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Mangawhai Hills College is leading the way in innovative science education, becoming the first school in New Zealand to adopt a new online specialist teaching model designed to overcome regional staffing challenges.
The initiative is a partnership with Crimson Global Academy (CGA), which has developed the programme in response to the ongoing difficulty many regional schools face in recruiting and retaining specialist subject teachers, particularly in science.
Rather than students having to change schools, relocate or drop subjects altogether, the partnership allows Mangawhai Hills College students to access specialist science teaching while remaining at their local school.
Trust chair Jill Corkin said the results of the programme exceeded expectations.
“The success of the students blew us away,” she said. “Students were engaged and really enjoyed the lessons.”
She attributed the success to both the small class sizes and the calibre of the specialist teachers delivering the programme.
A combined science syllabus covering biology, physics and chemistry was delivered to Year 7 to 9 students last year. This year the programme will be extended to include Years 7 to 10, with students then able to specialise when they reach exam levels in Years 11 and 12.
Some of the online learning also dovetails with subjects such as environmental studies, allowing students to apply their knowledge in real-world, local environments.
Corkin admits she was initially unsure about the approach, as were some parents, but says those concerns have since been allayed.
“Sessions are recorded so parents can access them if they wish, and if a student is away they can review the lesson later,” she said. “The academy also uses a range of online tools, including virtual telescopes and microscopes that students can manipulate from their touch screens.”
The initiative began after a CGA staff member spent time working at Mangawhai Hills College last year and saw first-hand how difficult it was to source a specialist science teacher. Discussions followed about whether online specialist teaching could offer a practical short-to-medium term solution.
A CGA spokesperson said the programme is not about replacing local teachers or changing the character of the school.
“Mangawhai Hills College remains firmly rooted in its community-based, hands-on, place-based approach to learning,” the spokesperson said.
Both CGA and the college see the programme as an example of schools adapting creatively to regional staffing pressures while keeping student wellbeing and connection to place at the centre.
Mangawhai Hills College will start the year with 30 students on its roll, double last year’s intake.
