Marlborough Express - Weekend Express
Teaching children how to learn
When new parents come into a school with their child for the first time they come with memories of their own childhood and school experiences, and presume they know what is in store.
They are often very surprised by what they find. On the surface schools seem the same no matter whether you attended in Marlborough or elsewhere in the world.
There are still playgrounds and sandpits, and the buildings generally look the same from the outside, but as you head inside the similarities are much less.
Schools have moved from the industrial era where one class was lead by one teacher to spaces that are collaborative; often with two or more teachers in a purpose-built learning space.
The traditional classroom contained desks (usually in rows), but now we see furniture that accommodates the different learning styles, and is flexible and adaptable to remove learning barriers and meet children’s varying needs.
Over time everything has evolved. Just as farmers have moved from using ploughs being towed by bullocks and traditional methods of farming, to high-tech machinery and a more scientific approach, schools have also changed. Technology has been a major driver for change providing better tools for learning.
We also now have a far better understanding of how children learn which means teaching is more personalised, which involves all key stakeholders including parents and caregivers.
Our kids will face a very different world to what we live in now. Several studies have concluded that nearly half of the jobs that exist today will be automated in the next 20 years, and 65% of the jobs that our current students will be working in, haven’t even been invented yet.
To prepare for the future we are having to replace our regimented education system with one that fosters skills like teamwork, communication, problem-solving, selfmanagement and exploration.
Teachers now teach children how to learn rather than fill them up with knowledge. It’s not about learning facts and figures anymore but rather how to access and use the information when needed. Often curriculum areas are integrated instead of being stand alone subjects.
Our schools are moving towards providing experiences that are engaging, relevant and authentic. Values and the key competencies form an important part of the curriculum for all schools. Rather than preparing for tests we are preparing children for their future. Schools are places where children take a growing responsibility for their own learning.
Marlborough schools are becoming increasingly culturally diverse and inclusive, where all children are valued and allowed to learn and progress at their own rate. There is more student choice and voice, with students setting their own goals and knowing their next steps.
Students work collaboratively with others both inside the classroom and outside (including globally). They are encouraged to problem solve and inquire into areas of interest.
Education is certainly going through exciting times and the schools in Marlborough have extremely dedicated teachers and leaders who are passionate about providing their students with quality, future-focussed education.
Marlborough is a very collaborative region and the primary sector are fortunate to be able to feed into the new colleges development, so that our children have clear educational pathways and the best educational opportunities.