Ben
"Having no support in class that got a bit too hard too, and not (being able) to read a book... I didn't actually know most times what I was supposed to do."
Watch Ben’s and Jessica’s films. Ben and Jessica found some things they liked at school and some things that were hard for them.
- What did they find hard? How do you think things could have been different?
- What did Ben and Jessica need?
- What was missing?
- How can their stories help us to think about what would make schools better for everyone?
Watch James’s film. James talks about how the buildings (stairs) and facilities (classrooms) at school weren’t accessible for him. In New Zealand all students should have equal access to school facilities. This means that they can learn and participate in school with their classmates. Sometimes schools have to wait a long time to get funding for changes to their buildings for students.
- Do you think it was fair to expect James to climb stairs to his classroom and Learning Support facilities at his school?
- What do you think could have been done differently so that James had equal access?
- How can things change to make sure that all students can move around their schools and get to where they want to go?
Voice
Students have the right to be involved in all discussions about their learning at school. They have the right to be listened to, and for their perspectives to be respected.
When students are listened to and have the opportunity to participate in conversations about what makes things hard for them at school there is the opportunity for positive improvements and change. This includes changes in the classroom and wider learning settings.
- How can we work together to find out about what is hard for students and develop possible solutions to these issues?
- How can family/ whānau be part of these conversations?