Our Learning Spaces

Our learning spaces are what the Ministry of Education have called ‘Modern Learning Environments’ or ‘Flexible Learning Environments’ and now ‘Innovative Learning Environments’ (ILE). These spaces are created to maximise learning opportunities and allow children to learn in different ways and in different settings.

Why the change?

Education has changed significantly in recent times; a student’s ability to problem solve, be creative, work collaboratively and show resilience are just as important in the curriculum as their ability to remember information, follow instructions or complete tasks.

Classrooms / learning spaces are now much more active places, providing students not only with the opportunity to learn new things, but to also put that learning into action through investigations, inquiries and real life projects.

What are the key features of our learning spaces – ILE?

• The importance of temperature control, ventilation, lighting and acoustics. Quality acoustic environments provide a range of different acoustic zones to allow for the quiet, conversational and noisy activities that happen through the course of the day.
• The amount of flexibility provided so its not fully open (big barn) or fully closed (individual classroom). Environments that are flexible are able to create larger and smaller spaces by using moveable walls, agile furniture, sliding doors, breakout spaces as and when it is needed for different learning purposes.
• Accommodating for the different ways in which people learn. There are a range of different zones and breakout spaces – quiet focused zones, collaboration zones, active learning zones, spaces that will allow for specific learners or learning needs. Within these spaces, different furniture also supports the different ways people learn – individual desks, chairs, stools, standing tables, leaners, kneeling tables, circular tables etc.
• A strong connections with the outdoors. Good sightlines, transparency and openness and the ability to work seamlessly between indoor and outdoor activities have been planned for.
• Allowing for teachers to work together. There are greater opportunities for teachers to use each other’s strengths, provide collegial support and professional learning and for students to develop meaningful connections with other teachers as well as still having a strong relationship with their key teacher.