New ways of learning get the nod in Waiwhetu

May 2014 Schools A new style of learning which puts students at the centre of the learning process is receiving a definite thumbs up from students at Our Lady of…

May 2014

Schools

A new style of learning which puts students at the centre of the learning process is receiving a definite thumbs up from students at Our Lady of the Rosary school Waiwhetu and teachers are reporting higher levels of engagement and motivation.

Two new classroom hubs have been built at the school to replace the more than 60-year-old block which was assessed as earthquake prone and demolished.

A large crowd was present on Sunday 6 April for the official opening of the new classrooms. Archbishop John Dew conducted the ceremony.

Also in attendance were Councillor Michael Lulich representing Mayor Ray Wallace, members of the Catholic Schools Board, parents, students, neighbours as well as past students and interested members of the community.

The two new hubs have been built to new Ministry of Education design specifications for modern learning environments. The classrooms have open spaces with breakout areas, kitchen wet areas, exposed beams, excellent acoustics, natural light and soft furniture.

For the students and teachers the buildings are just one part of a move towards a style of teaching and learning which places students at the centre of the learning process, rather than the other way around.

There is now a greater focus on personalised learning and on students becoming self-managing. There is more use of technological devices and increased opportunities for collaborative learning and teaching.

The Intermediate Syndicate moved into their hub late last year and the Middle Syndicate have moved in the past few weeks. The new style of learning is receiving a definite  thumbs up from the students. Teachers report higher levels of engagement and motivation and greater scope for developing the key competencies students need to succeed in the 21st century.