Cycle 4

Wairoa Campus • AGES 12-15

Adolescence is characterised by a heightened sense of social consciousness, moral independence, and the quest for identity. During these formative years, collaborative planning and brainstorming play a critical role in shaping adolescents’ understanding of themselves and their place within the community.

Recently, Cycle 4 staff participated in a two-part workshop focused on developing collaborative opportunities and engaging students in meaningful work with authentic audiences and real consequences. We left the workshop feeling validated and excited about the potential to implement this learning framework with our students.

By involving adolescents in the planning process, we honour their emerging autonomy and recognise them as capable individuals. This approach cultivates a sense of ownership over their learning experiences, fostering not only engagement but also a deeper connection to the tasks at hand. When we invite young people to share their ideas, we’re not just facilitating an activity; we’re encouraging them to reflect on their education, strengths, and interests.

In the Montessori Adolescent Program, "occupations" encompass meaningful tasks that resonate with adolescents on multiple levels. These occupations might include community service projects, entrepreneurial ventures, or farm and garden work. The aim is to connect adolescents with experiences that extend beyond the classroom while enhancing their skills and intellect.

We plan to hold brainstorming sessions centered around these occupations. For instance, when preparing for a community garden project, we will engage in open-ended discussions around questions like:

• What work needs to be done?

• What impact do you think this garden could have on our community?

• How can we design it to reflect our values and needs?

• What roles will each of us play to ensure its success?

By posing these questions, we invite adolescents to think critically and collaboratively about the implications of their work, encouraging them to explore their personal values while establishing a collective vision for the future.

As part of our commitment to advancing the learning of both adults and students, we are thrilled to announce the recent addition of a laser cutter to complement the 3D printer in our maker space. We also acquired a class set of Pixel phones (without SIM cards) that students can use for filming, editing, recording music, and accessing useful learning apps such as identifiers and maps. Most excitingly, we’ve added an advanced robotics kit! By incorporating technology that resonates with adolescents, we enhance their engagement and allow them to build upon their existing knowledge, moral framework, and interests—facilitating a deeper exploration of complex concepts in their learning.