Learner QualitiesThe learner qualities are a set of attitudes and dispositions essential for learning: question, be determined, think, be self-aware, connect, wonder, and reflect. The language of learner qualities helps children describe how they approach their learning, what they are aiming to do, and what they are noticing. Teachers introduce this at an early age. As learners advance, they can give examples of how they apply the learner qualities in their learning.
Learning at Stonefields School
Learning at Stonefields can be best described as relevant, rich and engaging. It is informed by a set of well-established vision principles, local and international research, and the voices of those that matter most - our learners and their whānau. Every day children focus on building their learning capacity, developing collaborative skills, making meaning of the world around them, and ‘breaking through’ - exploring their own strengths, interests and curiosities. What this means is that children not only learn the all important foundational literacies, but also develop their confidence, curiosity and agency, building their understanding of how to learn. This we believe is how we as a school can best serve our learners and our community - setting children up for success now, and in the future.
Our Language of Learning
A decade of experience has shown us the power of having a shared language of learning at school. It helps teachers teach better and helps children to describe 'what to do when they don't know what to do'.
Learning ProcessThe learning process helps learners investigate, problem-solve, make informed decisions, and advance their learning. It steps them through three key stages of learning - Build Knowledge, Make Meaning and Apply Understanding. Doing so aims to demystify the learning process, helping learners know what to do next. We teach specific thinking skills to draw upon at each of the three stages.
Learning PitGetting stuck in learning is a natural part of the learning process. At Stonefields, we call this "getting stuck in the learning pit", and learners benefit from recognising that 'being in the pit' is okay. Making mistakes, failing, and not knowing are essential parts of the learning journey. Being comfortable moving in and out of the pit is also critical so that learners experience a suitable stretch and challenge level. Often the best learning comes from being stuck.
Learning Hubs
We are proud of our well resourced and innovative learning environments, and the learning that happens within them.
The Learning Hubs (Innovative Learning Environments) have been specifically designed to support the school’s vision of teaching and learning. They offer a range of learning settings that teachers and learners can move between, according to the learning they are doing. Hubs generally are home to two or three teachers and between 50 - 80 learners. The team of teachers work together to design learning for all learners. An individual learner's learning may be caused by any of the teachers within the learning hub. A key to the learner's success is the teacher's ability to empower learners to take ownership of their learning.
Hubs are generally made up of two year levels, providing learners with the opportunity to work alongside those who are both older, and younger than they are. This is very much in line with the concept of tuakana–teina, and is a key feature of learning at Stonefields.
Each learner has a guardian teacher who is their advocate, strength nurturer, talent finder, motivator and learning activator. This adult acts as the individual's guardian while situated in the Learning Hub, and is often the first port of call for parents. The hub teachers are collectively responsible for learning and communicating with parents.
What is Exploring Through (ET)?
Along with learning the core competencies of literacy and numeracy, Stonefields' learners also get the opportunity to explore Music, Visual Arts and STEAM through our Exploring Through (ET) programme.
Check out the video to find out more
Wellbeing - The MITEY approach
Teachers, parents and experts all agree. Mental health education has never been more crucial for our children. Stonefields School employs the Sir John Kirwan Foundation MITEY approach.
MITEY is an evidence based, school wide approach to teaching mental health education which is built around the NZ Curriculum and aligned to the Mental Health Education Guidelines.
Student Leadership
As learners reach the senior end of our school, they are encouraged to take up a leadership opportunity. Learners write a cv and submit an application for leadership roles including:
School tour guides
Sports leaders
Tech support
Librarians
Junior class leaders
Kapa Haka leaders
Student council, and many more
Contact
81 Tihi Street
Stonefields
Auckland 1072
Phone: 09 527 7721
Email: office@stonefields.school.nz
Term Dates 2024
Term 1: Thursday 1 February - Friday 12 April
Term 2: Monday 29 April - Friday 5 July
Term 3: Monday 22 July - Friday 27 September
Term 4: Monday 14 October - Tuesday 17 December
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