Green Leaves Early Learning team shares key highlights from New Zealand study tour

Early childhood education and care (ECEC) provider Green Leaves Early Learning has shared the highlights from a recent study tour to New Zealand which saw 15 team members from across the network participating in an immersive professional development event. 

The inaugural pedagogical Green Leaves Study Tour to New Zealand is a component of Green Leaves’ enriched professional growth series known as the National Learning, Research and Development Project (NLRDP).

Designed as an immersive experience, Green Leaves partnered with KG Learning on the tour, which gave participants the opportunity to experience New Zealand’s bi-cultural curriculum, Te Whariki, and its influence throughout pedagogy and practice, workshops, and visits to early learning services in Wellington.

For Early Childhood Teacher, Teagan, the most significant aspect of the trip was the opportunity to connect with her fellow Educators from across Australia.

“The meaningful dialogues and exchanges of ideas that occurred between the formal learning sessions became the focal point of my experience. I believe that these connections will extend beyond the study tour,” she said.

“The New Zealand learning context showed me the significance of incorporating the outdoors into education. I’m motivated to organise more nature-focused excursions, including nature walks, to deepen children’s connection with the natural world which will enhance the overall learning experience for the children and promote a greater appreciation for nature.”

When visiting fellow provider Child Space participants felt they formed a genuine connection with their fellow educators, with many expressing surprise at the depth of emotions that emerged from being with a group of people who share equal enthusiasm in their commitment to be the ‘best in class’ when it comes to delivering exceptional early childhood education.

Lead Educator Michelle said that the visits to the different Child Space Early Learning Centres and Kindergarten were enjoyable. 

“I’ve enjoyed experiencing the culture, the people, the teachers and their passion for the profession that is reflected through different learning environments and learning documents prepared. I would love for my team to experience it too!”, she said.

Green Leaves National Operations Manager, Kirsten Berry and National Learning, Research and Development Project Partner, Dr Karen Grubb also attended the tour, facilitating and supporting the group, and adding depth to the discussions being had. 

During the study tour, Ms Berry emphasised the importance of collaboration and ongoing professional development being a collective journey, irrespective of individual roles, while Dr Grubb gave additional insights about current educational trends, research methodologies, and developmental strategies which provided a valuable framework for understanding and contextualising the concepts encountered during the study tour.

Key moments from the tour can be found in this highlights reel.