Progressive is our tradition. We are committed to the constant development of our teaching staff, giving them the skills necessary for our teachers to remain leaders in education.

Part of our commitment to progressive education is staying ahead of the curve and equipping our staff with the best information and tools available in education today. One example of this is the recent visit from James Nottingham, a leader in education and development, acclaimed for his creation of ‘The Learning Pit’, one of the most widely-used models for teaching to emerge in the last 20 years. James is a sought-after keynote speaker, a bestselling author of twelve publications on teaching and learning, and provides support to schools in improving pedagogy. It was an incredible opportunity for us to hear from the visionary behind these innovations.

The Learning Pit is a tool to support the ways in which we think about, and articulate, our learning. It’s a model that has become incredibly popular amongst teachers, with the shared goal of supporting students to be resilient, curious and collaborative, with a growth mindset.

James came to QMC all the way from the UK, which is where he met Principal Jayne-Ann Young during her sabbatical in 2023. This was a rare and sought after opportunity to share with our staff the incredible expertise and insights that he brings. We engaged in interactive workshops and thought-provoking discussions and practical strategies for creating dynamic and inclusive learning environments. From cultivating a growth mindset to harnessing the power of constructive feedback, James' teachings equipped our staff with the tools needed to inspire and empower the next generation of learners.

Collaborating with St Mark's staff enriched the learning experience, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing among educators. James brings with him new progressive educational tools that are used across the world, giving our teachers incredible insight into the future of education and learning, supporting QMC to be ahead of the curve in Aotearoa New Zealand’s educational landscape.