School review

Learning Architects has provided invaluable guidance and coaching for my own leadership journey.  They have facilitated professional growth opportunities that have enhanced my leadership capabilities, specifically through the use of leadership tools and reflective practices that have encouraged me to look at the bigger picture while supporting others to develop as leaders in our kura.

The 360 feedback process has definitely been useful in terms of giving me clarity as to how I’m tracking towards my own professional goals, towards being a leader, as well as how we are tracking in terms of the school culture, staff welfare and wellbeing, and for getting the general pulse of the school.
The models of leadership, and philosophies shared, have been really helpful; sessions with SLT using CliftonStrengths helped understand the team, this has deepened trust.

Engaging, challenging, and motivating… Fosters ownership and accountability in a way that is both supportive and thought-provoking… [creating] a culturally safe space has been key to our progress, ensuring our team feels valued and empowered… professional coaching has been a pivotal part of my own leadership journey as Tumuaki.
The insights, practical strategies, and unwavering support have made a tangible difference in how I lead our school.

Rob has been a big help in assisting our staff, students, and parents, as we strive to develop capable and responsible digital citizens. He has run parent workshops, staff meetings and worked in classrooms with our teachers and students.
Rob provides professional learning in digital citizenship that is practical, a realist, supportive and not afraid to ask the challenging questions. Rob is digitally savvy and knowledgeable but also understands the importance of developing good working relationships and using a strengths-based approach to effect change.

Oaklands School has engaged Rob Clarke for a number of years in a variety of roles. In 2019 we have participated with Learning Architects in a PLD programme as part of the MOE funding scheme. All of our teaching staff participated in a professional development programme on writing within the classroom.
This programme was to build our teachers’ capacity in giving students feedback on writing using teacher inquiry. The staff were well-supported and engaged in this process and have commented positively on having this opportunity to develop their practice.
During the year Rob also worked alongside our leadership team to develop a feedback model which they have used to support our teachers in the classroom.
 
 

Over the last two and a half years Rob has been an integral part of the appraisal process and the professional development of our senior leadership team at Queenstown Primary School.
Initially, he worked with our six team leaders to help them grow and develop their practice and to help with consistency across our very large school. He then went on to work with the DPs. This was an 18-month journey of professional learning and development tailored to suit our needs as well as the BoT and teachers council requirements.
Rob is an experienced ex Principal and is knowledgable and passionate about the work he does. He helped me gain insight into my strengths and how best to put them to work in my work. He is always approachable and easy to deal with while remaining professional and honest. If you are looking for an appraisal that will fit your schedule while helping you grow and develop not just tick boxes I recommend giving Rob at Learning Architects a call.

It has been a pleasure to work with Rob for our leadership appraisal. He helped us identify our strengths individually and as a leadership team. He guided us on how to work with these strengths and support each other by delving into our potential as a team. Rob has a knack of being able to lead and support from the side without telling us what to do but by asking probing questions that enable us to think on a deeper level about our goals, both professionally and personally.

I have been privileged to work with Rob over a number of years now since Learning Architects were brought on board to support our School moving to cloud-based Systems – most notably Google.
Rob has supported the different levels of computer literacy in our team as we moved to Google using a range of resources, approaches, and strategies. This is particularly vital as our school community has grown significantly in the last 5 years
In 2018, Rob has been our PLD provider to facilitate the strengthening of our Middle and Senior Leadership team via strengths-based coaching. Working with individuals as well as the team, he has increased our understandings of ourselves individually as leaders while enhancing our collective leadership by using our individual strengths and talents.
Most recently- because of his understanding of our school, Rob was employed to work with our school community to appoint a new Principal. His work in this was diligent and innovative; this supported the Board of Trustees to reflect the community engagements that were held to be able to make an informed decision.
I have no hesitation in recommending Rob and his company- Learning Architects- to anyone seeking to support and enhance their systems and educational practices. Working with Rob has supported my own growth and development as a leader and I look forward to continuing to work with him in 2019.

I tried several times to get my head and my staff across the line in using google doc’s and google sites. Having contracted Learning Architects to work remotely in a support and mentor role I achieved this and more.
Beyond the technical expertise, what really helped was the strategic, feet on the floor and considered recommendations. You don’t know what you don’t know so to have Rob push my thinking, share new ideas and guide into a better way was a huge win.
I see my schools’ connection with Learning Architects as a partnership, a mentorship and a great ongoing decision.