Response to Principal Possum: What will replace secondary schools?

Kia ora Maurie, 

Great blog! Thanks for sharing your provocative thinking. Our rangatahi have much to

gain from these vital thoughts. I absolutely agree we need to stop asking if secondary schools
need to change? We need to delve into both the how and what questions... AND ACT!
I wish to address something I noticed recently in this blog and at a recent presentation
on Deep Learning. When we begin to consider models of education/thinking from
overseas we connect with these concepts and see their value BUT fall short of connecting
these concepts to an essential piece of our unique country without realising the
potential that awaits… this being Te Tiriti o Waitangi (The Treaty of Waitangi.)

I have taken the liberty to provide some possible answers that I would feel are

essential to consider in any school that is serious about thriving in a future Aotearoa.

Thrive as a planet: This needs to be at the centre of our curriculum.

Explicitly focusing on Te Tiriti o Waitangi is essential for us as citizens of Aotearoa

to come together in a way that is truly sustainable for both the hauora of our environment

(therefore our economy) and our cultures. This could potentially provide a much needed

(intercultural) model for other countries to use as well.

Thrive at a societal level: How can democratic values and values of equity be

explored in our schools? 

Sharing a vision and relentlessly pursuing a society that is based on authentic

Partnership, Protection and Participation of Te Tiriti o Waitangi is a responsibility
as well as a privilege. New Zealand educators need to focus more on the current
imbalance of power and how this can be corrected through equity and empathy AND action.
This links to something I read recently…

”Knowledge moves from your head to your heart through your hands…”

Te Tiriti o Waitangi is a unique, culturally authentic context that can lead towards

deep learning outcomes for our rangatahi and others that have a significant

impact on individuals, whanau, communities and our nation.

Thrive at interpersonal level: Schools must create learning environments
where young people can develop respectful and caring relationships.

Reread the answers to questions 1 and 2.

Thrive at intrapersonal level: Students must be able to explore their identity,

find personal meaning and be valued for whom they are.

Te Tiriti o Waitangi is the basis for our countries future success and I see it as

potentially a powerful enabler for further equity and social justice globally.

Let's begin to reframe this important document so that our identity is one to be

championed. We got a glimpse of how the world responded to the power of

Aroha in response to terror… Lets ensure we lead the world in other acts of kindness

and courage.

What will replace secondary schools?

Right now I'm thinking we could start with a vision similar to: Learn to thrive in a
transforming world through realising the potential of te Tiriti o Waitangi.

and then develop a curriculum focusing on the 4 levels of Thrive outlined above.