Inquiry Learning
Each term the students at Mānuka School participate in an Inquiry learning focus. This learning is often a mix of science, technology, social studies, health or the arts. Inquiry is taught in the afternoons but is often integrated into the literacy and mathematics programs as a way to create authentic learning experiences in these subjects.
Inquiry usually starts with an overarching question to investigate and explore. Examples of some of our inquiry topics are: a visual art inquiry, an inquiry around the social impacts of games and sports and ways to become responsible clothing consumers. The junior classes sometimes do mini inquiries linked to topics such as safety or the seasons.
Inquiry based learning is driven by students' curiosity about the world around them. It encourages children to make connections, use cooperation and collaboration skills. It allows students to pose and solve problems together and with their communities in shared, authentic learning experiences.