Date
24 March 2024

​Reflect cultural perspectives, consider te ao Māori and other cultures, design to support protocols and practices

Suggestion for implementing the strategy ‘Designing and configuring flexible learning spaces to support the full participation and engagement of all students’

On this page:

Culturally located learning spaces

Culturally located learning spaces

Janelle Riki explains the value of creating spaces where students can learn through and about their culture, including spaces for preparing and sharing kai, overnight stays, and kapa haka.

Visibly value students’ culture

Visibly value students’ culture

Visually reflect the different cultures of your school community through language, signs, and images. Create a sense of shared ownership by involving the school community in creating these.

Spaces for whānau

Spaces for whānau

Ongoing whānau involvement is important for supporting students’ learning.

Engage whānau by having spaces they can access in the school – for example, a whānau room where families can meet with teachers, wait for their children, have a cup of tea or coffee, and access the internet.

Source: Māui whakakau, kura whakakau: The impact of physical design on Māori and Pasifika student outcomes (opens in a new tab/window)

DeafSpace

DeafSpace

Vision and touch are the primary means of spatial awareness and orientation for Deaf students.
Design and plan your space to include students who are Deaf and hard of hearing.

Video hosted on Youtube http://youtu.be/FNGp1aviGvE

Strengthen design through partnership

Strengthen design through partnership

Māori cultural practices value welcoming visitors and making them feel at home. Early engagement with the community ensures appropriate protocols are considered in the design.

8855 [NZC-Scenario-65-Treaty-12.jpg]

Source: Ministry of Education | Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga

Source:
Ministry of Education | Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga

Useful resources

Useful resources

Guidance on designing culturally inclusive spaces.

Maui whakakau kura whakakau The impact of physical design on Maori and Pasifika student outcomes

Māui whakakau, kura whakakau: The impact of physical design on Māori and Pasifika student outcomes

Read time: 43 min

This report provides a starting point for schools to develop the cultural inclusivity of their physical environment. It focuses on the features of school design that demonstrate to Māori and Pasifika students the value placed on their identity, language, and culture.

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Next steps

More suggestions for implementing the strategy “Design for all from the outset”:

Return to the guide “Planning innovative learning environments (ILEs)”

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