Life cannot be compartmentalised into separate boxes, so why should learning be? Our curriculum addresses this by taking a thematic, interdisciplinary approach to the way we learn.

For students, this could mean learning mathematics and physics by building a bridge over the river that passes through our campus. Or learning biology by exploring marine biodiversity, understanding our impact on it and developing solutions towards conserving and regenerating it.

We understand that each student learns differently, and our thematic units are designed to foster a deep love for learning in them. We have seen students thrive when programmes are designed to value their individual passions and they are empowered to lead their own learning journeys.

Understanding the environment is fundamental to the Green School experience and is explored throughout our Green School Skills. Our thematic learning enables students to ‘Think in Systems’ and identifies the connection between social and environmental justice, supporting students to gain an understanding of their voice, power and role in creating change.

Environmental learning is threaded through courses and projects and is experienced day to day in where we learn, how we learn and what we consume. This awareness shapes sustainability mindsets as a springboard for activism, real projects that make a real difference and for instilling leadership in young adults.

Underpinning this is a strong foundation of scientific learning and the Green School Values, nurtured in all our learners. From climate change to marine ecology, from the circular economy to botany, our environmental science courses are flagship offerings delivered by educators with deep expertise, with a deep commitment to nature and a values-based approach to life as our guide.

Wellbeing in the Primary School truly embodies the principle of wall-lessness. It incorporates social-emotional learning, physical wellbeing & development and community building. Wellbeing also relates to our students developing strong and positive relationships with themselves, their peers, faculty, parents, their community as well as their environment. We believe a focus on student wellbeing should be central to the way schools build their programs.

Social-emotional learning in Primary School happens everywhere, all the time. In directed lessons in the classroom building on the expertise of talented educators, when playing around our nature-infused campus, during conversations around the lunch table or when there has been an argument between friends. Supported by regular mindfulness practices, opportunities for reflection, and of course lots of fun, building this awareness of ourselves and others is critical.

We take immense pride in Footprints, Green School's innovative capstone project for Year 6 learners in their final year of primary school, aimed at nurturing 'changemakers' among our learners.

Footprints is a unique initiative where our students, with the support of community members as mentors, identify local challenges and devise creative, sustainable solutions. By 'Thinking Global and Acting Local', they contribute positively to their community and environment. This process inherently fosters resilience, as students face and overcome obstacles in their paths, and the sustainability focus also ensures that learner projects are not just impactful today but also beneficial for the future. Projects are framed around learner passions and interests, allowing each learner to thrive within their own self-directed learning journey.

The culmination of the Footprints journey is a celebration of learner accomplishments. Our learners present their experiences and achievements to parents through a succinct presentation and an interactive showcase. This event allows parents to understand the project specifics, the skills acquired, and the growth experienced by their children.

Join us at Green School New Zealand, where we shape the changemakers of tomorrow, leaving enduring footprints on the path towards a sustainable future.