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’
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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.
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.
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.
Useful resources
Useful resources
Guidance on designing culturally inclusive spaces.
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.
Next steps
More suggestions for implementing the strategy “Design for all from the outset”:
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Current page Reflect cultural perspectives
Return to the guide “Planning innovative learning environments (ILEs)”
How to use this site
Guide to Index of the guide: ILEs
Understand:
Strategies for action:
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Collaborate to develop an inclusive ILEShow suggestions for Collaborate to develop an inclusive ILE
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Develop inclusive teaching practicesShow suggestions for Develop inclusive teaching practices
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Design for all from the outsetShow suggestions for Design for all from the outset
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Involve students in transition to new spaceShow suggestions for Involve students in transition to new space
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Work with parents and whānauShow suggestions for Work with parents and whānau