Our teaching facilities

The facilities at the Refugee Education Centre were newly built in 2016 and include modern, open-plan classrooms and an early childhood education centre.

The design of the centre reflects an explicit message: that of visibility, availability and approachability amongst staff and students. The lack of walls breaks down traditional barriers and supports the reinstatement of trust, safety and empowerment for former refugees.

Our classrooms

Each classroom block or whare:

• Accommodates two or three distinct levels
• Has 2 to 4 teachers
• Is designed to enable fluidity for teaching and learning activities, following the model of innovative learning environments
• Enables classes to group and re-group so that each student can progress at their own pace and develop confidence

Acknowledging Te Ao Māori

Each block is named after the core values underpinning the centre:

• Whare Pono acknowledges the importance of respect and spirituality
• Whare Mārie acknowledges peace and tranquility
• Whare Aroha embodies unconditional love, compassion, empathy and kindness
• Whare Tika is named for integrity, fairness and truth
• Whare Mātau reflects a place of learning
• Whare Manaakitanga emphasizes the value of an authentic welcome