Visiting Teachers

We recently had some staff from another school visit us all in our Learning Hubs. Some great feedback - particularly knowing that they spoke to students (rather than to teachers). Student voice at work.

22 May

Dear Merryl,

Thanks for hosting us last Monday.  We enjoyed our time in your lovely school.  It was refreshing to talk to you about your journey and where you are at in terms of student agency and also to better understand the philosophy and how you have implemented what you have.

It has given us much to ponder.  We are now considering how we can develop student agency within literacy and incorporate the use of digital technologies .

We realise that where you are has come from designing, refining and reviewing over many years.  We need to focus on small focused changes, choose carefully and imbed well.  The other key element that we picked up from your school, in our discussion with you, is bringing everything back to authentic context, real life, real world choices.

As we went around the classrooms it was great to see the way the teachers collaborated together and through this collaboration they were able to offer greater choices to their students , whether it be a quiet or active brain break or a different writing workshop. 

We were very impressed by the student’s knowledge of their goals and knowing how they got them, what they were working on and where they were going next. 

Throughout the school we could see student agency in action and it was clearly evident what their goals were.

Thank you for your time and effort to ensure that our visit was worthwhile.

Robbie and Marie Bird