Join Tim Taylor for two days of professional learning in Mantle of the Expert, hosted by the Dramatic Inquiry Network Aotearoa Trust in Kirikiriroa, Hamilton.

Dates: 27 to 29 September 2026
Main workshop days: Monday 28 and Tuesday 29 September
Location: Knighton Normal School, Hamilton
Cost: $150 per person
Registrations close: Friday 18 September 2026

About Te Kura Kōanga Spring School

Te Kura Kōanga Spring School is an opportunity for educators to explore Mantle of the Expert through practical, immersive professional learning. Across two days, participants will experience the approach as learners, examine the theory that underpins it, and consider how it can be applied within their own teaching contexts.

The event is hosted by the Dramatic Inquiry Network Aotearoa Trust and brings together educators from across Aotearoa New Zealand who are interested in creating meaningful, engaging, and purposeful learning experiences for children.

Whether you are new to Mantle of the Expert or looking to deepen your existing practice, Spring School offers a supportive environment to learn, connect, and be inspired.

Learning should be something children can use right away to make a difference.

What is Mantle of the Expert?

Mantle of the Expert is an educational approach developed from the work of internationally renowned educator Dorothy Heathcote. It positions learners as members of an expert team working on meaningful commissions for a client within an imagined context.

Through this framework, students take on responsibility, solve problems, and engage with authentic tasks that require them to apply knowledge and skills across the curriculum. Learning becomes purposeful because it is connected to a shared inquiry and a meaningful context.

Mantle of the Expert combines imagination, collaboration, and curriculum learning to create classrooms where students are active participants in their own learning.

Participants will explore:

• How Mantle of the Expert supports engagement and motivation

• The role of inquiry, drama, and narrative in learning

• Strategies for building purposeful learning contexts

• Ways to develop student agency and responsibility

• Practical approaches that can be adapted for different year levels and curriculum areas

Benefits include:

• Increased learner engagement

• Stronger oral language development

• Improved writing outcomes

• Deeper curriculum understanding

• Enhanced collaboration and key competencies

Event Schedule

Sunday 27 September 2026

Optional Meet and Greet

Time: 5:30pm – 7:00pm
Venue: The Cook, Hamilton East
Cost: $20 per person

Join fellow participants and members of the Dramatic Inquiry community for an informal evening of connection and conversation before Spring School begins.

Monday 28 September 2026

Time: 9:00am – 3:30pm

A full day of professional learning with Tim Taylor, exploring the foundations and practical application of Mantle of the Expert through immersive workshop experiences.

Tuesday 29 September 2026

Time: 9:00am – 3:30pm

Building on the learning from Day One, participants will deepen their understanding of Mantle of the Expert and explore ways to adapt and apply the approach within their own educational settings.

Venue

Knighton Normal School
45 Knighton Road
Kirikiriroa, Hamilton 3216
New Zealand

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Meet Tim Taylor

Tim Taylor is a teacher, author, and trainer with more than thirty years of experience in education. Since beginning his teaching career in Norwich, United Kingdom, in 1995, Tim has worked with schools, universities, and educational organisations across the world.

A long-time collaborator and mentee of Dorothy Heathcote, Tim has played a significant role in developing and sharing Dramatic Inquiry internationally. His work focuses on creating meaningful contexts for learning that engage learners' imagination, curiosity, and sense of responsibility.

Tim is the author of A Beginner's Guide to Mantle of the Expert and co-author of Try This: Unlocking Learning with Imagination with Dr Viv Aitken. He is also the creator of the Mantle of the Expert website and continues to support educators through workshops, coaching, writing, and research.

Spring School offers a unique opportunity to learn directly from Tim and explore practical ways to bring Mantle of the Expert into your own teaching practice.

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Who Should Attend?

Spring School is designed for educators who are interested in creating meaningful, engaging, and purposeful learning experiences through inquiry and drama.

Whether you are completely new to Mantle of the Expert or looking to deepen your existing practice, you will find practical ideas, inspiration, and opportunities to connect with like-minded educators.

• Primary school teachers
• Intermediate school teachers
• School leaders
• Curriculum leaders
• Teachers interested in inquiry-based learning
• Educators exploring Dramatic Inquiry and Mantle of the Expert
• Experienced practitioners seeking to extend their practice

Registration & Pricing

Professional Learning Registration
$150 per person

Your registration includes:

• Two full days of professional learning with Tim Taylor

• Morning tea and lunch on both days

• Refreshments throughout the event

• Access to workshop materials and resources

• Opportunities to connect with educators from across Aotearoa New Zealand

Optional Meet and Greet

$20 per person

Join us on Sunday evening for an informal gathering with fellow participants before Spring School begins.

Registration Information

Please complete a separate registration form for each attendee.

Registrations close:
Friday 18 September 2026

Places are limited, so early registration is encouraged.

We Look Forward to Welcoming You

Join educators from across Aotearoa New Zealand for two days of learning, inspiration, and connection. Follow the Facebook event for updates, announcements, and event discussions as Spring School approaches.

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