Media Release

13 March 2007

Re: E4E Regional Cluster Launch

West Coast High Schools have launched the new Education for Enterprise (E4E) project which will involve schools the length and breadth of the region.

South Westland Area School, Westland High, Greymouth High, Reefton Area and Buller High School will be focused on providing students and teachers with opportunities to engage in enterprising activities within their schools and communities.

The project, is being delivered by the West Coast Development Trust’s Regional Development team, and will also be supported by The Ministry of Education, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE), New Zealand Council for Education Research (NZCER) and the Tindal Foundation.

E4E has become a key focus of the Ministry of Educations draft national curriculum identifying the need to provide students with authentic learning opportunities.

The E4E is a pilot project which will establish best practice methods and will focus on enterprise culture within schools, bringing together teachers, students and members of the community through interactive relationships. It is an extension of the innovative and successful Education to Business (E2B) module operated throughout West Coast schools over the past two years.

Trust CEO, Mike Trousselot said it made sense to support this initiative based on the success of the E2B programme also delivered and co funded by the Trust.

“Encouraging our students to think outside the square and to see them build real relationships with businesses as part of their learning experience is exciting in itself,” said Reefton Area School Principal Wayne Wright. “The E4E project is the catalyst for authentic learning opportunities but the really exciting thing is the potential for enterprise and innovation to lift the desire for learning and affect attitudes within the school environment. Students will have an insight into the real world of business and community and know that they can transition and perform well”, he added.

The project is not just about students, teachers will get professional development support to ensure the project delivery is optimized.

“The benefits don’t stop there” said project manager, Nicky Roberts of the West Coast Development Trust. “Businesses and community will benefit by students providing practical and innovative solutions to work place needs , saving them time and money. The relationships built between students and the community will also open new doors of mutual respect and understanding, necessary ingredients for a healthy community”, she said.

The crucial professional development phase for principals and teachers involved in the project will be provided by Gina Revill from CORE Education who will assist staff identify enterprising ways of delivering their curriculum. This programme got underway in Greymouth this week.

Josie Roberts and Rachel Bolsted representatives of the NZ Council of Educational Research will conduct independent evaluation throughout the project, feeding critical information back to the schools and the funders, ensuring the project is meeting its objectives.

West Coast schools involved with the project are,.

ENDS

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