Enviroschools : How it Works

Pam Jones

Enviroschools Facilitator-Wellington Region

"Enviroschools is an inclusive kaupapa that brings ‘change’ for both people and nature. I think one of the success factors is that students learn both inside and outside the classroom, and integrate practical and academic work to resolve real issues. Teaching and learning is achieved through the entire curriculum in a meaningful way, and there are endless opportunities for student achievement and success beyond just a grade! Boys in particular thrive on the combination approach, and I’ve seen many boys, for the first time, accept roles of responsibility, ownership and leadership at school. Also in the process, schools realise their local uniqueness, make informed decisions, take wise action and often discover their own ability to resource themselves in their journey towards sustainability."

A Touchstone
Kaupapa does not have a direct English translation but encompasses words such as foundations, principles, elements, themes and ground rules. Our kaupapa is our touchstone.

The kaupapa of Enviroschools / Kura Taiao is about taking action for the well-being of the whole school, community and eco-system. Communities are made up of people, plants, animals and the landscape that they all live in. Becoming more sustainable involves understanding and supporting the interconnections and interdependence between all living things in our community.

Real Life Learning
Young people have an abundance of energy and ideas – and they want to explore real life challenges - Enviroschools gives them that chance. Schools that are working towards sustainability play a significant role in creating sustainable communities by:

being role models of sustainable practices
enabling students to be teachers amongst their families and peers
creating future leaders who understand how to make informed decisions and take action.

The Enviroschools process is different in each school but there are some main elements that schools undertake – such as creating a whole school vision, forming an envirogoup, working with the community and implementing action projects. Each enviroschool works with a trained facilitator who guides, motivates and advises schools along their journey and assists to create valuable links with complementary programmes, relevant experts in their community and with other schools.

Sharing knowledge is an essential part of the Enviroschools process. Local, regional and national Enviroschools events provide opportunities for all participants to learn from each other. Events are also a great way to link schools with the diverse range of expertise in the wider community on sustainability topics.

At the centre of the Enviroschools process is the Pūnaha Akoako / Action Learning Cycle, encouraging a process of exploration, decision-making, action and reflection.

Surrounding and reinforcing this learning is a Whole School Approach, where students are involved in all aspects of school life. Embracing and connecting are the five Guiding Principles / Ngā Mātāpono.

There are a wide range of Outcomes and Benefits now being experienced from the this approach.