Graduate Profile

At Papakura Normal School, we believe that while academic learning is vital, it is equally essential for our ākonga to develop in every area of their lives. Our Graduate Profile serves as a roadmap of the aspirations we hold for all ākonga by the time they graduate at the end of Year 8. These attributes were carefully crafted by incorporating kaimahi voice, ākonga voice, and hapori voice, ensuring that our entire school community is "paddling together to build mana and success for all".

Our aspirations are anchored in our school values, which form the acronym OAR (Others, Achieve, Respect), connecting directly to our school waka analogy. To support our ākonga on this journey, these attributes are developed through a three-level scaffolding process that builds consistency and dedication over time.

1. Laying the Foundations (Years 1–3)

The first three years at our kura provide opportunities to establish the foundational steps of our aspirational attributes. At this level, ākonga focus on:

• Others: Learning to talk about their feelings, working well with others, and treating people nicely.

• Achieve: Becoming enthusiastic problem solvers and "explorers" with technology.

• Respect: Showing positive behaviour, taking care of school belongings, and beginning to recognise what makes up their mana.

2. Developing the Attributes (Years 4–6)

During the middle three years, ākonga move beyond foundations to further develop and refine these attributes. This stage bridges early learning with the expectations of graduation:

• Others: Managing their feelings, showing understanding for others, and celebrating uniqueness.

• Achieve: Transitioning into creative problem solvers who are "resourceful" with technology and capable of setting their own learning goals.

• Respect: Demonstrating positive values through action, protecting the mana of themselves and others, and valuing their hauora.

3. Becoming Proficient (Years 7–8)

In their final two years, ākonga have the opportunity to become proficient in these attributes, ensuring they are ready to take on future challenges.

• Others: Managing emotions across various situations, contributing to society, and embracing the value of diversity.

• Achieve: Graduating as innovative problem solvers and "creators" with technology who are motivated, reflective, and lifelong learners.

• Respect: Acting with integrity, modelling respect for all, and prioritising the ongoing development of their hauora and kaitiakitanga for the environment.

By building a strong foundation, developing those skills, and finally reaching proficiency, our graduates leave Papakura Normal School as well-rounded individuals ready for the world beyond our kura. He waka eke noa—we are all in this together.