Feature 10 Sep 2019
The community of kapa haka
For nearly a decade, Kapanui School in Waikanae has been using kapa haka as a way of building community in and around the school – and the benefits have been extraordinary for both Māori and non-Māori students.
Feature 26 Jul 2019
Strengthening, growing and reaching out
The interplay between a school and its community is complex and rich with potential – for personal connection, professional support and building capability. A range of schools throughout the country illustrate the myriad ways – and reasons why – school communities come together.
Feature 25 Jul 2019
People power
School principals from around the country explain how strong communities of staff bring crucial benefits for children and whānau, from South Auckland to Southland.
Feature 25 Jul 2019
Building bridges: from community to ECE to primary
The importance of whānau and community doesn’t lessen just because a child starts school, but it can be hard for educators to maintain these strong connections once a child leaves early childhood education. Jane Blaikie and Jane Arthur talk to educators across the country about the challenges they face when trying to build bridges between the child and their community.Book Reviews
Virtually connected
More than a quarter of New Zealand schools have fewer than 100 students. They are often rural and remote, with minimal infrastructure and fragile economies. For teachers in these places, the challenges are high. How can they provide a rich, varied curriculum with only one or two teachers? How can their students gain meaningful connections with the wider world and overcome their isolation? Ako spoke with teachers who are grappling with these questions and finding solutions through online communities.
Children’s book reviews
Read reviews of eight new New Zealand picture books for children of all ages, covering topics including anxiety, transport, the Treaty of Waitangi, dinosaur discoveries and more.
Girls and Autism: Educational, Family and Personal Perspectives
Edited by Barry Carpenter, Francesca Happè and Jo Egerton (Routledge)