Today, those living in high income countries realise they must change key aspects of their largely unsustainable lifestyles. However, the complexities of this realisation, and its accompanying anxieties, has created a kind of collective inertia. What’s more, our failure to act is being called out ever louder by our children. Fundamentally, it is a dilemma that can be distilled into one question:

How does each of us make change for the better when modern living has created so many must-haves?

Green School Education sees this problem as directly related to a mind-set inherited through the traditional, industrial model of education. Our generation’s inability to take mass action in the face of the growing environmental crisis is directly related to the way we learned at school. Bluntly, it isn’t so much what we learned; it is also how we learned it that lies at the heart of our lethargy.

The Green School Diploma embraces the complex problems facing contemporary learning design by acknowledging two fundamental principles required for a future-ready education. First, it recognises the iterative nature of knowledge accumulation and skills acquisition. Second, it articulates concept domains and knowledge dimensions in ways that prioritise transdisciplinary awareness and an interdisciplinary approach. The Green School Diploma represents a regeneration of traditional education and Green School’s intent to return to the core question of education’s higher moral purpose.

Like any school we have learners with different strengths and weaknesses, interests and capabilities. The Green School Diploma enables learners to consider pathways that suit their own direction and interests. Through the selection of specialised thematic courses most relevant to their direction, they can continue to pursue our vision of “Thriving with Purpose”. A focus is on learning for life after Green School, and includes ongoing reflection and self-determination. Learners are able to pursue areas of interest to them, but also prepare for higher level study.

Within the Green School Diploma learners gain a NZQA Level 3 or 4 Study and Employment Pathways qualification. Accredited by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA), this programme offers a dynamic learning experience that combines theoretical knowledge with practical application.

Throughout the NZQA Level 3 and 4 programmes, learners will delve into a wide range of subjects, each carefully curated to provide a solid foundation for success in various industries.

The curriculum is thoughtfully designed to foster practical skills and critical thinking. Learners engage in hands-on projects, case studies, and industry-relevant assignments, equipping them with the necessary tools to thrive in today's ever increasing globalised world.

Upon successful completion of the NZQA Level 3 or 4 Course, graduates will receive a recognised qualification, opening doors to exciting employment opportunities and further educational pathways. Employers across industries value the comprehensive skill set and practical experience gained from this course, making graduates highly sought-after candidates.

Within the Green School diploma, of which the NZQA qualification is a part, the Green School design philosophy enables flexible teaching that aligns with the United Nations’ 17 Sustainability Goals, the New Zealand Curriculum and international curriculums such as IB and A Level to provide learning that aligns with the learner’s direction, interests and strengths.