Our school follows an early structured literary approach called Better Start to Literacy, or BSLA. This is an integrated approach to developing vocabulary, oral listening, spelling, writing and reading skills in the early years of learning. It focuses on the link between spoken and written language, developing letter sound and oral knowledge. BSLA is a Systematic and evidence-based teaching approach that ensures early literacy success for all our tamariki. 

Our children have the opportunity to engage in a variety of artistic and creative projects, with a range of medians. Both staff and community members work with our children. We have school trips to our local potter, making fantastic clay creations and have a visiting tutor from the art gallery work with students on creations. Art projects the children have engaged in have included weaving, felting, painting, print making, sketching, Tuku tuku panels, paper mosaic, sewing and more.

Te Reo Maori is integrated into our learning throughout the years of schooling at Mulberry Grove. Additional languages may be chosen in senior years and are taught online via Kōtui Ako VLN- Visual Learning Network. The choice of languages include Spanish, Japanese, Maori, German, French, Korean and more. It is such a great resource for our children, who do not miss out on any learning opportunities.

STEM, or science, technology, engineering & maths are taught throughout our students years of schooling at Mulberry Grove. Our Science curriculum encompasses the four context strands (Living World, Material World, Physical World, and Planet Earth and Beyond) and the overarching Nature of Science strand, which focuses on how science works. STEM aims to develop students' curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills while fostering an appreciation for science as a discipline.  We try to engage students in STEM through a fun and hands on approach, with a focus on our local environment as much as possible. We have been involved in the Wonder Project- a free STEM programme for schools. Examples of STEM activities in recent years include rocket making, plane models, penguin project, water testing, gardening science, paddle crab surveying, circuit reactions, creating bridges & towers.

We have an amazing Kapa haka programme running on our island, with all 3 schools involved. We have weekly Kapa haka practice sessions where the tutors travel between the schools for one-on-one learning. Then on some special occasions, such as our annual Matariki community celebrations, all schools perform their beautiful waiata together. In 2024 we had our first Noho Marae, an overnight Marae stay, with all 3 island schools involved. It was held at Kawa Marae and was such an incredible experience for our tamariki. Our fantastic tutors Mikaere, Whaea Nancy and Whaea Lyric have done an amazing job sharing their love and knowledge of Kapa haka with our island children.

Sports and physical education are an important part of learning at school. They promote health and wellbeing, encourage determination, perseverance and teamwork along with a sense of team spirit. We have regular inter-school school sports days on our island with all 3 primary schools. These include:

• Swimming

• Winter Sports, including netball, ripper rugby & soccer

• Athletics

• Cross Country

These inter-school sports days are a wonderful way to gather as a community, see friends from around the island, compete in a friendly environment and try our best. Such a fun day!

In addition our school is involved with the Sea Education Aotea Trust, who organise sessions for our children learning swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, sailing and waka ama during the summer months.

In 2024 we concentrated on Netball skills and a group of our seniors joined students from our other island schools to travel to Auckland for the CM games. They all had a fantastic trip.

Swimming lessons are taught 3 days per week during the summer terms 4 and 1. How many schools in the world get to have their swim lessons in the ocean! We are very fortunate to have the beach on our doorstep.

Digital technologies are one aspect of learning and teaching at school. We have  devices available for students to use, with parental permission. Our students and teachers have the latest tools in digital technologies to teach and learn with. We supply one to one digital devices, such as chromebooks and iPads and a variety of software, apps and learning platforms. Responsible digital citizenship is an important aspect of digital learning we focus on with all students.