Spotswood Primary Students Showcase Learning Through Their Own Scenic Reserve

Spotswood Primary Students Showcase Learning Through Their Own Scenic Reserve

During terms One and Two, Spotswood Primary School students learnt all about scenic reserves; in particular, Rotokare. They have been learning about different methods of pest control, the wide variety of native birdlife at Rotokare and our native flora and fauna.

To finish off the study, they decided to turn their school hall into their very own scenic reserve. Students put on a fantastic display of their learning in the form of artwork, stories, multimedia presentations, information brochures, haiku tunnels and many more. All displays were centred around a stream with a walking bridge over top and stepping stones, flowing from a waterfall. For visitors it felt like they were part of a scenic reserve oasis.

The whole school spent a day at Rotokare, in their outdoor classroom, learning about pests and predators, native birdlife and their habitats, the pest-proof fence and exploring the sanctuary. Students were involved in a wide range of hands on learning experiences, teaching them how they can help eradicate pests and look after their environment.

The follow on from the Rotokare experience led some students to enlist the help of the school property manager and Taranaki Regional Council to help eradicate pests around our school such as possums, rats and mice.

The organising committee reported that ‘We were delighted with the number of whanau and community members who came to support their tamariki. The sharing of knowledge between the students and their parents was rich and exciting. Over all it was a great success.’

Community were invited to view the expo and we were thrilled to have visitors from Marfell and Ngamotu Kindergartens as well as Jump Start Preschool. To view photos from the expo, go to www.spotswoodprimary.co.nz.