History

In 1993 a number of educators were involved in an ‘Alpha Learning Programme’ at Elmwood Normal School in Christchurch. Under the direction and leadership of John Clough, the school’s Principal, this project explored innovative and progressive learning theory in education for two years.

In 1998, once again in conjunction with John, and now including Vicki Buck, a former mayor of Christchurch, parent of young children and passionate proponent of innovative education and Paul Bradley, the newly appointed learning facilitator, Elmwood School begun the Learning Lab.

As the number of interested parents and educators grew it became obvious that a client base existed for an alternative school within the state school structure. An establishment Board, also including Goodman Felder School of the Year winner Cheryl Doig, was created and the New Zealand Learning Discovery Trust established.

In Late 1998 an application to construct a new school was lodged before the then Minister of Education Wyatt Creech. The state system acknowledged the special character and hard work of the school’s original board and granted it a Special Character Designation. However it would be a brand new century before Discovery 1 School would begin education programmes under a Labour-led coalition government.

www.discoverylearning.co.nz     Learning Discovery Trust