Environmental Education

Bay Conservation Alliance

Mountains to sea, maunga to moana, and everything in between, our local area is incredible. Through the joint partnership with Bay Conservation Alliance, our Year 4-8 learners get to see, feel and learn to love the interconnected ecosystems we have all around us. These important environments work together to maintain habitat health for our native species. Every piece of the puzzle is important, including us!

Our learning involves in-class sessions, field trips and follow up activities. We are extremely lucky to be involved in an initiative that teaches our learners, our tamariki, about New Zealand’s unique biodiversity / taonga; native, endemic and introduced species; sustainability; and personal and social responsibility for action.

Through field trips, personal health and physical development is promoted through physical activity in our local environment - walking, planting and moving. Our learners also strengthen the taha wairua side of their whare by being guardians / protectors of their local environment. Eight units are delivered across a two year cycle (4 units each year).

Marine

Our tamariki learn about the fish species found at our local beaches, harbours and estuaries. They find out how scientists count for fish and monitor the health of their habitat. In a swimming pool, our learners get to dive deep into the underwater world and learn how to snorkel. They practice surveying for local fish species, identifying and counting on underwater paper.

The Dunes

Our learners discover the role plants play in our dunes and the unique birds and bugs that make the sand dune their home. Through a field trip, our tamariki support the dune ecosystem by pulling out weeds and planting native plants with our friends at Coast Care.

The Wetlands

Our tamariki learn about wetland habitats, and their special qualities and processes. They learn to identify the special characteristics of our native wetland birds and plants. Our learners get muddy while helping restore a local wetland with native plants. While out in the environment, our tamariki monitor the wetland health by checking for wetland bugs, birds and fish.

The Estuary

Our estuaries are home to many species of kaimoana, plant life and birds. Our learners discover what makes these areas so special and what is threatening our native species. Through a field trip, our tamariki get to dig deep in the sand of our local estuary and investigate the creatures that live below. They are supported in spotting the birds that make the estuary their home.

The Forest

Our precious forest ecosystem has been ravaged by introduced pest species. Our learners monitor the movement of local pests at our school and learn what they can do to help. Through a field trip, our tamariki experience the beauty of the forest and learn about the native birds, invertebrates and reptiles that live there.

Freshwater

Our learners explore the plant and animal life within our unique freshwater stream and river system. They find out about water quality and what to do to help protect our local stream health. Through a visit to Puketoki Reserve, our tamariki have fun while looking for freshwater bugs and fish. They learn how to test water quality and habitat health.

The Soil

Our tamariki learn about our precious soils and how they can help to keep them healthy. Through a visit to a local farm, our learners get dirty while digging deep into the soil checking out the creatures and soil health. They discover what happens below ground and what contributes to our food and life.

The Rocky Shore

Our learners discover what marine species live in different zones of the rocky shore and how they interact. They learn about the weird and wonderful characteristics of some of the rocky shore animals and plants. Through a field trip, our tamariki wobble over rocks and get up close with crabs, snails, anemones and shellfish. They explore a pool and count the different creatures to see how popular our rocky shore is.