Differences in the Classroom

The New Zealand education system is very different from the U.S. For instance, the school is actually split into buildings around the campus, not one big building all together. Since the weather is obviously more manageable here, it's no big deal that the school takes up such a large space. The worst NZ gets is a rain storm that would last a few hours, and usually not more. The year levels are split into different areas around the campus, and the youngest learners are safely secluded in their own area.

The view from my classroom of the top half of the school grounds.

The view from my room of the back playing field.

Some of the classrooms. Each separate set is equipped with toilets and a drinking fountain in/near them so students aren't running all over the school during learning time.

Some of the courts classes use for fitness and games, all made of turf.

A view of part of the Year 3 room cluster and the hall (on the right), which is basically an auditorium. This is where all school-wide events and programs are held.

There are several play fields and playgrounds around the compound, along with a few flower gardens, a small forest, and a vegetable garden.

Some beautiful flowers near my room.

The 'Secret Garden,' a quiet and reflective space in the midst of many classrooms.

Some amazing trees right in the middle of the school grounds :) and a lovely little flower garden.

The year levels are different than grade levels. A 5 year old will start in Year 1, not Kindergarten. Thus, U.S. grade levels are a year 'behind' the grades here. I'm teaching Year 6, which is 5th grade in the U.S. Kindergarten, or Kindy, is what Kiwis call daycare centers for their babies and toddlers to attend before regular school. Elementary school is called 'primary school' here. Students begin there and then graduate and attend intermediate (middle school), unless their primary goes all the way through intermediate as well. Then students go on to attend high school (also goes by 'college' here), and finally, if they choose, attend university for their degrees.

Each day is split up into 3 learning blocks, with a morning tea time and lunch time, for students to have a snack/lunch and have recess. The school day is also shorter. The schedule is:

Block 1: 8:55-11am

Morning Tea: 11-11:25am

Block 2: 11:30-12:45pm

Lunch: 12:45-1:25pm

Block 3: 1:30-2:55pm

Which subjects happen when is up to the discretion of the teachers! There is not a set daily schedule (which is usually the case in the U.S.), so one day they may have reading and math in the first block and writing later, and then the next day they may have a longer writing lesson straightaway in the morning.

The recesses are pretty free flowing. Teachers are assigned 'duty' times a few times a week for before school or during morning tea or lunch. They watch the kids play and run around.

At Tiri, there are also 2 school assemblies per week. Singing assembly is on Thursday mornings and is a more informal time for students to have fun singing a variety of songs. Friday is the regular assembly, much more formal, where different classes perform a song or play they've been rehearsing, or some other learners show off an art project they recently completed.

There are not different 'specials' teachers like an art or music teacher. Instead, the classroom teacher is responsible for all those different components. So, at some point each day, the students go out for a fitness game or jog. Some teachers teach music (like recorder or ukulele) and others teach dance or drama. It's really up to them and what their talents are.

In New Zealand curriculum, it is a government requirement to include different parts of the Maori (indigenous people) culture and language in the school day. Each learner has Te Reo Maori language class from Year 3-5 weekly, and throughout the day you will hear different classes reciting Maori numbers or karakias (kind of like prayers) before meal times. It's really cool to see how the government is trying to honor the Maori people after a very sad history between British colonizers and the Maori (similar to the mistreatment of Native Americans in the U.S.).

Tiri also has a French teacher and teacher aid that teach French classes to each student in Year 5 and 6. Also, each Tuesday, 20 Year 6 students are enrolled in a French Immersion Day, where they are gone from their classrooms and spend the day learning French and incorporating the language into their subject areas with the French teacher.

Students are required to wear a basic uniform each day, unless they are allowed to wear mufti, or casual clothes. They have a Tiri polo, either a Tiri skorts or pants, black or white socks and all black shoes. It is very normal to have be required to have a uniform in school in Auckland! A majority of schools have them.

Class sizes are generally bigger than those (from my experiences) in the U.S., with about 25-30 students in each room. It usually isn't overwhelming! Sometimes it can be, but haha... not always.

The New Zealand national standards were actually dropped this year, but the required curriculum remain. Although the curriculum is much more relaxed and free flowing than the U.S.' expectations. There is a curriculum for the 3 main areas of learning: math, reading, and writing, and then supplementary curriculum for social studies, science, the arts, music, fitness, and health.

Special education is also different here. While they have inclusive classrooms, there aren't as many strictly 'special education' teachers that pull out students. There are still advocates for the student and some people that work with them, but not in the same way as special ed. teachers in the U.S.

There is not as much standardized testing (no surprise, lol) as the U.S., which is really nice. They obviously have some tests to see where the students are at regarding math levels, etc., but they are not as rigorous and the government doesn't hold them to the same importance and as the 'final say' as the U.S., grading both teachers and schools/districts from the test scores.

Pacifika and Kapa Haka are just 2 groups students can participate in on campus. They both celebrate students' cultural heritage, with Pacifika learning and performing a variety of Island's traditional dances (for example, Samoan) and Kapa Haka performs and competes with a traditional 'haka.'

There are a VERY wide variety of cultural heritages and ethnicities at Tiri. New Zealand has an incredibly diverse population, and the schools reflect that. From the school alone, there are students that speak heaps of different languages, including Mandarin, Fijian, German, French, Maori, Japanese, Korean, English, Tongan, Samoan, Cook Island Maori, amongst others. Let's just say their yearly cultural fair is AMAZING! :) Another thing I really love is how proud of their cultures the kids are. For example, one of my students is Croatian and is involved in a local Croatian vocal and dance group.

Obviously not 100% across the board, but for the most part, Kiwis appreciate and celebrate the diversity their country exudes. I think the U.S. could learn a few things about how culturally and ethnically inclusive they are.

Teachers are very appreciated and trusted here, and yet do not earn much money at all. Either way, I think they are TRUSTED more than in the U.S., which is obviously appreciated. They are the people who've gone to school, gained wonderful experience, and are ready to make their country and world a better place. Let's trust teachers to do the job they are so passionate about.

The bottom line is, kids are happy to come to school here, even if they really struggle academically. They do a great job of mixing fun and 'work' and the kids know they are loved and safe. Also, kids don't live in fear of unsafe people being on the school grounds, which I think plays at least a small part in their overall content attitudes. '

It's been an incredible blessing to grow here, learning from amazing teachers and other professionals at Tirimoana. I can't believe there are only a few days of school left! :(