Teachers check out Whitiora Primary
Two years ago Whitiora Primary School spent time developing two new learning environments and, now that they are in full swing, principal Paul Cooper could not be happier.
Teachers are flocking to Whitiora Primary School to investigate a different way of learning.
In 2013 Hamilton’s Whitiora Primary School traded in six tired classrooms for two learning centres, making it a leader in the Waikato.
And last year the school had staff from more than 35 schools visit to inspect the Whitiora model.
School principal Paul Cooper replaced the old single cell classrooms as they no longer met Ministry of Education standards.
“When we found that we had to replace our old classrooms we started looking at what is a 21st century learner… and what sort of environments would be suitable.”
Two years on, Cooper is pleased with the result, and a rising roll means the school will add a third centre by the end of the year.
The previous year’s roll was just under 130 pupils and now it is more than 160.
All learning is within the two centres, which have the usual teaching spaces, but also shared space, withdrawal space for specialised learning, designated spaces for digital learning, the arts, technology, craft, and WIFI.
“Our learning spaces have three teachers and three classes, which is 75 children, all operating at the same time,” he said.
“It’s really good for the students to see teachers collaborating and compromising and working together, and developing relationship skills.”
Cooper said the children love the learning spaces. He said they like the different levels of formality as it relaxes them, but it is still purposeful.
Cooper said the parents have also been positive.
“Some of the parents were a bit unsure but after giving it some time they could see how the children love coming to school and they could see how the interaction was very positive.”
Cooper said the noise levels are no louder than an ordinary classroom, with each class having its own space.
Cooper would recommend the modern learning environments to other schools, but he believes not every school will suit the exact same environment.
“You cannot take one model from one location and drop it in a new location and expect it to operate the same way. It won’t because the context of the community is different.
“Schools need to go through a process of consulting with the families and students… if they are looking into this style of environment. There needs to be a design that meets the need of that community.”
For more information check out the school’s website: http://whitiora.ultranet.school.nz/Home/
