Open Week at Western Springs College/Nga Puna O Waiorea provides a brilliant opportunity for prospective parents and their children to view the future of education in one of the most up to date and striking pieces of school architecture in New Zealand.
The $96 million complex comprises six core components:
• the 3 storey Ken Havill Centre for Learning (1,420 students);
• the 2 storey Waioteao teaching block for Nga Puna O Waiorea,
the Maori Immersion Unit (280 students);
• the Whare Tapere Maori Performing Arts Building;
• the Gymnasium and Fitness Centre;
• the Whare Puoro Music Suite, and
• the indoor/outdoor Cafeteria.
Visitors, and there has been a constant stream of these hosted by Principal Ivan Davis, shake their heads in disbelief at the environment that has been created. “There is no way that this can be a school!” is a frequent refrain. The interior environment – furnishings, climate control and acoustic treatment make for an environment conducive to learning and particularly collaboration - a key component of 21st century pedagogy.
The attractiveness of the new school is reflected in average attendance rates of 93 to 95 percent which are 13 to 15 percent above the national average. Post Covid lockdown attendance has been particularly strong as students take advantage of the joy of social interaction with their peers in their wonderful new school environment.
Western Springs College, 100 Motions Road, T: 09 815 6730 www.westernsprings.school.nz
Photography: Dennis Rachermacher and Jasmax