki interests. These real-world experiences spark wonder, deepen learning & foster a strong sense of belonging.
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Gardening
Our tamariki are hands-on in the māra (garden) - planting, harvesting, and caring for the living world with our worm farm. Through these experiences, children learn about kaitiakitanga - the Māori principle of guardianship. Picking strawberries, watering our seedlings or feeding the worms; gardening teaches patience, responsibility and the joy of growing something from seed to kai.
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Building / Construction
Construction play is a favourite way for tamariki to explore ideas, solve problems & bring their thinking to life. With magnetic tiles, blocks & real tools like hammers, nails, saws & wood children work with care & purpose - learning persistence, coordination & safety alongside creativity.
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Outdoor Fun
Our outdoor space is buzzing with movement, imagination & discovery! At Uplands we see Te Taiao (The natural world) as a powerful teacher.
Whether its chasing bubbles, building obstacle courses or group games like what’s the time Mr Wolf? Outdoor learning builds strong bodies, resilient minds & joyful hearts.
Through our weekly Playball programme, children also develop physical skills, coordination and confidence in a fun, structured way.
Meet our team of Qualified Teachers
At Uplands we have some of the best early childhood education teachers around, and each brings something special to their work here.
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“The most wonderful, caring and fun kindy. A team of teachers who genuinely care about every child, nurture them beautifully and expand on their individual interests. My daughter left so well prepared for school after the 4 year old programme. Optional school holiday programme is fantastic. Such a cheerful place, feels like family.”
ZARA
