Glossary of Terms

Director = Principal 

Learning Advisor or LA = is the name we have chosen for what most schools call a teacher. It is more than teacher 

it is used to move away from the notion that a teacher teaches and a student learns. We believe that everyone is a 

teacher and everyone is a learner 

Homebase or HB = This is where the a group of children are based for meetings and where they keep their things. 

Children choose a group of children they wish to learn with as well as an Learning Advisor. The Homebases are usually 

spread across 3 to 4 year levels. 

The Learning Base = The school is based in town as it is a learning base. This means that learning does not 

necessarily need to take place on the premises. We are in the center of town to allow for students to utilize the local 

resources. All students are encouraged to use local resources as part of their learning. 

Homebase meeting = This is a crucial part of belonging to the Discovery 1 learning community. These meetings 

happen for the benefit of all learners at Discovery 1 and allow for co-construction of learning. Homebases plan these 

meetings usually twice a term to allow for planning and information to be accurately disseminated. 

Individual Education Meeting or IEM = This is the most important component of Discovery 1. This is where the child 

can clearly discuss their passions, interests and needs and be part of the decision making around their learning. The 

3 key stake-holders negotiate together to create a n individual learning programme that meets the needs of the 

child. Individual Education Meetings take place on a needs basis. For most children it takes place at least once a 

term, but can be as regular as needed. 

Learning at Home or LAH = Families can choose to do LAH instead of coming into the homebase. Some people 

choose this 1x per week, others may have a LAH day every so often and some have them very rarely. It is up to each 

family. A LAH form will need to be completed and given to the Learning Advisor. These forms will be available in the 

Homebase. Please ask your child’s  Learning Advisor for a copy. 

Celebration of Learning or COL = This is a time when the whole school gets together and celebrates the learning 

that has been happening across all homebases. We usually meet 3x per term on a Wednesday at 1pm at D1. Families 

are welcome. Dates for COL will be in the newsletter. 

Passions Interests and Needs or PINs = This programme allows for the passions, interests and needs of both, 

children, staff and parents to be met by either outside experts or community members. Workshops are offered 

across the school based on advertised passions, interests and needs, community members then offer to lead, support 

or take part in the workshops. These are usually multi-leveled and cover a range of learning opportunities. 

Inquiry, Discovery or Co-constructed Pathway of Learning = Inquiry or personalised learning is called many things 

across all homebases. This is where a child or group of children investigate and explore a topic, using experts and 

resources that help them create a deeper understanding of the world around them.