Rangi Ruru Teachers Teach Other Teachers at National Symposium
Seven remarkable Rangi Ruru Girls’ School educators, helmed by Assistant Principal – Teaching and Learning, Melissa Campbell, travelled to Auckland to present at the ISNZ For-Teachers-By-Teachers Symposium recently.
This unique event brings educators from across New Zealand’s independent school sector together to share ideas, challenge thinking, and inspire innovation in teaching and learning. Rangi Ruru’s presentations explored issues facing modern educators, including AI, empowers girls’ confidence, human rights and coaching. These were:
Jemma Cattell, Head of Junior English, spoke about: Using AI to Personalise Learning and Boost Confidence in a Girls’ Classroom. She shared action research exploring how AI-supported differentiation can enhance confidence, engagement, and personalised learning while keeping relationships and responsive teaching at the heart of practice.
Kirsty Bell, Director of Theatre Arts, and Jeremy Thin, Head of Music, spoke about:Beyond the Spotlight and Sparkles: Using Performing Arts as an Empowering Space for Ākonga to Grow in Confidence, Identity and Leadership. They explored the transformative role of performing arts in fostering leadership, belonging, and personal growth.
Kristina Wu, Head of Digital Technology spoke about: Teaching Fundamental AI Literacy. She examed how we can equip young people with the knowledge and critical thinking skills needed to thrive in an AI-enabled world.
Tarn Wright, Teacher of ESOL spoke about: Teaching Humans in the Age of AI: Integrity, Brain Development, and Cheap Carnival Tricks for Engagement. The sessions challenged educators to think deeply about learning, motivation, and what remains uniquely human in an increasingly technological age.
Melissa Campbell and Sheherazad Bhote, Head of Physics and Teacher of Science spoke about: Coaching as the Heart of the Professional Growth Cycle. They shared how Rangi Ruru’s Ako Tahi professional learning programme places coaching, collaboration, trust, and inquiry at the centre of professional growth and improved learner outcomes.
The symposium it aunique opportunity for educators to share, learn, and grow alongside colleagues from across the independent school sector. It fosters collaboration, innovation, and inspiration, providing opportunities to be both challenged and empowered in the teaching journey.
Our team embodied that spirit through a diverse range of presentations that showcased the depth of thinking, inquiry, and innovation happening at Rangi Ruru.
Mrs Campbell says the diligence, thoughtfulness, and innovation demonstrated by our presenters was outstanding.
“Our team embodied that spirit through a diverse range of presentations that showcased the depth of thinking, inquiry, and innovation happening at Rangi Ruru. Their work was warmly received and admired by colleagues from across the sector, reflecting the generosity and expertise that characterise our learning community,” she says.
“At Rangi Ruru, we believe that great ideas grow stronger when they are shared. We are proud to contribute openly to professional dialogue and to support the betterment of young people’s learning experiences across Aotearoa.”
Rangi Ruru Girls’ School looks forward to hosting the ISNZ For-Teachers-By-Teachers Symposium in 2027.