The Hybrid Learning Hub
Curious Minds
Curious Minds is a hybrid learning hub designed for children who thrive when learning is both deeply structured and intellectually alive.
We combine explicit teaching, strong domain knowledge, and rich Socratic dialogue to develop confident thinkers who can reason, question, and apply what they know.
This is not unstructured learning. This is intentional, rigorous, and human-centred education.
Our Philosophy
At Curious Minds, we believe:
- Children are naturally curious - our role is to guide, not dilute that curiosity
- Knowledge matters - thinking cannot occur in a vacuum
- Explicit teaching and open dialogue are not opposites; they are partners
- Learning should feel meaningful, challenging, and safe
- Depth is more powerful than speed
We intentionally design learning experiences that move from curiosity - to exploration - to clarity - to mastery.
Our Learning Model
Curious Minds uses a hybrid learning model blending:
Explicit teaching
Clear, carefully sequenced instruction ensures students develop
- Strong foundational knowledge
- Academic vocabulary
- Conceptual understanding
- Cognitive confidence
We teach with clarity and purpose, so learners know what they are learning and why it matters.
Socratic & Oracle converstaions
Learning is deepend through guided discussions, questioning, and reflection.
Students are encouraged to:
- Wrestle with ideas
- Test Assumptions and learn Critical Thinking
- Articulate thinking
- Learn how to disagree respectfully
- Develop intellectual courage
This is where learners 'work in the pit' engaging in productive struggle and meaning-making.
Curiosity-driven Inquiry (with stong thinking pathways)
Curiosity is honoured - and is structured - not left to chance.
Inquiry is guided by:
- Clear learning intentions - adaptable
- Strong content knowledge
- Thoughtful questioning
- Personally defined outcomes
Curiosity expands learning through innovative and sensitive teaching.
The Role of AI
AI as a Thinking Partner
We’re not just adding technology — we’re adding intelligence that inspires. Our AI guide helps students:
• Ask deeper questions
• Reflect on their learning process
• Connect ideas across disciplines
• Think critically about their projects
AI doesn’t replace teachers or parents — it amplifies their role, freeing them to focus on mentorship, creativity, and emotional support.
Global Expert Connections
Learning With the World
Students don’t just learn from books — they learn from people shaping the future. Our platform connects learners with experts across fields, bringing authentic voices, insights, and real‑world experience into the classroom.
Imagine a student curious about space exploration speaking directly with an aerospace engineer, or a budding environmentalist learning from a conservationist in the Amazon. These connections make learning alive, human, and unforgettable.
YouPlanIt
-
Facilitates Student-Led and Teacher-Led Learning: The platform seamlessly switches between student-driven and teacher-prescribed learning, allowing flexibility for whole classes or individual students. Students can explore personal interests, fostering curiosity and ownership, while teachers guide and monitor progress.
-
Streamlines Planning and Assessment: YouPlanIt offers pre-populated learning plans aligned with the National Curriculum, supported by flexible assessment rubrics that provide clear guidance. Learning Coaches can create or modify lesson plans in under three minutes, reducing administrative workload. It automates planning, marking, and reporting, featuring a "report-as-you-go" function for seamless end-of-term reporting.
-
Promotes Critical Thinking and Creativity: The platform fosters critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity through inquiry-based frameworks, such as the Wonder Learning Journey. Students can explore subjects such as Math, Reading, Writing, Social Science, Science, Technology, and more, with over 2,500 lessons in "child-speak."
-
Enhances Student Agency: By allowing students to co-construct their learning journey, YouPlanIt builds confidence and self-management skills. Students can upload notes, photos, and project work via the mobile app, receive peer and teacher feedback, and engage in self-assessment, feeding into a graphics-based reporting system.
-
Supports Learning Coaches with Resources and Efficiency: The platform provides a growing library of customizable resources, real-time chat for group projects, and audio and video support for lessons. It reduces time spent on planning and marking, enabling teachers to focus on connecting with students and supporting their individual needs.
-
Integrates with School and Homeschool Settings: Suitable for both classroom and homeschool environments, YouPlanIt allows quick class setup (e.g., uploading a class roster in under 10 minutes) and supports localised curriculum integration, ensuring rich, authentic learning experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Curious Minds a registered school?
Curious Minds Hybrid Learning Hub is not currently a registered school. We operate as an educational learning hub, offering structured programmes that support children’s learning and development.
So how does learning work?
Families choose the learning pathway that works best for them. Many of our learners are:
-
enrolled at a school elsewhere and attend Curious Minds part-time, or
-
homeschooled, with Curious Minds supporting their learning programme.
Our role is to provide high-quality learning experiences, mentorship, and community — while families remain responsible for meeting compulsory education requirements.
Does Curious Minds replace school?
Curious Minds is designed to complement, not replace, formal schooling or homeschooling arrangements. We partner with families to support learning, curiosity, and growth in a flexible and personalised way.
Is the learning structured and aligned to the NZ Curriculum?
Yes. Our programmes are thoughtfully designed and aligned to the New Zealand Curriculum, with a strong focus on literacy, numeracy, inquiry, and key competencies. Learning progress is supported through clear goals, feedback, and reflection.
Could Curious Minds become a registered school in the future?
Our current focus is on delivering exceptional learning programmes and building a strong, values-aligned community. As we grow, we remain open to exploring future pathways that best serve learners and families.
Curious Minds is for families seeking something more meaningful than the traditional school experience.
We support:
- Homeschooled learners wanting structure, community, and academic guidance.
- Public school students seeking part-time or dual-enrolment options
- Children who are curious, creative, hands-on, or self-motivated
- Neurodivergent learners who thrive in small groups and flexible environments
- Families who value individuality over conformity
- Students who learn better through doing, experimenting, and creating
We are not an alternative because something is “wrong.”
We are an alternative because something new is possible.
file:///C:/Users/tala/Documents/YPI/AI%20INFO%20ON%20CM%20WEBSITE/Curious_Minds_Parent_Information_Guide.pdf