Enviroschool

Musselburgh School is an Enviroschool.

Enviroschools is a nationwide programme where schools commit to a long-term sustainability journey, where tamariki connect with and explore the environment, then plan, design and take action in their local places in collaboration with their communities.

The Enviroschools kaupapa is about creating a healthy, peaceful, sustainable world through learning and taking action together. Five guiding principles underpin the whole Enviroschools journey:

  • Empowered Students are enabled to participate in meaningfully at school. Unique perspectives are valued for the knowledge and insight that they bring, and they are supported to take action for real change.

  • Learning for Sustainability recognises the types of teaching and learning that connect experiences to develop holistic and ecological perspectives, foster student enquiry, decision-making, action, and reflection, and create sustainable outcomes.

  • Māori Perspectives honours the status of tangata whenua and the value of indigenous knowledge and wisdoms in enriching and guiding learning

  • Respect for the Diversity of People and Cultures acknowledges the unique gifts, contributions and perspectives of individuals and groups, reinforcing the value of participatory decision-making and collaborative action.

  • Sustainable Communities act in ways that nurture people and nature, now and in the future, to maintain the health and viability of our environment, society, culture and economy.

Musselburgh School has involved the Enviroschools kaupapa to develop edible gardens, bug houses, bird feeders, playground artworks and a bike track. There are also recycling systems, bokashi and regular composting, as well as a worm farm. Tamariki are encouraged to eat healthily and to keep active. At Musselburgh School, we see the Enviroschools programme dovetailing neatly with Play is the Way, through which students are taught about respect, bravery, responsibility, kindness and other values. The Enviroschools programme is also reflected in our emphasis on te Ao Maori and inclusion of Pasifika and other cultures. Musselburgh School has strong links with several wider community groups, often joining them to take action for the environment.