Creative Inquiry (Discovery/Passion projects)
Creative inquiry is a natural progression that builds on from learning through curiosity. Through creative inquiry ākonga (learners) explore real world issues that are meaningful to them.
Using their own strengths and interests, they investigate a question that spares curiosity, for example: Can we swim in our local stream? Using what they find out, ākonga will imagine new possibilities and take action. Throughout the process, ākonga explore different areas of the New Zealand Curriculum relevant to their inquiry. With guidance of their kaiako they will think critically, reflect, and look forward to the future.
Why is Creative Inquiry important?
Creative inquiry is a way of bringing learning to life, “kawea te mātauranga ki te whaiao ki te ao marama”, because akonga are shaping an inquiry that they are passionate about. The creative inquiry approach to learning is strength-based and student-centred. Through the process of questioning, collaboration and critical thinking, they build resilience and become problem solvers. Research shows that these are essential skills ākonga will need to contribute to our ever-changing world.
What about reading, writing and maths?
Reading, writing and mathematics will be woven into the creative inquiry process. During this time, ākonga will continue to receive explicit teaching in literacy and numeracy based on their needs.
Our Values will be woven through Creative Inquiry
Links to the research
Weaving a coherent curriculum - Rose Hipkins
Pūkātara - Ministry of Education
The Power of Inquiry - Kate Murdoch
The New Zealand Curriculum - Ministry of Education
Integrating the curriculum through inquiry - Kate Murdoch
Inquiry Process - Lane Clarke
Why is Creative Inquiry important?
Creative inquiry is a way of bringing learning to life, “kawea te mātauranga ki te whaiao ki te ao marama”, because akonga are shaping an inquiry that they are passionate about. The creative inquiry approach to learning is strength-based and student-centred. Through the process of questioning, collaboration and critical thinking, they build resilience and become problem solvers. Research shows that these are essential skills ākonga will need to contribute to our ever-changing world.
What about reading, writing and maths?
Reading, writing and mathematics will be woven into the creative inquiry process. During this time, ākonga will continue to receive explicit teaching in literacy and numeracy based on their needs.
Our Values will be woven through Creative Inquiry
Links to the research
Weaving a coherent curriculum - Rose Hipkins
Pūkātara - Ministry of Education
The Power of Inquiry - Kate Murdoch
The New Zealand Curriculum - Ministry of Education
Integrating the curriculum through inquiry - Kate Murdoch
Inquiry Process - Lane Clarke
Discovery Time
Pōhutukawa children, and teachers, at Miramar Central School enjoy Discovery Time as part of their regular weekly timetable.
Discovery Time is an activity-based programme that encourages teachers and students to explore curriculum learning and key competency development in a fun, challenging, student-directed, authentic context. It caters for the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development of the student.
Children are given opportunities to engage in:
Play based learning
Activity based learning
Student directed learning
Creative and innovative learning
We have a range of activities for children to choose between each week. They are often planned around a theme or topic. Activities include: box modelling, arts and crafts, water play, messy play, construction, magic play box, role play, carpentry, music and much more.
Pōhutukawa children, and teachers, at Miramar Central School enjoy Discovery Time as part of their regular weekly timetable.
Discovery Time is an activity-based programme that encourages teachers and students to explore curriculum learning and key competency development in a fun, challenging, student-directed, authentic context. It caters for the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development of the student.
Children are given opportunities to engage in:
Play based learning
Activity based learning
Student directed learning
Creative and innovative learning
We have a range of activities for children to choose between each week. They are often planned around a theme or topic. Activities include: box modelling, arts and crafts, water play, messy play, construction, magic play box, role play, carpentry, music and much more.