Lynmore Primary School was established on gifted Ngāti Whakaue land. Therefore connection to the land and its geography is extremely important to the school’s identity. The school’s pedagogy is structured around local resources and materials, encouraging students to connect with their local community and environment. Creation of a learning environment that blurred the visual and physical lines between interior and exterior was key.
Locating the new classroom block parallel to the Waitawa Bush together with extensive glazing and direct connections onto a large, covered canopy and forecourt encourages outdoor learning. Communal fruit and vegetable gardens, with the prospect of a wetland rejuvenation project to help invigorate the stream and bush area behind the building, are important aspects.
Creation of a new forecourt provides for further collaboration, outdoor learning and co-teaching space, as well as opportunities for community gatherings and formal meetings.
