Our Programmes

Our Centre offers a broad range of programmes covering all areas of the curriculum, suitable for most topic areas. If we don’t have anything you are looking for we will endeavour to create a programme which suits your learning intentions.

ANZAC – on the Home Front

Years 0-13
Social Science, The Arts

Commemorate ANZAC day this year by immersing your students into the war effort on the home front during 1916. This programme is action packed full of activities children experienced in New Zealand during this period. The day concludes with a student led church service commemorating the first ANZAC service.

ANZAC – on the Western Front

Years 5-13

Science, Social Science, The Arts

For classes who have already experienced the Homefront, the sequel is even more interactive – as actors for the day students will become nurses, stretcher bearers and front line soldiers. Ideally suited for group’s 25-35 students.

ANZAC –Spanish Flu Pandemic

Years 5-13 Science, Social Science, The Arts, Health and PE

A new programme focused on the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic that affected so many New Zealanders at the end of WW1. This is a day of role play to show students how quickly a pandemic can spread. People of that period had no television, cell phones or computers, and communication and information was limited. The day is designed to follow on from the Home front and the Western Front programmes where the NZ soldiers who survived, returned home from the war to then face a deadly influenza.

ANZAC –Toys and Games

Years 0-4 Science, Social Science, The Arts

A programme aimed at the younger students to focus on Toys and Games of the past through the eyes and hands of children during the 1914-1918 period. Students compare and classify, determining what the were made of and how they work. The afternoon programme has the students participating in ‘family’ pastimes and the playground and parlour games of the time. This is the pre-plastic, pre-battery era!

Archaeology

Years 4-13
Social Science, Science

This fantastic hands-on programme can be either a predetermined “Dig” within Shantytown’s boundaries or a “Dig” at your pre-organised historic site. Are the artefacts pre human, Māori or from the early West Coast settlers? Older clothing and gumboots are essential for this day digging up the past.

Bartering & Trading in Early NZ

Years 4-13
The Arts, Math, Social Science

A programme covering the history of bartering and trade in New Zealand from the Pre European Māori through to trading with the Early Settlers. Ideal for larger classes.

Brunner Industrial Heritage Site Visit

Years 4-13
Social Science, Science, The Arts

Consider a visit to the historical Brunner mine site, one of the earliest industrial sites in NZ. Our Educators will provide your students with hands on experiences to better understand how life was in ‘Coal Gorge’ back when coal was king. Define your focus from programmes such as The Resources That Were; Immigration to a Safe Colliery; People, Places and Environment, and Blood on the Coal- NZ’s worst mining disaster. We can tailor the programme around your science, social studies or economic curriculum learning intentions. You won’t find a better place for students to consider such topics as cause & effect or impacts on families, business, community and the environment. This programme can also include either a re-enactment or discovery time at the Stillwater Cemetery.

Chinese Culture & Traditions

Years 3-8
Social Science, English, The Arts, Learning Languages

With a strong history of Chinese gold miners coming to the West Coast, this programme investigates traditions and life styles that were in stark contrast to the Victorian ways. Students can experience different writing styles, gardening and a variety of activities that were common place among the Chinese of the goldfields era. Some celebrations are highlighted in this programme to explore values and perspectives; compare and understand culture and heritage.

Chinese Gold Miner

Years 3-13
Social Science, English, The Arts, Math

Select from a wide range of learning experiences, including early Chinese costumes, giving your students the opportunity to ‘walk in someone else’s shoes’. Experiences can range from the push-pull factors of immigration, establishing a mining claim, setting up a mining camp, mining, trading, gardening, racism and the Poll Tax. An optional extra and a highlight to this programme is a traditional Chinese lunch using chopsticks.

Chinese New Year

Years 0-8
Social Science, The Arts

Every year, around late January to mid February for 2 weeks, Chinese around the world celebrate their New Year. These celebrations were of significant relevance to the Chinese gold miners who came to the West Coast in the 1860s. We enjoy providing schools with an insight into the culture, traditions and beliefs that surround the Chinese New Year. Hands-on participation, original artefacts, Chinese crafts and a lion dance performance are all part of this exciting programme.

Clothes, Fabric & Fashion

Years 0-8
The Arts, Technology, Science, Social Science,

This day begins with a slide show introduction to fashion, followed by the making of masquerade masks for the afternoon fashion show. Flax, fibers and all types of material are explored. Boys experience a barber shop shave, attaching braces, and an introduction to tying a tie. The girls learn and experiment with hair styles of the past and posture. All the students are exposed to the world of boot laces, polishing boots as well as hygiene and grooming. The fashion show concludes the programme, with each student presenting themselves on the podium and sharing an aspect of their outfit.

Communications

Years 0-13
English, Technology, Science, Social Science, The Arts

A hands-on programme designed to look into the various forms of communication developed over the years starting from how Māori communicated their stories before their written language was developed, and used conch shells and smoke signals, to early settler days of a town crier and telegrams, newspapers, messengers, mail service, dip pen and letter writing, signaling for help without a phone, and forms of advertising.

Conservation – Our Ngahere

Years 0-8
Social Science, English, Science

Our Ngahere is a versatile programme which can be tailored to meet each class’s individual topic needs. This programme can evolve into exploring habitats or general guardianship and conservation, or focus on how te ngahere provided for Māori and the early settlers to NZ. The programme provides hands on and practical introductions for the students with access to the natural bush at Shantytown. Microscopes are also available.

Conservation – Te Aitanga Pepeke

Years 0-8
Social Science, English, Science

Our insect treasures are discovered, admired and returned to their natural habitat as your students participate in a hands-on day involving magnifying glasses, microscopes and classifying.

Denniston (Life on the Hill) Experience

Not to be confused with The Denniston Experience-Journey Inwards, the tourist attraction.
Years 4-13
English, Science, Social Science, Technology

In partnership with Friends of the Hill at Denniston, Marsden Valley Education Centre offers this programme about the history and life in Denniston. At Denniston, students will hear stories and see a slideshow to identify what life was like at Denniston during its hey-day. A tour of a replica mine entrance and other activities are included in this visit. This programme is free, however a donation made to the “Friends of the Hill” would be appreciated.

Early Settlers to the West Coast

Years 0-8
English, Science, Social Science, The Arts

This programme is designed to look at the main cultures of people who came to Te Tai Poutini, the West Coast, and how and why. Starting with the early Māori settlers, Pounamu traders and moving on to the various Chinese and European miners. Learn all about the resources they came in search of.

Educated Guided Tour (West Coast Goldfields)

Years 0-13
English, Social Science,

A short programme which involves a steam train ride, gold panning, and a guided tour through the township by one of our Educators.

This programme is a great add on for ESOL groups or schools passing through with not much time to spare.

Forces & Simple Machines

Years 3-8
Science, Social Science, Learning Languages

This day is spent experimenting with the simple machines that made Māori and the Early Settler’s everyday life easier and are still in use today.

Explore kō, timo, adze, kāheru, ramps,screws, wedges, wheels and axles, pulleys and levers.

Forensic & Detective Time

Years 3-8
Science, Maths, Social Science

Participants are split into groups and Trainee Detectives use problem solving skills to solve the case of the “Disappearing things”. In this real life context, students practice their time keeping skills, establish timelines, search for clues, map read, measure, identify patterns, count and calculate. A popular Maths week programme.

Gold Miner for a Day

Years 4-13
Social Science, The Arts, Health and PE

This is our most popular programme! Students experience first-hand, what life was like on the goldfields during the 1860’s. This is a day packed with team work, physical endurance and problem solving. As with all our programmes, we are happy to tailor the day to your specific learning objectives.

Goldfield Challenges

Years 1-13
Social Science, Technology, English, The Arts

A wide variety of challenges for junior or senior students. Most activities are based on life in the past however, any topic area can be covered. This is a competitive team work programme which was developed for year 9-10 students but will enhance any year group. This programme covers all 5 Key Competencies. Using a round robin style challenge, students will work in groups to complete motivating, creative and hands on tasks where a score is awarded for various key points reached along the way.

Immigration

Years 3-13
Social Science, The Arts

Students take a “journey” on a ship heading to New Zealand in the 1860’s . Travelling in steerage conditions on a 3 month long trip to find a better life away from the impact the industrial revolution has had in England. This programme takes students back in time to an era where the hopes and dreams of Immigrants coming to New Zealand are experienced through role play and drama. Older students experience the dilemma of the Push-Pull factors to stay or to emigrate.

It’s a Deal! – Economics on the Goldfields

Years 4-13
Social Sciences, English, Math, The Arts

This is a fantastic hands-on programme to enhance any economics, accounting or math class. Based on the economics of the Goldfields, students will develop a solid understanding of scarcity, competition, opportunity, supply and demand, profit and loss, bartering and profit margins with the addition of percentages, throughout this competitive programme. A great chance for the budding entrepreneurs of your classroom! The day can include Chinese market gardeners, merchants, gold dealers and other such businesses of the time. As with all our programmes, we will tailor make the day to suit the year level of your students and your Achievement Objectives.

Kehu, Maori Guide

Years 0-10
Social Science, Science, Health and PE

A full-on day learning the story and some basic skills we associate with Kehu, Thomas Brunner’s Maori Guide. Kehu has been an unsung hero of the exploration of the West Coast for too long. Immerse your students in a day of bush craft, from building temporary shelters, making flax cordage, using a fire plow, through to gaining an insight and appreciation of the fine attributes of Kehu, Superman of the Bush. Casual clothes and gumboots are a must for this programme!

Law & Order

Years 3-13
Social Science, The Arts, English

Learn about the history of Māori and European crime and punishment. Authentic case studies can be explored and a courtroom session staged. Who robbed the train? This programme not only explores social history but also provides a great stimulus for writing and verbal presentation.

Matariki – The Maori New Year

Years 0-10
The Arts , Social Sciences, Science, Learning Languages

Matariki is the Māori name for the cluster of stars also known as the Pleiades. It rises in mid-winter. Activities can include crafts and kite making, Harakeke weaving and plaiting, native tree planting, legends, drama and appreciation of Te Ngahere. A programme designed to celebrate the traditions and customs surrounding Matariki.

Maths Everywhere!

Years 0-8
Math

Numbers, shapes, geometry, problem solving, patterns and much more for this day! A great way to let your students experience practical math with a series of challenges in a real life context. Remember us during math’s week!

Palaeontology

Years 5-8
Science, Social Science

Palaeontology is the study of life, a combination of Geology (study of rocks) and Biology (study of life). Because Palaeontologists are interested in finding out about all life on Earth, they study all kinds of fossils, not just dinosaur bones. This programme of discovery and experiments is offered based on the availability of the West Coast Gem & Mineral Club to support us on the day.

Pounamu Trails

Year 3-10
Social Science, Technology, Science, The Arts, Learning Languages

A hands-on and practical look at the importance of our local history when it comes to pounamu and Maori traditions, myths and legends. Activities can include making simple carvings and learning how to make flax cordage and rafts, using a fire plow and basic bush lore needed by the Māori when travelling and trading via the Pounamu trails.

Power

Years 3-8 Social Science, Science, English, Technology Programmes can be tailor made to focus on the power of man, horse, wheel, water and steam.

Rongoā

Years 3-13
Social Science, Science, English, Technology

A Programme designed as an introduction to Rongoā, as used historically in Te Tai Poutini, as well as incorporating relevant science terminology and processes as set out in the science curriculum. This is a hands on day where students will study and identify native plants in our ngahere and learn their uses. Students experiment with making simple herbal remedies.

Refugees

Years 6-13
Social Science, English and The Arts

An opportunity for students to encounter the plight of refugees, comprehend turmoil and life threatening issues to gain understanding and empathy. During the course, students in ‘family’ groups will face tough decision making situations, confront adversaries, evade rebels, build shelters, interpret maps and eventually cross the border into ‘Shantyonia’. This is more than a ‘hands on’ programme, it’s full immersion! Ideal as the introduction or conclusion to any study about refugees.

Science is Fun!

Years 0-8
Science, Technology

This programme has an extensive range of activities and can cover the many aspects of science. Tell us your focus and we will make up the experiments and activities. This is a great opportunity to bring your class out during Science Week.

Shopping from a Bygone Era

Years 0-3
Social Science, The Arts, Technology, English, Science

Small groups of students are given a shopping list and have to work out where to buy each item. The types of shops and what was stocked, weighing, measuring, packaging, manners and courtesy are all involved. Damper bread and butter making can be included in this programme.

Sustainability through Necessity

Years 0-13
Science, Social Science, Health and PE

“Sustainability is a critical issue for New Zealand –environmentally, economically, culturally, politically, and socially. We need to learn how to live smarter to reduce our impact on the environment for future generations.” Students on this programme experience walking in the shoes of Māori and Early Settlers, where food was not always abundant and nothing was wasted. Learn how food was preserved and complete a series of challenges to REPAIR, RE-USE, and RE-PURPOSE.

Survival

Years 4-13
Social Science, Technology, Science, Health and PE

A programme focusing on surviving after a disaster when power and communication are lost and families have to return to basics. Activities include basic food preparation, water purification, emergency shelter building, and communication.

The Impact of the Gold Rushes

Years 9-13
Social science, Math

Using and interpreting historical documents required in all tasks. Looking at life in the late 1800’s, this programme covers 3 aspects of historical significance on the West Coast. (1) Speech making in the streets of Shantytown either advocating or opposing a significant political view of the time. E.g. Suffragettes, Depression, Racism. (2) Creating a viable business plan to present to an investor. (3) Supply and Demand of this era.

Toys & Games of the Past

Years 0-4
Social Science, TheArts, Technology, English, PE

Hands-on day designed to give students an insight into games and toys throughout NZ history. These include traditional Māori games, picnic, parlour and playground games. Language skills are used with rhymes and group games.

Tuia 250

Years 0-8

Social Science, English, The Arts

During this programme students board the Endeavour and recreate ‘travel’ from Plymouth to what will eventually become New Zealand. From an English perspective the students will observe the native people and prepare to meet them. During the afternoon, English clothes and roles are exchanged for Maori, and as Maori, students will watch the ‘tall waka’ approach and prepare to encounter whom ever comes ashore.

Victorian Childhood

Years 0-6

Social Science, The Arts, Technology

A selection of short experiences designed to give a snapshot of the lives of children both rich and poor in the late 1800’s. This day has a mix of Victorian classroom, playground games and chores with mother.

Victorian Christmas

Years 1-8
Social Science, The Arts

An experience that will be remembered forever! Students make traditional decorations, act out the nativity story, may have a special Christingle ceremony from times past and sing Christmas carols in the Shantytown church. To finish the day, students participate in typical Boxing Day games that were common to the era and climate of the Southern Hemisphere.

Waiuta

Years 4-13
Social Science, Science, Health and PE

Experience an abandoned town and learn its history. The day includes an orienteering course around the town to learn about the history of Waiuta and a tour of the Prohibition Mill and Shaft. Key ideas include the impact of natural resources on West Coast communities, places, and people, and how people impact places.

Wai/Water

Years 3-8
Science, Social Science, Technology, Health and PE

This is a hands-on day with a look at water and how it shapes the land around us. How water was essential for Māori and Early Settlers on the West Coast. How water was needed for industry and its impact on the environment. This day could include building dams, creating a stepping stone path across our creek or constructing a simple water wheel.We can also offer a programme investigating water, conservation and the environment. Gumboots will be essential!

Wellbeing/Hauora

Years 0-8
Health and PE

Wellbeing is defined as the “condition of being healthy, happy, and comfortable.” This programme provides students with fun and informative ways of looking after their own personal wellbeing. From using their senses, yoga challenges, art activities, and looking more in-depth into mental health for older students.

Off Site Programmes

Years 1-13

If you are having a camp and would like us to join you, give us a call! If you plan to visit Brunner Mine Site, Denniston, the tunnels at Woods Creek or the historic Kumara Township, then we can help you.

We come to you!

Our staff can now visit your school to assist with topic areas you may be covering during the year. So long as we bring a programme which cannot be conventionally taught in the classroom, the opportunity is open. Give us a call to see how we can help!

A Programme Tailor Made For You!