Learner Directed Experiences (LDEs)

At Unlimited students are encouraged to spend part of their week dedicated to pursuing their passions and interests - in reality we hope that all of the week is spent pursuing learning they are passionate about - whether that's in a course or working individually or in small groups.

One of the central parts of Unlimited’s special character is that students may work on learning which is of particular interest to them.

Here are some examples of the types of learner directed experiences (LDEs), individual inquiries and projects that have been completed in the past six years.

Learner Directed Experiences, Projects, Inquiries and Other Stuff

creation of a radio station - Metropolis   Movie making; documentary production
Hydroponic Mushroom Business   3D animation projects
clay-mation   photography
arcade game construction   t-shirt manufacturing
a written history on Tamariki School   Wild Cats at Orana Park
computer game construction - the Red E Bear group   The writing, design and publication of a cookbook for teenagers
The Cold War   Learning Russian
Music Composition   The Rotary Engine
Discovering Pointillism   The Battle of Stalingrad
web-site construction   Designing an Eco-friendly house
Death Metal Mask Making   Novel writing
Ancient & Modern Egypt; how does the past affect the present?   design and creation of promotional package for Christchurch Citizens Advice Bureau
book publication   sculpture dungeons and dragons
mental health support group   office concepts business
Out of Kilter recording company   music videos
Go-kart construction   Rock-Quest
small business ventures   equine care
digital animation & 3D modeling   web-site design
Architectural design with CAD   organising a rock concert
toy library   Flash development
guitar chord flash tool   Jet engine design & research
song-writing and recording   acting in short film
building an FX pedal for your electric guitar   planning overseas trip
The Iceman: Research inquiry on a mass murderer in the US.   . Pirates of the Caribbean: Project to find out what life was really like for a pirate
Creation of a print-counter for School IT    Ski-bike construction
Jack Nicholson: A biographic inquiry on the life of Jack Nicholson. Research presented as a large “film strip   Stargate website: Design of website containing episode information and background on the Stargate television series
Historical inquiry on Knight’s Templar   restoring a motorbike
organisation of Dance Party event   A Collection of Thoughts, Essays & Musings
music theory exams   Entry in the Young Designers' Awards
Bronze Duke of Edinburgh   Organising and running a small camp
Organising and running an Inspire course   Personal fitness
University study   Work exploration
     

 

...this is a small selection! It is worth starting school with an idea for something you would like to take on as an LDE or project.

There are always a number of classes and support groups running through the year to help you to complete LDEs.

Most students start by attending these courses, and then when they have shown they are able to work with less supervision, they can run their LDEs by checking with their LAs at 1:1 weekly meetings and IEPs.