A school of natural learning, joy for life, critical thinking, and solving the world's problems
Spending school time on what really matters:
The DGBS is a participatory, technology-free, evolutionary and revolutionary school for ages 5-18 designed to raise intelligent, healthy, mature, responsible young adults who can think for themselves, meet their needs, live a meaningful life and challenge the current system in order to bring about a healthy world. We are raising the dreamers, healers, rebels and the revolutionaries this world needs.
Our design is based on neuroscience, evolution, anthropology, and thousands of years of sustainable indigenous education. There is no other school like us: students learn how to live within the Earth's limits, they learn to think about future generations, they learn what a healthy and sustainable way of life is, and they learn to challenge what is wrong and heal the planet.
Our design is based on neuroscience, evolution, anthropology, and thousands of years of sustainable indigenous education. There is no other school like us: students learn how to live within the Earth's limits, they learn to think about future generations, they learn what a healthy and sustainable way of life is, and they learn to challenge what is wrong and heal the planet.
We nurture a healthy mindset and the courage to challenge.
The Deep Green Bush-School is a registered private school with the Ministry of Education. You can read our ERO report HERE.
We operate a daily shuttle which runs from Papakura, with stops available along the way. Contact us for more details.
We operate a daily shuttle which runs from Papakura, with stops available along the way. Contact us for more details.
What we offer students:
- Nature: a beautiful bush setting on 25 acres in the Hunua foothills
- Freedom: to explore, socialise and learn in your own way and at your own pace
- Stress-free: you can relax and be yourself
- No classes: except by student request
- Deep thinking: a school to expand your mind
- Participatory democracy: you help run the school
- Social and emotional intelligence: confidence, resilience, internal motivation, empathy, healthy social skills
- Field trips: to environmental and political events, as well as natural areas of Auckland
- Solutions: emphasis on solving the world's challenges
How to raise youth who are worthy of living on the planet:
| dgbs_learning_process_2019.pdf |
Social and Emotional Intelligence
Social and emotional intelligence is the key to living a satisfying and meaningful life - and the foundation for all learning. Social and emotional intelligence cannot be taught in a classroom; it can only be nurtured through a healthy environment that humans are suited to: through freedom in nature, the freedom to socialise and play with youth of mixed ages, the absence of modern technology, healthy adult role models and the freedom to take risks. It results in youth who are confident, creative, empathetic, intrinsically motivated and who are able to cooperate with others.
Conditions that promote social and emotional intelligence:
Conditions that promote social and emotional intelligence:
- surrounded by nature
- freedom to play, socialise and explore
- mixed ages
- a stress-free environment
- a coercion-free environment
- healthy adult role models
- a screen-free environment
- participatory decision-making and peaceful conflict resolution
Ecological Intelligence
After social and emotional intelligence, there is nothing more important than youth with ecological intelligence. It means knowing how to live in a way which sustains life. It means knowing how to live within the Earth's limits. It means living based on the recognition that all life is interconnected and that humans are not superior to any other life form. Every sustainable society that has ever existed has been one based on ecological intelligence - also known as traditional indigenous knowledge.
Historical Intelligence
This is the essence of all oral traditions, and means being connected to the past. Understanding the past is essential to living well in the future. At the DGBS, it includes understanding the full scope of human existence on Earth, including two million years as hunters and gatherers, the origins of agriculture and civilisation, and the origins of modern institutions such as capitalism and modern technology. It also includes understanding the causes of current global problems, and exploring possible solutions.
Fearless Intelligence
Fearless thinking means critical thinking. The DGBS is aimed at raising youth who will have a deep understanding of the world around them and will be able to think for themselves, without the insecurity of needing to “follow the herd”. They will be able to judge whether university is the right choice, and how to make the most of their one life. This is nurtured through our Talking Circles, Warrior Council, and modeled by staff. For an example, take a look at our latest newsletter.
Maturity, Wisdom and Responsibility
The result of social and emotional intelligence, ecological intelligence and historical intelligence, is youth who will have a sense of ecological responsibility and social responsibility. They will know what is healthy and what is not – and they will be prepared to do something about it.
Our curriculum: A Culture of Sustainability
Every sustainable society that has ever existed provided a cultural framework for guiding its members to ensure their health and vitality. The Culture of Sustainability is our curriculum document which re-affirms the wisdom and knowledge that is necessary for a healthy world for all children, future generations and all life on Earth.
Read our inspiring Culture of Sustainability document:
Read our inspiring Culture of Sustainability document:
| deep_green_bush-school_-_culture_of_sustainability.pdf |
The Deep Green Bush-School has been audited by:
