Modern Learning Environments Part Two

Break Out Space With Computers - Papamoa

School Visits
Over the last two weeks I have had the privilege of travelling to visit some recently constructed school blocks.  All of the modern Ministry of Education classroom blocks are in the format of large open spaces (there are no isolated classrooms being constructed anywhere).  
There are two key reasons for this.   The first is the practical/financial factor that there are fewer corridors and other such wasted spaces.  The second is the trend towards a more collaborative learning environment.   

Removable Walls - Papamoa

The first school we visited was Papamoa College.  This is a new school (currently in their fourth year).  They are a very similar school to us here at Waihi College.  Year 7-13, middle decile, with a similar demographic of Maori/Pakeha.  Papamoa College was created in response to the population growth in the Tauranga/Mount area.  Their common spaces are for year levels - all the science, maths, English and social studies taught in same space.  Four teachers all teaching year 9's and 10's in their 'house' groups.  

Open Plan Teaching Space - Papamoa

It is hard not to be impressed with the facilities at Papamoa.  They have a great physical environment located next to the Gordon Spratt reserve they have access to wide expanse of fields.  The school buildings are well appointed modern design angled for the sun.  The day we visited was a howling windy day - but inside you wouldn't have noticed. 

Papamoa College is also very similar to Waihi College in that they've adopted learning by inquiry and relevant context as their primary pedagogical driver.  They see the modern learning environment as a means of enhancing that style of learning.  

Learning Commons - Papamoa

Large Moving Doors - Te Kuiti

Our second school was Te Kuiti down in the King Country.  This is a smaller school only year's 9-13.  They have constructed a large space for three English teachers.  It was effectively three large classrooms and two 'breakout' spaces (each of which is probably big enough for a small class).  


There was a large communal staff work space/resource room and two internally accessed unisex toilets.  Two of the classrooms were plumbed for a water supply.  

Staff Workroom From Class - Te Kuiti

North Facing Deck - Te Kuiti

Te Kuiti's building was more traditionally styled and fitted in well with the current older buildings.  Papamoa College was definitely a modern style building.  Both were well fitted with modern technology in mind.  



The question for us here at Waihi College is what would work best for us here with our students?  We have the funding here for our new buildings (which will be two block each housing four classes) and work should begin late 2015.  It was great to take along Shannon and Fiona representing staff to gather their thoughts on the project.  

Thanks to both Te Kuiti High School and Papamoa College for the opportunity to come and see the schools.  Both of which were very impressive and spaces the students and staff can be proud of.  

This post relates to RTC # 7. "Promote a collaborative, inclusive and supportive learning environment."