Simply Life.: My First 'Kiwi' School!

February 11, 2011

After the seasickness, I was looking for something else to do in Kaikoura and I discovered Kaikoura primary school. I walked in to meet the principle to ask a few questions and he was very welcoming. He was eager to show me around the school, and give me all sorts of information! It was such a great experience! The school served children through grades six. There were approximately 80 children in the school, and it was one of the larger schools in the district. The students all had to wear uniforms, which I have learned is very common in New Zealand, and it’s actually very rare that you will find a school who does not require uniforms.

One of my favorite characteristics about the school is that it is very open. The doors are all wide open, windows are all wide open. It looks very inviting. There are no signs about visitors not being allowed, or about checking into the office. It seems much more laid back than the elementary schools in the states. Anyone could walk right in and check out the school.

I also found in unique that the school was somewhat like a university. Each classroom was in it’s own building. There were a total of ten classrooms, however, I was told that only four were being used at the moment. There was another building where the gymnasium was, and yet another with the offices. Each building’s doors were wide open, inviting anyone to come in.

Being interested in special education, I asked the principal if they offered any type of special education at their school. I loved his response. He had said that they offer education to anyone, it is not a place where people should be chosen, anyone is welcome. I think that is great, and that even a small school with minimal numbers can offer an education to students with disabilities.

After being shown around, it was decided that I would come back the following day to spend a couple hours in the ‘ankle biters’ classroom. (Basically a U.S. Kindergarten classroom). There were a total of ten students in the class. It was very exciting to be in the classroom with them. We talked a bit about where I was from, and pointed it out on the map for them. I then observed as the teacher taught them in the Maori language. It was very basic skills, but I still found it interesting that they were learning it. I later found out that approximately 60% of the students in the school are Maori.

I quickly observed that the classroom environment was much more relaxed than the typical US classroom. The students were much more calm, and so was the teacher. They were not on a strict time schedule, and the teacher allowed for teachable moments.

When it was time for ‘morning tea’ the students all took off out the doors, and the teacher stayed back so I could ask a few questions. The schools, unlike the US, are ‘graded’ if you will, on the culture of the school more than on standardized testing. The teacher, Rachelle, informed me that an election was going to take place this November, that would hopefully get rid of standardized testing. Right now it is not required, however, most schools in New Zealand do utilize some sort of testing. She does not think that teaching students to pass a test is going to help them any. She thinks its more important to have the teachable moments, take time, and allow the students to learn things that are important to them.

I was only able to spend two hours in the school, but it was a great experience and I am looking forward to spending more time in the schools here. I love the atmosphere of the school, and the culture. The welcoming feeling was great also! I am looking forward to checking into more schools in the numerous areas that we visit.