Amesbury School


It is hard to label what it is we are doing here at Amesbury School. 21st century learning is now an outdated term given that we are now well into the 21st century. The argument is that because we are well into the 21st century, the learning that is happening in all schools must be 21st century learning. Apparently, the term "21st century learning" can no longer be a term that points forward to a new way of "doing" learning. MLE – modern learning environments – became the new term but this has caused the "future-focused learning movement" to become focused on physical environments more than how teaching and learning happens. The powers-that-be have recently decided that MLE or MLP (modern learning practice) are no longer acceptable terms. Apparently we are now to use the term ILE – Innovative Learning Environments. I am not really convinced that this moniker is any better than any of the previous labels. However, none of this really matters to me other than for the fact that it becomes tiresome trying to think of a single word or phrase to describe our approach which connects with other people's thinking. We use any or all of the above to try to give people an idea of what it is that we are trying to do here at Amesbury School.

However, names and labels aside, we are very clear about our vision for teaching and learning and the kinds of learning experiences we want children to have. We want them to experience a "humanising education" – an education in which "every student experiences what it means to be fully human and continually fulfils his/her potential." The term "humanising" is a bit off putting for some people – it seems woolly and soft. However, our experience is that it is anything but! A humanising education is one in which each student experiences highly effective teaching and learning programmes which acknowledge and value their uniqueness, their right to be insiders in their learning, their empowerment to make plans and carry them out (agency), their need to belong, to feel part of a group (togetherness), but also to be acknowledged as being on their own personal journey. A humanising education acknowledges and meets the needs of the "whole" child and ensures that they are involved in the process of making sense of their experiences and the world. This kind of education is not focused so much on students learning content, but rather on learning content AND using it to live better in and for the world. Content/skills are a means but are not the end of education. According to "humanising care in nursing", when people experience each of these aspects of what it means to be human, they will experience what it means to be fully human. This is what we want for our students.

A humanising education is our vision; everything we do in our school needs to align with this. Over the next few months I am going to write briefly about some of the pedagogical approaches that are central to the delivery of a humanising education.

Kind regards

Lesley


  1. Koru Hub Writing

    We have been learning about language devices and how to use them in our writing to make it more interesting.  Here are some examples ... Read more…
  2. Women's Movie Night - Tuesday 23rd June @ 7:00pm

    Mary Jane and Gail would like to invite you to join them for another of Amesbury School's famous Women's Movie Nights. 7pm, ... Read more…
  3. Fundraiser - Amesbury School earns $1 per Subway lunch order

    Subway lunches can be purchased each Wednesday during the school term Read more…
  4. 1st Edition Sports Shirts - now in stock!

    Our dazzling sports shirts have arrived and ready to go. Read more…
  5. Music Recital - Friday 19th June

    Due to sickness, we have unfortunately had to cancel the music concert which was scheduled on Friday 19th June. Read more…
  6. Afternoon Tea 

    This Thursday 11th June, 2:00-3:00pm Read more…
  7. High Five Awards - Week 7 (01-05 June 2015)

    Congratulations to all our High Five Award winners this week.   Read more…
  8. Amesbury School Quiz Night Fundraiser

    Help us get our wonderful Year 5 and 6 students down to the South Island for their senior camp this year - come along to our quiz ... Read more…
  9. Congratulations Anna!

    Huge congratulations to Anna for graduating with her Master of Education degree.  Read more…
  10. Scholastic Book Club - Online ordering

    Issue 4 of Scholastic's Book Club is now available for online ordering.   Read more…
  11. Ladies Craft Night - Card Making

    A group of ladies got together last week to try their hand at card making with Rachael Van Rij. Read more…
  12. High Five Awards - Week 6 (25-29 May 2015)

    Congratulations to all students who received a High Five certificate in week 6.   Read more…
  13. Junior Invitational Cross Country Results.

    Amesbury School held its fourth invitational cross country championships yesterday. Read more…
  14. Super efforts, Gracie!

    Gracie Hayward, a year 3 student in Harakeke Hub, recently competed in the Olympic Wellington Harrier and Athletic Club Champs.  Read more…
  15. Ski Camp Submissions Now Closed

    We have had a great response to our 2015 ski camp. All spaces for children and parents are now fully booked and we are unable to take ... Read more…
  16. Club Champ – Phoebe's swimming success!

    Phoebe Riddle's drive and determination led to fabulous success at the Tawa Swimming Club Champs on Sunday.  Read more…
  17. Enrolments for Raroa Normal Intermediate are now open.

    Simply type in your child’s name, select their current school and click yes and submit. The link can also be accessed through the ... Read more…
  18. High Five Awards - Term 2, Week 4 & Week 5 (11th-22nd May 2015)

    Congratulations to all our students who were awarded a High Five certificate and badge on Friday.   Read more…
  19. Feedback sought: Complaints Policy and Community Partnering Agreement

    The Board of Trustees is currently reviewing two important documents which govern how we work together. We would appreciate feedback ... Read more…