“It’s our expectations. It’s who we are”
At Stratford Primary School, learning for sustainability is not something that sits alongside the curriculum – it is fully woven through the life of the kura. From the gardens to the classroom, and into the wider community, tamariki are actively shaping a sustainable future through meaningful, connected learning experiences.
Rather than being seen as a programme or initiative, Enviroschools is lived daily. It is embedded in the decisions the school makes, the way learning is designed, and the actions taken by students, kaiako and whānau. This reflects the Enviroschools Kaupapa of creating a healthy, peaceful and sustainable world through learning and action together.
Empowered learners leading change
At the heart of Stratford Primary School’s approach is the principle of Empowered Learners. Tamariki are not passive recipients of knowledge – they are decision-makers, innovators and leaders.
Student ideas drive authentic learning opportunities. A simple curiosity – such as noticing how many seeds are produced by a sunflower – can evolve into enterprise, maths learning and community connection, as students harvest, package and sell seeds.
Across the school, learners initiate projects, share ideas and take action, whether that’s developing sustainable products, leading environmental messaging, or caring for animals and ecosystems. This genuine participation builds confidence, agency and a sense of responsibility as kaitiaki.
Working in the māra helps students learn where food comes from and how it is grown sustainably.
Learning for sustainability in action
Learning experiences at the kura reflect a holistic, action-focused approach – the essence of Learning for Sustainability.
The school environment itself becomes the classroom. Vegetable gardens, compost systems, an orchard, chicken coop and apiary are not just features – they are living contexts for learning.
Through these spaces, students explore science concepts such as ecosystems and life cycles, while also developing practical skills and understanding the interconnectedness of people, place and environment. Learning naturally integrates across curriculum areas, linking literacy, numeracy, science and social sciences with real-world purpose.
Honouring Te Ao Māori
Learning connections to the environment are enriched through local context and values such as manaakitanga and kaitiakitanga. This supports tamariki to understand their role in caring for the environment not just as individuals, but as part of a wider whakapapa that connects people, land and future generations.
Respect for diversity and inclusive participation
The Enviroschools principle of Respect for Diversity is evident in the inclusive, collaborative nature of learning at the school.
All ākonga are encouraged to contribute their perspectives, with ideas emerging from classrooms, Envirogroups and across year levels. Diverse strengths are recognised – whether in leadership, creativity, practical skills or communication – ensuring that everyone has a place in sustainability action.
Designing reusable bags encouraged students to explore practical ways to reduce waste.
Students used art to communicate environmental issues and inspire positive action.
Building sustainable communities
Stratford Primary School exemplifies the principle of Sustainable Communities – working together to nurture both people and the environment now and into the future.
Student-led initiatives connect beyond the school gate, engaging whānau and the wider community. From selling seeds to sharing sustainable practices, tamariki contribute to real change in their local context.
This deeply embedded, whole-school approach to sustainability has been recognised beyond the kura, including receiving the 2025 Blake Leader Award for environmental leadership. This recognition reflects the strength of a learning culture where empowered learners, strong community connections, and kaitiakitanga are lived every day. This mahi has been supported over time through strong, consistent leadership, including the guidance of Enviro Coordinator Marlene Lewis, alongside staff, students, and whānau.
Exploring the school apiary helps students understand the importance of pollinators in healthy ecosystems.
Reflecting as part of the journey
Instead of a one-off reflection or milestone, Stratford Primary School demonstrates how reflection is an ongoing, living process.
Through regular conversations, student voice, inquiry learning and action cycles, the school continually revisits its practices – asking:
- What are we noticing?
- What impact are our actions having?
- What could we do next?
This aligns with the Enviroschools approach, where learning and action are not linear but iterative, revisited and deepened over time.
Reflection is embedded in everyday learning, shaping future directions and ensuring the kaupapa continues to grow and evolve with the people and place at its heart.
Harvesting grapes gives students firsthand experience of growing and harvesting food.
A living, evolving Enviroschools Kaupapa
What stands out at Stratford Primary School is not any single project, but the way sustainability is fully embedded into the culture of the kura.
Students, staff and community act together with a shared understanding: that every action matters, and that learning can create meaningful change. The result is a vibrant, connected learning environment where tamariki are growing not only as students, but as capable, caring environmental leaders for the future.
Ka mau te wehi Stratford Primary School!
Check out this story on the Taranaki Enviroschools Alternative Energy Roadshow where Stratford Primary School students got to engage in amazing hands-on activities when they visited their school!
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