Specialist Teachers

Math Specialist - Mrs Rhonda Beet

Kia ora! I am the Curriculum Specialist for Mathematics here at Orewa Beach School. My passion is supporting both our teachers and students to thrive in mathematics.

In my role, I work with our staff to ensure our maths programmes are consistently and effectively delivered. I also have the privilege of working directly with students who need extra support to help them build confidence and reach their goals.

 

At Orewa Beach School, we are excited to provide three specialist classes. Students visit each of these rooms once a fortnight. We are excited to be providing three specialist classes, allowing every class to take part in dedicated sessions with our specialist teachers each fortnight.

DREAMS  – Mrs Louise Boot

Learning is driven by curiosity, creativity, and preparing our tamariki for the future. This vision comes to life in our vibrant DREAMS Room, a purpose-built space where imagination and innovation thrive. DREAMS stands for Design, Robotics, Engineering, Art, Mathematics, and Science. Each class visits our Specialist Classes once a fortnight, and it’s a highlight of the school week.

Inside the DREAMS room, students are fully engaged in hands-on learning. You might see learners designing marble runs, programming robots, building structures, or creating art. Every session is active, purposeful, and exciting.

The DREAMS Room empowers students to take risks and think creatively. There is no single “right answer” — tamariki explore ideas, test solutions, and learn from mistakes.  This builds confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of ownership over their learning.

Students develop essential future-focused skills, including collaboration, communication, and problem-solving. Whether coding or constructing, they are learning to think critically and work together effectively.

 

Aotearoa NZ Histories - Whaea Leonie Hall

Step into the stories that have shaped Aotearoa, New Zealand! In our specialist history programme, students explore the people, places, events, and ideas that have influenced our nation over time. They discover that Māori history is the foundational and continuing history of Aotearoa, New Zealand and learn about the rich histories of our country, our rohe, and our local community.

Through hands-on activities, games, role-play, storytelling, inquiry, and discussion, students investigate big ideas such as culture and identity, government and organisation, place and environment, and economic activity. They develop critical thinking skills as they explore different perspectives, ask questions about the past, and consider how stories and histories are interpreted and shared.

Learning is designed to be engaging, meaningful, and memorable, helping students make connections between history, their own lives, and the world around them.

Together, we uncover the stories of Aotearoa and discover why they matter today.

 

Performing Arts - Mrs Nicole Corke

Through engaging lessons in music, dance, and drama, students will develop creativity, confidence, and collaboration skills.

In dance, students will explore choreography, learn routines, and discover the history and cultural significance of dance from Aotearoa and around the world.

Music lessons will focus on the key elements of music—beat, rhythm, tempo, pitch, and dynamics—using a variety of tuned and untuned percussion instruments, with senior students also being introduced to the ukulele and basic musical notation.

In drama, students will build skills in expression, storytelling, and performance, learning how to use voice, movement, and imagination to bring ideas to life. 

This programme aims to provide a well-rounded and enriching performing arts education for all students.