When you arrive as a student, staff member or a visitor at UCIC, everyone will engage with you in a particular way, that is true to the vision and goals that underpin our learning & teaching framework. We foresee you will feel welcomed by kindness, be in a place where you quickly develop a sense of belonging that recognises you for who you are; and an acceptance of what you culturally bring with you to our College.
Learning & Teaching for us is not only about a way of knowing, but also a way of being.
At UC International College (New Zealand) we are developing a learning and teaching plan that embodies aspirations of what our college will look like in the future. Designed as a living document, it will enable the plan to change overtime, as we learn from others and continue to grow. Grounded in indigenous Māori principles, it embraces an holistic environment where there is:
Recognition and respect for diversity, inclusiveness and student well-being.
Learning and teaching underpinned by sound educational philosophy and enriched by engaged, inspirational teaching.
A belief that students are capable life-long learners, motivated, and curious about their learning.
Learning and teaching that is enriched by models of quality and best practice, supported by on-going professional development.
Aotearoa/New Zealand’s uniqueness lies in its special recognition and partnership with its indigenous Māori people. Under New Zealand law, the starting point for understanding one’s own cultural identity for our international students, through exposure to biculturalism and multiculturalism will begin at UCIC.
In traditional Māori life, a hīkoi was made possible through sacred connection with whenua - the land, rivers and forests - and these became fundamental to tribal identity and everyday life. Tī Kōuka trees were often used as markers or signposts by Māori, especially in the South Island to guide those along their journey. As our learners walk the UCIC pathway, the Tī Kōuka tree will act as a metaphor to signpost the key strategic goals that will direct the learner’s journey and guide this plan.
Our Learning and Teaching Framework is inspired and guided by a Māori kaupapa pedagogy. It embraces an approach to learning and teaching that places the learner (ākonga) at the centre of all we do. We offer a safe, inclusive pathway for our students, as we walk alongside them on their hikoi (long walk) to future study at the University of Canterbury. We have deliberately placed the learner’s hikoi in the centre of our framework document, surrounded by our learning and teaching strategic goals to ensure our teaching and learning practices are interwoven at all times, like a Tī Kōuka basket or kete.
The signposts will align with our students’ journeys, relating each strategic goal to the key competencies and initiatives we will implement to support our students along the pathway to enable them to successfully transition to UC. An expanded Student Learning Journey framework linking both of these elements to strategic progress indicators and timeframes will also sit alongside this plan.
Rangima Kapua
I spoke with Rangima Kapua, a trained ELICOS teacher who is also currently the Academic Student Support Coordinator at UCIC. Rangima has a key role at the College in helping shape the journey that the College will undergo to bring forth the vision of the Learning & Teaching Plan.
Tēnā koutou katoa. (Greetings to everyone)
Ko Tongariro te maunga. (My mountain is Tongariro)
Ko Taupo-nui-a-Tia te moana. (My sea is Taupo)
Ko Te Arawa te waka. (My canoe is Te Arawa)
No Turangi oku whanau, engari, I tipu e ahau I Otautahi. (I was born in Turangi, but I grew up in Christchurch)
Ko Rangimarie Kapua toku ingoa. (My name is Rangimarie Kapua)