How to Become an Enviroschool
Enviroschools is a holistic kaupapa working to co-create resilient and sustainable communities through learning and action – a nationwide movement for positive change! Across the motu we are seeing thousands of innovative and inspiring ways to care for Papatūānuku, learn creatively and live healthy, sustainable lives.
The network includes over 1,600 schools and early childhood centres – all on unique, self-paced pathways towards sustainability. Nationally, Enviroschools is supported by Toimata Foundation alongside 90+ regional partners that include councils and early childhood education associations. Enviroschool communities develop skills, understanding, knowledge and confidence through planning, design and creating a sustainable place. Learning and action projects are led by young people with the support of adults around them.
The Enviroschools Kaupapa directly links to the NELP objectives and helps to support centres and schools to provide spaces that ensure the wellbeing of all. The five Guiding Principles of Enviroschools support each objective, particularly where they are learner centric, inclusive and incorporate mātauranga Māori.
Enviroschools links to current practice, effective pedagogy, curriculum and both localised and government priorities (NELP). Enviroschools strategies are important mechanisms to support ongoing learning and action – so change becomes embedded in your Enviroschool culture over time.
Support for your school in implementing the Enviroschools Kaupapa
In signing on to be part of Enviroschools, your school is joining a nationwide network of over 1500 schools and early childhood centres on the sustainability pathway.
Connecting with taiao – our environment – energy hui.
Your teaching teams have access to:
- regular support from a regional facilitator
- professional development opportunities, online and kanohi ki te kanohi
- local/ regional sharing and learning opportunities and events
- free resources in an online team area
Understanding of, and commitment to Enviroschools from management and governance will help support effective strategic planning and engagement for this action-based learning approach.
Board of Trustees and management teams, can access:
- strategic planning examples and what to consider
- the Enviroschools Agreement- roles of all involved
- tools to explore the kaupapa and opportunities for your school/ centre
Reimagining built spaces.
The Enviroschools Programme is offered in return for a commitment to:
- engage as a whole school/centre in a journey towards sustainability
- enable tamariki and students to take action on real-life meaningful projects
- share successes and challenges with the Enviroschools network
- participate in networking events and professional development opportunities
- look beyond the school or centre gate and engage whānau and community in the learning and action journey.
Enviroschools is implemented in 16 regions, along regional council boundaries. Each region coordinates Enviroschools in a slightly different way depending on the organisations involved and the level of support available.
The capacity to take on new Enviroschools depends on the level of investment from our regional partners and many regions have waiting lists.
To find out more and connect with a Regional Coordinator visit your regional page.
Together we are working towards a more sustainable future!