Philosophy

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At Mākara Model School, our philosophy is grounded in the belief that every child is a capable, curious, and creative learner. We value the unique strengths and interests each student brings, and we nurture these through rich, meaningful learning experiences that connect to the world around them.  We are committed to developing the whole child – socially, emotionally, physically, and academically – so they grow with confidence and balance in all areas of their lives.

As an Enviroschool, we embrace the outdoors as a natural classroom, using our unique environment to provide rich, hands-on learning opportunities. From caring for our local ecosystems to exploring the wider landscape, we encourage children to connect with and respect the world around them.

We foster a supportive environment where relationships, wellbeing, and belonging come first. Students are encouraged to take risks, think critically, and collaborate, developing the skills they need to thrive both at school and beyond. Our small-school setting allows us to truly know each child and their whānau, creating strong partnerships and a genuine sense of community.