Creating a Love of Learning at Future School

At Future School, we believe that students learn best when they genuinely enjoy coming to school.

See, the love of learning is not created through academic pressure or repetition of work, it comes through the students feeling as if they’re engaged, supported, challenged and connected to what they are actually learning.

That belief is why we approach education differently; Creating an environment where students are encouraged to explore their interests and take an active role in their own learning journey.

One of the key ways we support this is via personalised learning, because every student learns differently, Future School recognises that there is no “one size fits all” approach to education. It’s through having smaller group learning, flexible pathways and close teacher support that students start to thrive in an environment that supports their pace and style; suited to their individual strengths and needs.

We also believe students are more motivated when learning feels connected to the real world, rather than relying on worksheets and traditional chairs at desk routines, the students are encouraged to regularly engage in projects, outdoor learning, collaborative challenges and creative experiences that are often hands-on, helping bring learning to life. A great current example of this is The Car Project, where a group of car enthusiastic students have brought an old car and are building a driving simulator inside it. This project has been teaching students to work through the project practically, looking at sponsorship, technical skills, team building, marketing, filming and other skills that come with the project.

So, whether students are building these prototypes, working on group projects or simply presenting ideas to their peers, the learning becomes more than something they observe; they start to actively participate. Being able to create a love of learning has to start in an environment where they feel trusted and capable within themselves and who is supporting them, if the students can actively see that and can know that they're being given chances to contribute and explore areas of genuine interest to themselves, that motivation then allows them to really engage and excel in their education.

Even outdoor education plays an important role in helping students enjoy school life. With the benefit of being based in Takapuna, just a five minute walk from the local beach, students have access to these natural environments and outdoor spaces that can become part of the learning experience. Activities such as sailing, bouldering, beach exploration and parkour are providing students with opportunities to move and  problem solve, giving the students the experience of learning through different ways during the week.

Another thing that Future School takes seriously is the importance of student wellbeing and relationships, this means that students are engaging in a positive school experience, shaped by the feeling of being known and supported. Strong student-teacher relationships have allowed students to build the confidence to feel more connected within the school community that as this learning develops, allows them to take this confidence and courage to move out of their comfort zones and into real world settings and experiences.  

Through this love of learning approach, we hope that students start to see school as more than just a place that they “have to attend”, instead, becoming a place of excitement, enjoyment and a real positive attitude to take charge of their learning and future, because when students enjoy their learning, curiosity is sure to develop and that is where the learning really begins.

At Future School, it's not about making the education easier; it's about making the learning more meaningful.

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