16 May 2016
Samuel Marsden Collegiate School, leading 21st Century Learning
The opening of Samuel Marsden Collegiate School's new building was an historic event with all students and more than 200
guests present. Following an earlier Dawn Ceremony the Prime Minister made his way to Marsden School to show his support of education for young women. The Prime Minister
shared personal stories, unveiled the new building plaque, the cake was cut by Head Girl Nina Richardson and Year 1
student Sai Parekh, and the building was blessed by Wellington Anglican Bishop Justin.
“Complementing existing facilities the Learning Studios and iCentre are a wonderful resource in preparing our young
women for work and life in the 21st Century”, said Marsden Principal Jenny Williams.
The world has changed, schooling used to be an industrial process, a production line, where the job of the teachers was to fill empty vessels
with knowledge. That world no longer exists; computers have replaced writing things down, computers are connected to the
Internet providing instant access to everything and the nature of work continues to change - technical skills need to be
supplemented with strong social and collaboration skills. What matters today is learning how to think, to learn and to
collaborate. Learning how to ‘think and how to learn’ is very different from ‘adding to what you know’.
Marsden is at the forefront of the evolution in education – from knowledge to learning to collaboration. Learning is an
outcome of solving problems. Marsden girls are not simply learning how to simply pass exams well; they are learning to
solve problems in real life. Solving problems begins with asking the right questions. Girls are involved in deciding
what they need to find out in order to solve problems. Learning is integrated and multidisciplinary. With teachers as
facilitators and guides Marsden students come together to share what they have learned and discuss the implications for
the problem they are jointly solving.
Modelled on best practice tertiary and work places the Learning Studios with their creative vibe are designed for
collaborative learning and individual research and preparation. With staff committed to providing excellence in
education and a loving environment, where students feel safe and supported these, these new facilities will be integral
in supporting Marsden girls in their life journey.
Families interested in an education at Marsden are invited to tour the new Learning Studios, foyer and iCentre, and the
rest of the extensive Marsden School campus at a time that suits, by calling 04 476 8707.
ENDS