'Mainstream school is based on force': A look into New Zealand's first bush school

At New Zealand's first bush school children learn how to hunt, gather and cook. Photo / Newshub

Imagine replacing the classroom with the outdoors, math with hunting and English with cooking.

That's the new reality for children at New Zealand's first bush school.

There is no homework and no computers. Instead, students learn to connect with nature, live self-sufficiently and set their own education.

The school, which has been running for one term, is temporarily based at a reserve in Clevedon and could soon hold 50 students at Hunua Ranges.

School co-founder Joey Moncarz believes his class of six students are thriving with the new form of education and says the teaching model works.

"They are learning to be confident; they are learning how to think... in an ecological way," Moncarz told Newshub.

"They see that everything is connected and... see how their actions have an effect on the natural world, and not just on the natural world but people in other countries.

"Mainstream school is based on force.

"It's a myth of mainstream education that you need to go to school for 12 years and study math and English and all that."

Students attend a "warrior council" where they discuss how life skills and current events. Photo / Newshub

The school's curriculum involves reading books, planting trees, learning how to survive in the wild and holding peacekeeping circles where students can discuss their concerns.

Moncarz argues that students will gravitate towards subjects they enjoy and see value in.

He believes that if students value reading and writing, then they will be more willing to apply themselves to those subjects.

The school also hosts a "Warrior Council", where older students discuss current affairs and develop life skills.

A parent says her six-year-old daughter appears less stressed after attending the school, and believes she has more self-motivation and independence.

The school is currently registered with the Ministry of Education but must pass a review in order to continue operating next year.