2024 Learning Experiences Outside the Classroom Supplement

2024

G N I N LEAR NCES E I R E EXPOUTSIDE THME O O R S S A L C

Real world learning experiences for every school group

Images courtesy of Butterfly Creek

By Naomii Seah, Industry Reporter

As the school year draws to a close, it’s time to start thinking about next year’s curriculum.

Events like class field trips and overnight stays need special planning and foresight, so it pays to start early.

surrounded by. According to a report from Ara Institue of Canterbury alongside Education Outdoors NZ and the Ministry of Education, 96 percent of schools in Aotearoa consider EOTC very or extremely important, making EOTC “very much a part of the fabric of schools in Aotearoa New Zealand”. And it’s no surprise given the unique and varied ecosystem we’re fortunate to

The same report from Ara Institute found that EOTC was valued for many purposes including curriculum enrichment and real-world learning, student engagement, building relationships and connections and introducing students to novel experiences. Teachers found that EOTC experiences “brought the curriculum

alive”, enabling students to connect with the learning area personally and therefore improving engagement.

EOTC also comes with a sense of learner agency – learners in the field can self-direct their learning to some extent even within guided activities. This sense of personal responsibility has been shown to improve motivation among students.

EOTC experiences are as varied as our ecosystems themselves.

Whether it’s an hour or two in the local field, half-a-day to full or multi-day experiences at the park, beach, ngahere (forest) or one of our many reserves, historical sites or museums, ākonga are sure to benefit from any experience that gets them up, moving and thinking, and applying their knowledge in the real world. According to the Ara Institute report on EOTC, these experiences are valued vehicles for developing key competencies outlined in the New Zealand Curriculum (NZC).

School trips are often the most rewarding and enriching experiences of the school year, drawing on several curriculum areas and helping to synthesise information for holistic learning. The extra planning and coordination involved is appreciated by students and families, and ensures students enjoy a rich, memorable learning experience.

It’s no secret that us Kiwis love getting into the great outdoors and exploring the vast natural playground we are

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experience right in our backyard.

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Images courtesy of Rotorua Blue Lake TOP 10

Given New Zealand’s diverse landscapes, an enriching and satisfying EOTC experience could be as simple as getting onto the school field to investigate local flora and fauna. Even in urban areas we are fortunate to have pockets of native bush and trees – can your ākonga identify native species such as manuka and harakeke? Simple experiences like this may also create a new and engaging way for older

students to explore subject areas such as statistics and biology by giving them practical and accessible applications for the theory they are learning.

By introducing students to real-world applications of their learning, teachers told Ara Institute that EOTC enabled students to make deeper connections and understand broader contexts, meaning the learning was more deeply entrenched in student

knowledge bases. Significantly, these benefits were found to continue in classrooms even after the EOTC experience, as students brought their fresh perspectives back to classroom scenarios.

No matter where in Aotearoa your kura is located, there’s bound to be an EOTC experience just around the corner. Local beaches provide not only excellent spaces to get the cricket bats or volleyballs

out, they’re also home to our seabirds, native grasses, shellfish, molluscs and even penguins, sea lions and seals.

And though beaches are perhaps some of the most accessible ecosystems for classes they’re by no means the only landscapes New Zealand is home to – mountains, rivers, lakes, swamps, glaciers and fiords are just some of the options available in our beautiful motu (country/islands).

Group accommodation in the heart of Rotorua

Rotorua Blue Lake TOP 10 have a wide variety of accommodation options available to suit every budget, from 180 powered and non-powered tent sites to standard and self-contained cabins.

The facilities at the park will keep your group entertained and active.

We offer a private or sole use marquee with attached kitchen and BBQ that can accommodate up to 80 people. The park is central to a variety of local attractions.

Lakes Tarawera, Okareka and Rotokakahi are all within 2km of the park, and a short 8km drive will find you in the centre of Rotorua.

discounted rates from February – November (excluding peak season only) and can work with you to accommodate any size group and any budget.

For more information please call 0800 808 292 or visit www.bluelaketop10.co.nz

Rotorua Blue Lake TOP 10 offer large groups heavily

Term 4, 2023 | schoolnews.co.nz

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Images courtesy of Napier City Council

When it comes to curriculum areas such as social studies, science and technology, and history and culture, we have an astonishing variety of wildlife encounters, museums, archives and collections with which to stimulate students’ senses, enabling them to process information through interactive, multisensory experiences.

Many of these experiences also break subjects out of traditional, siloed methods of teaching. Experiences such as science and art museums can be an effective arena for STEAM teaching, by demonstrating to students the interconnectedness of subjects, as well as interdisciplinary applications.

Images courtesy of Hanmer Springs Attractions

For example, a visit to a museum may include examination of a specimen which may be looked at for its historical, scientific or artistic value. Ākonga learning about natural history may learn that New Zealand was once home to the giant moa which went extinct. In a museum, scale models of the birds demonstrate their height and size and enable students to make comparisons to existing ratites such as kiwi, emu and ostriches. In the same trip,

students may view historical artefacts or paintings relating to the moa, giving the experience a social and historical dimension.

In this way the hands-on and exploratory nature of arts and science exhibits, helps to cement learning.

Finally, in the digital era, some students may have the impression that they’ve “seen it all”; that there is nothing else an EOTC experience can offer that the internet cannot. But a hands-on experience can never be replaced, and with such a range of educational experiences on offer, there is something for every class and learning area.

EOTC experiences can be tailored to suit any age range, group size and curriculum focus. From one day excursions to overnight and multi-day stays, School News spoke to industry providers to learn what they offer for school groups.

Located in Auckland, Butterfly Creek offers children the chance to connect with nature and learn about the animal world. The site is easy to walk around, and perfect in all weather, with 75 percent of the exhibits undercover.

Images courtesy of Christian Youth Camps

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EOTC

Term 4, 2023 | schoolnews.co.nz

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Images courtesy of Kokako Lodge

Popular exhibits include Dinosaur Kingdom, the Butterfly House, Mythical Creatures, Buttermilk Farm and Kiwi Forest.

With more than 50 life-size models, including animatronics, Dinosaur Kingdom brings prehistory to life for young palaeontologists. The Butterfly House provides an immersive experience for students interested in butterfly lifecycles.

Kiwi Forest provides an opportunity to see kiwi in a special nocturnal environment.

Groups can plan their visit around several free animal encounters, the most exciting being the giant crocodile feeding encounter. Teachers can book 15-minute keeper talks to help students learn about dinosaurs, butterflies or native species.

Set in 185 hectares, Orana Wildlife Park is Aotearoa’s only open range zoo. The team is passionate about connecting

ākonga with nature in unique biodiverse settings.

Education programmes provide truly authentic, inclusive and enriching learning experiences where ngā ākonga can observe and learn about Aotearoa’s unique biodiversity and the world’s endangered species. Experiences that cannot be replicated inside a classroom include hand-feeding the majestic giraffe, meeting Aotearoa’s only gorillas and encountering mischievous kea.

Image courtesy of MOTAT

The experienced team develop bespoke programmes for Years 1 to 13 that support a diverse range of curriculum learning areas. Learning takes place through appropriately themed programmes that use the zoo as the ‘classroom’; popular topics include kaitiakitanga, habitats and adaptations.

knowledge and encourage discussion. The Orana Wildlife Park team is committed to inspiring children, encouraging them to conserve the natural environment, and becoming confident, contributing future citizens.

Kokako Lodge is a 100-bed residential camp based at the Hunua Falls, back of Papakura, Auckland. It offers an extensive

Key take-home conservation messages are incorporated into programmes to support

range of activities from bush (tramping, camping and climbing), high and low ropes, kayak and rafting, archery and more.

The team see EOTC as bringing traditional academic subjects into a ‘real world’ application, though the main value is the development the team does in the soft skills of a student.

Kokako Lodge is very rural and has virtually no cell coverage.

Image courtesy of MOTAT

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Term 4, 2023 | schoolnews.co.nz

This means students feel like they are in an entirely different world (Narnia). This fresh reset allows students to get to know themselves and their classmates better.

Kokako Lodge operates by a kaupapa of “I am Me – I am Worthwhile” (self-awareness and of course self-acceptance) and use a “challenge by choice” model (push yourself as hard as you want to). The staff guarantee to take your students to the next level!

Napier is a great camping destination for all ages. The city boasts curriculum-based STEAM education opportunities and leisure facilities - with most on Marine Parade, making transport easy.

The National Aquarium of New Zealand offers quality experiences using natural history specimens and technology. MTG Hawke’s Bay is the region’s premier museum and provides curriculum-based programmes for all ages. The Faraday Museum of Technology is a hands-on museum allowing students to explore technology from bygone eras.

Wind down in Ocean Spa’s heated pools in a beautiful

outdoor seaside setting. For the energetic, Bay Skate welcomes all ages to pick up new skills on skates, blades, a board or scooter. Par 2 Mini Golf is perfect for friendly competition between students and adults!

Educational fun

Kennedy Park Resort provides the ideal base for exploring the region, with accommodation options including premium villas, cabins and campsites. Storkey's Restaurant is onsite for all meals including packed lunches, or use the group dining room for self-catering. Facilities include a heated swimming pool, spacious grounds, a games room and more.

Christchurch Attractions offers plenty of fun and educational experience opportunities in Christchurch, including the Christchurch Tram and Christchurch Gondola.

in Ōtautahi Christchurch A Tram tour on board a vintage tramcar offers a sense of history, and the live commentary from the local drivers offers insights into the history and special stories about the city.

The tramcars are also a great way to travel between central city locations including Tūranga, Quake City and the Botanic Gardens.

Rotorua Blue Lake TOP 10 Holiday Park provides accommodation for groups of any size. The site is popular for school camps and sports teams looking to spend time in nature for teambuilding and training.

A wide variety of accommodation options are available to suit a range of budgets, from powered and non-powered tent sites, and standard and self-contained cabins, to motel units. Indoor recreation facilities provide an ideal venue for workshops, seminars, and meetings.

Contact the team for options for your school group visit to Christchurch by email at info@christchurchattractions.nz or visit www.christchurchattractions.nz.

Surfing

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FREE Animal Encounters FREE Education Resources Dinosaurs and Mythical Creatures Tropical Butterflies Kiwi and Wētāpunga Farm animals and more!

Year 3-13 | 14-140 Students per day Day or Multi-day Excursions Orewa | Matakana | Northland wide

Surfing is an amazing sport that will challenge, entertain, and educate!

Let us take your students surfing on one of our ‘Beach Safety Days’ or NCEA Achievement Standard courses teaching students how to be safe at the beach through the enjoyment of learning how to surf.

Our surf schools will be offering our popular Surfing Education

programmes to Primary, Intermediate and High schools in Orewa, Matakana Coast & across Northland. All you have to do is get yourselves to the beach and we will do the rest!

Over 250 schools have surfed with us over the last 14 years and the feedback is always AWESOME!!

A great, safe, educational and fun activity that ALL your students, regardless of ability or experience, will love and remember!!

For more information please contact the NZ Surf Academy at surf@nzsurfacademy.co.nz, phone 027 734 4877 or visit www.nzsurfacademy.co.nz

Term 4, 2023 | schoolnews.co.nz

The Christchurch Gondola offers fantastic sightseeing for all ages with a bird’s-eye view of the city, Banks Peninsula and the Southern Alps. Experience the outdoors with a range of walking tracks: one-way ticket options are available for groups wishing to walk up or down from the summit. Learn about the region’s history and formation on a Discovery Ride.

www.butterflycreek.co.nz/school-visits EOTC

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Images courtesy of NZ Surf Academy

The park is central to a variety of local attractions making it an excellent base to explore the region. Lakes Tarawera, Okareka and Rotokakahi are all within 2km of the park. For those looking to travel further afield, a short 8km drive will find you in the centre of Rotorua, where you can experience a range of geothermal, cultural and adventure activities to entertain your group.

Experience the thrill of adventure and the joy of trying new things at Christian Youth Camps Ngaruawahia (CYC), the perfect destination for school groups.

CYC offers an exciting blend of outdoor adventures and personal growth opportunities that promise both fun and valuable life experiences for your students. CYC’s mission is to promote character development, leadership skills, and community engagement through thrilling activities that ignite the spirit of adventure. Whether it's students trying their hand at kayaking or conquering challenging team-building activities, CYC encourages them to step out

Images courtesy of Christchurch Attractions

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of their comfort zones and embrace new experiences.

Beyond the adventures, CYC provides comfortable accommodations, delicious meals, and top-notch recreational facilities in a safe and supervised environment. The freedom to customise your experience to align with your school's objectives makes CYC the ideal destination for school outings and team-building exercises. CYC provides a holistic, fun-filled, and unforgettable adventure that will create lasting memories and leave a positive impact on your students' lives as they embark on exciting new journeys.

Hanmer Springs provides an ideal location for school trips and camps, with multiple accommodation and activity options. Activities facilitated by Hammer Springs Attractions are offered from one central hub, within easy access of the village. The organisation has a strong focus on health and safety, and holds Qualmark Gold and AdventureMark accreditation for top safety practices.

Term 4, 2023 | schoolnews.co.nz

Images courtesy of Orana Wildlife Park

Depending on the age of your students, and size of your group, students can enjoy jet boating, river rafting, bungy jumping, paintball and quad biking. Multiple activities can be completed in one day. Hanmer Springs is located within easy reach of Christchurch.

There is plenty to see and explore in Christchurch, and Christchurch Attractions is the ideal organisation to facilitate activities. With a range of activities on offer, Christchurch

Attractions can create a plan to suit your school group.

Christchurch Tram offers heritage tramcars, informative live commentary about the city’s history and stories, and transport between key sites. A fantastic sightseeing experience of Christchurch and Canterbury can be enjoyed on the Christchurch Gondola.

Learn about the region’s history and formation on a Discovery Ride or by exploring the walking tracks.

I am me I am worthwhile Funding available Please ask us about funding for active recreation, well-being and leadership.

Kokako Lodge (Ak)

A time to refocus Help your students get back on track by a change of environment, EOTC and even team building to grow their support structures.

Kokako Lodge is only 30 minutes from South Auckland. We are surrounded by 17,000 hectares of tranquility, challenge (high ropes) and adventure.

Spoken Word, Reflection Journals, team building games and personal challenge (by choice).

For more information please contact Kokako Lodge on 09 292 4349 or visit www.KokakoLodge.org.nz Term 4, 2023 | schoolnews.co.nz

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Image courtesy of Kokako Lodge

Image courtesy of Butterfly Creek

MOTAT educators’ expertise, as well as MOTAT’s wealth of resources, the team delivers a highly engaging experience.

Punting on the Avon allows visitors to see and learn about the river’s wildlife up close, and view the plants of the Botanic Gardens. Students can learn more from the Botanic Gardens Tour, a guided tour on board an electric shuttle, with live commentary about the Botanic Gardens’ unique plants and history.

Hireable kits are also available from MOTAT. These kits, called Learnables, are full of STEM equipment and are supported by online resources and lesson plans for teachers to use straight out of the box.

Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT) offers a range of experiences and programmes.

School groups can visit MOTAT at Western Springs and engage in a programme of learning that is tailored to your specific learning intentions. Students and teachers can enjoy a heritage tram ride and visit many exhibitions that extend classroom learning and provide hands-on experiences.

If coming to MOTAT isn’t an option, STEAM Cells can bring the learning experience to

If you are looking to challenge, educate and engage with your students, NZ Surf Academy thinks surfing is always the answer.

Image courtesy of Napier City Council

you. MOTAT educators will arrive at your school with a trailer full of STEAM resources.

Students will be engaged in a highly customised learning experience. STEAM cells

Image courtesy of Rotorua Blue Lake TOP 10 Holiday Park

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can be a single workshop or longer multi-day workshops.

A third option is online workshops, delivered via Zoom, designed to meet your specific learning intentions. Using

It’s not every day you get to combine surfing with school.

14 years and 250 schools later, NZ Surf Academy has taught students from across the country what it means to surf and be safe in the ocean.

Along with the immense fun of catching waves, students will master a comprehensive understanding of dangers, conditions and safety.

Image courtesy of Hanmer Springs Attractions

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Term 4, 2023 | schoolnews.co.nz

School group activities

at Hanmer Springs Attractions Hanmer Springs Attractions operates a range of funfilled outdoor adventures perfect for school groups.

Their action-packed jet boat rides offer plenty of thrills for those aged 3 years and over, and a river rafting adventure is an enjoyable group activity for participants 6 years and over: great fun for both primary and high school aged groups. The company also operates bungy

jumping and paintballing for guests 10 years and over, as well as quad bike treks for customers 16 years and over. Their central hub allows groups to easily take part in multiple activities.

The health and safety of customers and guests is at the heart of their operation, and Hanmer Springs Attractions has been awarded a Qualmark Gold award and AdventureMark for their top operating and safety procedures.

Image courtesy of NZ Surf Academy

The company’s renowned level 1, 2 and 3 NCEA Achievement Standards are both land and sea based, with camps starting from two days and a choice of three achievement standards per level, earning students a total of 10 to 11 credits.

Let the land be the educator, and watch as the younger generation emerges with a whole new understanding and appreciation of our ocean, as well as a passion that will last a lifetime. You pick the beach, NZ Surf Academy does the rest.

Contact the team for options for your school group visit to Hanmer Springs by email at info@hanmerspringsattractions.nz or visit www.hanmerspringsattractions.nz.

HAVE YOUR NEXT

@ CYC!

Build confidence and team spirit in both staff and students.

Meet your EOTC requirements in a safe and cost-effective way.

Book now to experience CYC, the home of your next adventure!

cycnga christianyouthcamps

Term 4, 2023 | schoolnews.co.nz

Qualworx certication shows that our camp has met the highest standard in safety in the adventure activities industry.

07 824 8495 148 Waingaro Road, Ngaruawahia info@cyc.org.nz | cyc.org.nz

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E D U C AT I O N

DELIVERED TO YOUR SCHOOL

LEARNABLES STEM KITS MOTAT Education brings exciting, hands-on science learning experiences into your classroom, without you having to spend a fortune on resources or hours of your time on planning.

Hire a MOTAT Learnables kit and give your students an opportunity to experiment and learn about computing, coding, electricity, magnetics and more. Learnable kits are delivered free of change to your door.

Ngā Paruauru Iti – Little Gardeners kit is specifically designed for early childhood learners and is based around gardening and learning about planting and garden wildlife.

All kits are fully supported with suggested learning activities which are in line with classroom curriculum to help with planning.

Speak to a MOTAT Educator today and get your class learning with Learnables.

Discover more at MOTAT.NZ/LEARNING