It’s 40 years since I was Deputy Principal of Bayfield School, and now I am crossing the road to the brand new school on the present site.
We were excited by the newness and the innovative layout of the new school, which was set out in a style that allowed the collaborative approach which Bayfield teachers still use today. We called the spaces ‘open plan’ and several teachers taught together in what we called a pod. They now refer to it as a hub.
What a change from the old school across the road, now an early childhood centre!
In the old days school teachers spent all day hidden away with their ‘own’ class, and apart from visits from the principal or children with a message, and periodically a school inspector, little was known about what went on behind closed doors. If it was quiet, most assumed good learning was taking place. If it was very noisy, most assumed the teacher had disciplinary difficulties. But for all most knew, the teacher could have been reading the Herald all morning and the Best Bets all afternoon.
The collaborative nature of the open plan presented its challenges. It was not universally liked by teachers. It was sometimes said that it resulted in the discipline of the weakest teacher. But in fact, it enabled, and now in the brand new Bayfield School, will enable, younger, less experienced teachers to be mentored by the more mature staff members. It also gives the opportunity for teachers with special knowledge or skills to take the lead in their special area. Music is a good example.
These spaces, so beautifully put together in the new Bayfield School, with coloured tiles to designate each hub, allow for one-on-one learning, small groups, or up to three classes all together for shared reading, a visiting speaker, or massed singing. Versatile and flexible are the key words.
The new furniture is outstanding, with ergonomic chairs. The hubs are also especially set up to facilitate digital learning - between 30 and 60% of the students’ time, Principal Sheryl Fletcher estimates. But it is not all about digital. There is a flash new library space too.
Mrs Fletcher gave me a VIP tour of the new school. The first thing that impressed me was the excellent school ‘tone’. By tone, I mean the quality or style of the learning that is going on. Students were actively engaged. They are encouraged to develop ‘agency’, taking some responsibility for their own learning, and understanding its importance. Tonal quality is what inspectors used to be able to assess pretty accurately just by walking around the school. It is one thing ERO still looks for.
Bayfield can now bring to fruition their vision statement ‘inspired today - prepared for tomorrow.’
Sheryl Fletcher took me into the rebuilt hall, a wonderful facility for current students and the wider community too.
Up on the wall for the first time since it was displayed across the road in the old school was the Honours Board. It features the names of the fallen in both World Wars, and now becomes a constant reminder to students of those in our community who sacrificed their lives for us.
From 1886 to 2015, Bayfield has a proud past and is assured of a successful future. The Board of Trustees is seeking out of zone applications for a ballot on 14 October, so if you have a Year 1 to 6 child and you are not in the Bayfield zone you may consider an application.
There has been much heartache and disruption over the leaky old buildings, but now the staff and students feel proud, and somewhat lucky, that they can teach and learn in such an up to date and attractive environment.
With the removal of the prefabs and the landscaping completed, Bayfield will be vision to behold in 2016. (JOHN ELLIOTT)