Year 11 students had a great learning adventure in Waihi on Wednesday 5 May.

The sun was shining, the teachers were smiling, and the buses were lined up and ready to go. 147 Year 11 students and 14 teachers headed off on their adventure. 

Two of the buses embarked on a tour of the Waihi Gold Mine, an exploration of the Museum and a look around the cemetery. The other two buses drove through Karangahake Gorge to meet local artist, storyteller and conservationist Mike O’Donnell and to wander through the Window’s Walk. 

The purpose of the trip was to integrate some Art and Science learning opportunities to provide authentic writing opportunities for English Assessments. 

The Mine Tour provided learning about earth science, chemicals used in mining, and mineral extraction. It was engaging from the get-go with the lively tour guide Phil. First was a visit to the Martha Mine and some amazing stories about both the history of the mine and the Science behind gold/ silver extraction from Quartz. 

Then the tour headed to the surrounding farmland to see where the gold is extracted, where it goes to and how the waste products are safely disposed of.

The museum was all about a mining town's social and historical context with lots of stories to tell. The students got a good idea as to what miner’s lives and working conditions were, and an insight into the famous Miner’s Strike of 1912.

The Art and Photography students travelled to the Karangahake Gorge to meet Mike O’Donnell. Mike is a potter, sculptor, storyteller, a strong advocate for conservation and hauora. 

It was a wonderful experience, beginning with a mihi to Mt Karangahake at the confluence of the Ohinemuri and Waitāwheta rivers, followed by an exploration of the ‘Windows Walk’ to experience the beauty of the natural environment and remnants of the mining from the late 19th Century. 

Mike unravelled the magic, affirming the experience through storytelling and music. The stories he told delved into history, our connection to the ecosystem and the absolute importance of protecting the water, wildlife, whenua and forests now and in the future.

It was great to get so many students out of the classroom for the day. All of the experiences provided the students with a range of interesting contexts from which they can draw ideas to process and write about back in class. 

Thanks to all the teachers for putting together a successful day out.