Rototuna High School: building the class of the future

One teacher, 30 students, one subject; that is what comes to mind for the majority of us when we think of high school.

But, the students at Rototuna High School in Hamilton, would say something quite different.

There are rounded tables for collaborative learning and classrooms that can hold up to 60 students taught by a team of up to four teachers with integrated subjects.

“School of the future” is how Hamilton’s Rototuna High School was described prior to its opening in early 2016. Since then, the school has grown rapidly, with about 800 students in the junior and senior high schools.

The high school was the first of its kind in the country. The open-plan environment, and the teaching methods, of course, is what sets it apart from the traditional schooling, New Zealand is so familiar with.

The almost university like, open-plan environment is what creates the most intrigue at first glance. The school is designed with large windows, which reflect the brightly coloured walls and carpets of the light classrooms.

Sydney Tops is a part of the first intake of students the school bought in, and at the end of this year she will also become one of the first ever graduates.

“The reason for this is to get all of us in the mood for learning and engage us more.”

Like a lot of us, Sydney experienced a traditional education, so you can imagine how daunting it would have been, not only to move schools, but to move to a school that teaches students in a completely new and different way.

“It was weird at first” Sydney says, “but it didn’t take long for it to become a normal thing.”

The school is very much aimed at preparing the students for the future, this is where the university design comes into play. The school also has the same semester timetable as a university would have, in order for the students to get comfortable with the structure before moving in to higher education.

Sydney also believes that the student- teacher relationship is an important factor of the schooling. The students are on a first name basis with the teachers.

“Especially us as the year 13’s we find that we are close with our teachers, it takes away that authority and intimidation which makes for a more comfortable learning environment.”

Since the big move, Sydney finds her schooling life to be better than it has ever been, and she does well academically.