Learn with us
For twelve years the Waimairi PD Centre has provided unique, high quality, learning experiences for fellow educators. We have hosted just over 3,000 people from New Zealand and overseas. We have also run many outreach courses all over New Zealand.
During our school rebuild from 2018 - 2020 we lost our ability to host your professional learning.
In 2021 we are back.
Attendee feedback:
“Thank you Mike. I really enjoyed today. It was a great mix of the sessions with you and then seeing what you were saying in action. You are so passionate about what you do. When I think of all the things that are not right in the NZ education system, I feel so glad there is someone like you challenging the status quo.
You certainly challenged my thinking. I am looking forward to XX, XX and I getting together and thinking about what we have learnt today and what our next steps are. I have already started reading Sustainable Education (ebook)!”
Tracey (School Leader)
" My leadership team had an inspiring day visiting Waimairi School and looking in depth at the theory that underpins Waimairi's design and their learning settings. Much was covered during the day, the model of delivery was informal with opportunities to ask questions and debrief as a team throughout the day allowing us to own our learning experience. Mike has shaken up our thinking on a number of things, provided some great readings to folllow through with and given us a map forward as we contemplate how the learning environments in our new school will be set up. Thanks Mike - a truly informative and worthwhile day."
Toni (School Leader)
Option One - School visit experience. Half Day Event.
Come on your own, or as a group of fellow educators, for a facilitated visit. Our current campus is the result of twelve years of research and synthesis, which has led to a unique educational facility. We will expose you to the research base and the inclusive design process used to produce our current learning environment.
After the presentation and an orientation tour, you are free to roam. See whatever you want to see.
The experience ends with a brief plenary session.
TIMING = 8:30am - 11am.
COST = Koha. Leave us a box of chocolates, a thank you card, or a million dollars - it is up to you.
BOOKING = Email to arrange a date which works for all of us.
Option Two - Challenging Thinking About Learning Spaces. One Day Workshop.
The understanding of the complex relationship between the built environment and the quality of the learning which happens within it is essential for all:
-School leaders
-Teachers
-Board Members
-Architects and planners
-MoE property staff.
If you are planning a rebuild (or refurbishment project) , looking to maximise the impact of your existing older learning spaces (which you are stuck with for life), or reviewing what the next steps are for your recently built facilities. This day is for you.
Waimairi School has emerged from a 12-year long period of re-thinking and redesigning how the built environment weaves into deep learning outcomes for students. We don’t claim to have worked it all out, but we want to share our work with you so you can challenge your own thinking on this important topic.
You will be exposed to a range of learning space theories, some not so common in the New Zealand context - but all grounded in sound empirical research.
You will be exposed to some provocations which may open your thinking to ‘other ways of working’ with school property and the learning within it.
The day is a good balance of theoretical unpacking and practical observations of a school in action. Plus great coffee.
You will leave with digital and hard copies of resources and research, and an open mind on possibilities for learning facility design.
TIMING = 8:30am - 3:30pm.
COST = $190 +GST per person (includes morning tea and lunch).
BOOKING = Do it here (one form per person).
We have availably on 30 March, 14 May and 25 June.