FAQ's

Why is the school named Bay of Islands International Academy?

Bay of Islands International Academy opened in January 2013 in the existing buildings and grounds of Te Tii School. The school was given this new name to reflect the community’s aspirations of international-mindedness and establish a school environment where learning is built within and beyond our local context.

Are you a state school?

Yes. We are a state school.

What does the PYP stand for?

PYP is an acronym for the International Baccalaureate’s Primary Years Programme. We provide this programme for all students at our school. It is an international curriculum model and teaching methodology for children aged 3-12 years. It was formulated by the IBO (International Baccalaureate Organisation).

How do students learn at Bay Academy?

Our commitment is to partnering with learners within an inquiry-based, conceptually driven framework. This means that we are constantly questioning, exploring and investigating our work and the world around us. We connect with learners through universally human concepts, such as exploration, discovery and how things change.

What are the key elements of the programme you provide?

There are five key components to the IB PYP curriculum: Attitudes, Knowledge, Key Concepts, Skills, and Action.

• Key Concepts: The PYP is structured around 8 key concepts which is what drives an inquiry. They are not the only concepts around, there are others, but these ones have been identified as the major concepts.

• Attitudes: There are twelve attitudes we want students to value and exhibit.

• Knowledge: There are six transdisciplinary themes students will investigate throughout the school year. These themes are globally significant and cover concepts that are interconnected can be addressed in all disciplines (subjects) and can be applied to real life.

• Skills: There are five transdisciplinary skills students develop as they involve themselves in the learning environment. Thinking Skills, Research Skills, Self-management Skills, Communication Skills, Social Skills.

• Action: Students are encouraged to reflect, to make informed choices and to take action that will help themselves, their peers, school, and wider community. These are student initiated responses to what they are understanding and learning about themselves and the world in which they live.

Does the school charge fees?

The school does not charge fees, however, there is a small cost for stationary (see below) and school camps.

What stationery does my child need?

The school provides the basic stationery needed for our classroom programmes for a set price that is charged to families every year. This may include: exercise books, pencils, rulers, erasers, coloured felts/pencils etc. Doing it in this way, we seek to give all students the required items so that they can focus on their learning.

How do I communicate with teachers?

We welcome any and all forms of communication from our community. You can email our teachers directly, phone the office at 09 407 9749, or message us through our Facebook page.

How does the school bus operate?

The bus leaves the depot in Kerikeri at about 7:25 am each morning and makes several stops on its way out to school, arriving around 8am. It arrives at school at the end of the day at about 3:45 pm, arriving back at the depot at about 4:20 pm.

What are the school hours?

The school’s opening hours are from 8:45 am to 3:00 pm. Morning tea is from 10:30 to 11:15 am, and lunch is from 1:00 pm to 1:45pm.

What do I need to know about the school uniform?

Bay of Islands International Academy has a school uniform that is ordered through the school office, please contact the office manager at reception to organise this.

How do lunches and food eating work at school?

We eat together as a group for ten minutes at the start of morning tea and lunch, and we try to make sure that everyone eats. Drinks are water only, treats such as candy are for home only, and we encourage healthy, homemade meals. We also run a breakfast club for children who feel hungry before school.

How does the school communicate to parents and the school community?

We communicate through the following: Our HERO App, our school website, our school‘s facebook page, text messages are sent out for daily absences and also in case of more urgent matters. Parents may receive phone calls from staff updating them on events in the day or if we need to contact you immediately. Please keep the school updated with your most recent contact details.

How can parents get involved?

We encourage active involvement in your child’s learning and school life. There are opportunities to get involved in key events throughout the year and keep updated through the newsletter and the school’s facebook page. Our staff are always looking for opportunities to involve our community members in their Programme of Inquiry so if you have expertise in an area please share this with them or the PYP Coordinator.

How does the school manage student behaviour?

The school always strives to partner with the child and self-management strategies for the individual. We maintain that every person is responsible for their own actions and promote inclusive practises wherever possible. More information is available in the PB4L link on this website.