Situated within walking distance of the beach, wetlands, bush and river, a short commute from Dunedin, Waihola and Milton, Taieri Beach School is committed to growing a community of happy, creative, confident lifelong learners within a nature-based learning philosophy.Quality time outdoors and in nature encourages learners to enjoy and interact with nature and learn about nature and from nature.
Research has shown that naturebased learning environments have positive academic and mental health benefits.
Teaching principal Dr Gloria Penrice and her enthusiastic, experienced teaching staff strongly believe in encouraging curiosity and creativity as a way of engaging and motivating learners.
Tamariki receive one-on-one support catering to their individual strengths and interests, ensuring they all get the maximum benefit out of their educational experiences and succeed to the best of their ability in all areas of the curriculum.
Taieri Beach School believes its tamariki learn best when they are relaxed, happy, feel safe and have warm, positive, supportive relationships with their teachers.
The classroom environment focuses on all tamariki feeling valued, secure and confident they will be listened to, and celebrates their achievements. Close communication with whanau is highly valued and there is an open-door policy where parents feel welcome to visit. Taieri Beach School values pupil-initiated learning projects. The children have designed and created a Bug City comprising a school, cafe, high-rise weta apartment and recycling centre.
In the area they call Paradise, the children have created a magical fairy tree that looks after a teepee village below where tiny stone babies sleep in walnut shells.
Buried deep in Paradise are the children’s time capsules, close to the sensory track and a secluded restaurant decorated with wind chimes and colourful hanging decorations.
For more information about what Taieri Beach School can offer, contact Dr Penrice by emailing principal@taieribeach.school.nz
