Ava gave us a thought provoking insight into a type of school very different to the current standard system. Certain it is that many of our students are failing under the present state system as evidenced by alarming truancy statistics and falling standards in international standardised tests. Ava started a Montessori School in Waddington Drive/Rata Street earlier this century and it has now grown to 270 students, 160 primary, 110 secondary. Overall 17% of students are Maori, 60% European, and there are very few Pacifica, but there are now higher figures for Maori, Asian and Pacifica among the younger students, reflecting the changing demography of the area. |
