Students from 7KGT have integrated aspects of Matariki, technology, art and science to design and create planter boxes for the Year 7 and 8 area of Orewa College. These planters have been painted using stylised images of the Kumara Moth Life cycle. Students from the Year 7 Science Elective “Good to Grow” will also be creating garden designs for these planters. This has involved students propagating lavender plants, creating scientific drawings of New Zealand Native plants, learning about the importance of bees and researching plants suitable for a school environment. Members of the local community who have been instrumental in this learning are:

Darren Kershaw from Madison Park Homes who supplied the exterior plywood. David Cole and Robyn Purcell from C4 Architects who worked with students on undercoating and construction. Stacey Johnston from Matarangi West Honey (Orewa Sunday Farmers Market) who taught us about the importance of bees and ethical beekeeping. This support from the community validates how this integrated learning relates to real life.