Oturu School is a small and vibrant school within the heart of rural Northland. Rich learning is centered around hauora, and ākonga are empowered to become lifelong learners and critical thinkers, who are responsible to each other and the environment.

Healthy Active Learning and Oturu School’s holistic approach to learning have played a key role in bringing to life the school’s values.

“Ōtūrutanga’ is our school’s philosophy to teaching and learning, with a strong tikanga Māori approach and embedded values. It envelopes the idea that learning needs to be ‘real’ with a hands-on approach, while being environmentally sustainable. Our school values reflect this: Āko, Manaakitanga, Kaitiakitanga, Whanaungatanga & Rangatiratanga,” says Sacha Williams, Principal Oturu School.

“Our vision for Oturu School is for our children to get a great education, to come to our school and have six hours every day of uninterrupted learning and be free of all their worries, be fed, be safe, be happy.”

Sport Northland has had a long and trusted relationship with Oturu School and knew there was exciting potential for Healthy Active Learning to strengthen and enhance Ōtūrutanga and the holistic approaches already embedded through the school.

Healthy Active Learning Advisor Deanna Saxon has been supporting Oturu school’s principal and teachers to try new approaches to learning. This has led to the introduction of initiatives such as ‘Fun Day Monday’ and ‘Mana Potential’ that have supported students to deepen their understanding of Te Whare Tapa Whā and provide opportunities for students to regulate their emotions and behaviours throughout the day.

Oturu School is a school striving to continually improve their approaches, leading to more quality learning experiences.