Visioning - Thinking Big

Was fabulous to come across these cards that can be used to help facilitate big picture discussions around how schools could be. Take a look at the 'what if ...' cards. An example 'What if classes had learner of any age?'
Click here to see more.

Powerful Movie - Future of Schools

Thanks Derek Wenmoth for finding this pearl. Great questions asked in this movie about considerations needed in planning a future School. Well worth a look.

Derek Wenmoth - Coping with Change

Derek's post is indeed timely as I think about the possible IT infrastructure for Mt Wellington School


Click here to see Derek's blog entry on change.

Latest School Design

I took a ride out to Baverstock Oaks and Mission Heights School this morning to have a look at two of Aucklands recently built schools. They certainly are impressive and on first impressions quite a contrast from schools built even a decade ago. The questions I have are; is the teaching and learning congruent with the 21st century design? What mental models potentially constrain teachers and need to be challenged? How are the learning spaces set up to meet a variety of learning situations e.g one on one, small group, large group, peer learning opportunities.
Baverstock Oaks
Mission Heights

School designs - What's possible?

Endless design possibilities ...

Future School Designs

Refreshing to think differently about how school could be. Take a look at this.

Sharing Lessons Learnt

Returned this evening from a session with Ministry of Education representatives, Principals, Architects and Construction representatives to look at the design of Mt Wellington School to date. A significant session in that input precedes the signing off of the master plan. It was timely and refreshing to hear questions from the floor, particularly from a colleague who has lived the same experience in the last 2 years. Practical suggestions about bench height in the hall kitchen, recycling options and the amount of wet space, all import reminders about the thought that needs to take place pre building. Some further dreaming and scheming to come!