Hi everyone!

Today we visited Summerland Primary School in Aukland, NZ. We had the opportunity to speak with co-principals, Barb and Blair, and visit classrooms to experience their philosophy. Summerland is an 18-year-old composite primary school in a decile 5 community. This school, unlike others that we have visited, does not run on an ILE (integrated learning experience) program. Instead, the learners are instructed on a high trust model in which they all work together on an even platform. This model, as introduced by Frances Frey from California, includes an even amount of logic, authenticity, and empathy which is the backbone of Summerland. Although the school is a decile 5, we were surprised to discover that teachers are fighting alongside lower decile schools for an improvement in salary, number of teachers and specialists, workload relief, and an increase in teacher aids.

A big philosophy of the school is in regards to incorporating nature and the environment within learning. The classroom and nature are intertwined in a way that makes both the students and teachers connected to the environment to promote sustainable living. Within the classroom, many plants and succulents are present and students are given many opportunities to be outside. The learners are not limited to doing work simply within the classroom but are again respected under the high trust model and allowed opportunities to do work in whatever atmosphere is best suited for them. The students are taught during science how to be eco-friendly and are currently planting trees in order to make a forest-like environment. They have a goal of extending the wildlife by eliminating predators within the school’s atmosphere. Every year, the teachers shift pods in order to form new connections with other teachers and students. An example of this that we saw today was a year one (kindergarten) teacher moving to a year five (4th grade) classroom to encourage and promote the idea of not staying where you feel comfortable.  This being said, Summerland is an enthusiast for taking risks along with not being afraid to do so by the thought of failure.  An aspect of the school that we found to be particularly interesting is the emphasis on art and allowing the learners to express themselves in ways that are suitable for them rather than the school system.  As many of you have read in previous blog posts the area in which we are studying has an emphasis on the Maori culture which has become a powerful way for the learners to express themselves whether it be through dance, singing, body ink, and art of all kinds.

Overall, our experience while visiting Summerland was an encouraging end to our time in Auckland and provided us with great resources to incorporate in our classrooms someday!