The 152km Long Classroom

Rail Tales is a new resource for teachers – can you briefly explain what it’s all about?

Recently launched by the Otago Central Rail Trail Trust, Rail Tales is an exciting new set of learning opportunities for students that converts the 152km length of the Rail Trail into an outdoor classroom.

The Trail has always been more than just a bike ride, and our 152km outdoor classroom has so many learning opportunities.  The resource is free for schools and educators to use within schools.  The website is an integrated education resource for teachers and students to enhance the learning before, during and after the Rail Trail experience.

All lessons and activities are based to the New Zealand Curriculum with topics that include: 

• Aotearoa NZ’s History,
• Conservation,
• Health & Fitness,
• Social Studies,
• The Solar System,
• Geology (coming soon)

The idea is that students ride the Trail, learn about the history, geology etc. along the trail and then, back in the classroom, use the Rail Tales website to future increase their learning.  We also hope that we can introduce a love of the outdoors that will remain with them for a lifetime.

As well as a teaching resource, the website is also an information centre for anybody who wants to learn more about the Rail Trail through history and stories.  

Where / how did the Rail Tales concept originate?

The Trail is so much more than just a former railway line. It once was and is again the life blood of communities.  So, the Trust wanted to play a role in preserving the history, the stories and the sense of place for future generations.  Likewise, Rail Tales provides a vehicle for communities along the trail to tell their own stories. 

In 2018 the Trust developed a new interpretation plan for the Trail and has spent last five years implementing this with the help of Museograph Ltd.  Stage 1 of the project including developing a website, the brainchild of Anthony Breese from Museograph, to become a repository for the history and stories of the trail and to provide a teaching tool for schools who were already enjoying the Rail Trail as an outdoor extension of their classroom activities.   

Through discussions with teachers there was also an interest in a series of stories that could be used as a teaching resource.  Once the Trust understood the concept and got a glimpse of the website in its early stages we were “all in”!... Funding has been provided by MBIE and the OCRT Trust and here we are today!

Who has pulled all of this work together?

Anthony Breese from Museograph Ltd. is a qualified teacher. He has thoroughly researched the topics presented and written them in the format required as a teaching resource to NZ Qualification standards. The information presented is colourful and written to be easily understood by all levels of students. We think Anthony has done an amazing job – but you really need to check it out for yourself!

How does it fit into the school curriculum?

As above - follows all requirements of the NZ curriculum making it an excellent resource for all educators from primary level through to NCEA level 3. 

How much does it cost to access the resources?

The resource is free and funded in an ongoing way by the Trust to ensure that the website remains up to date with stories and with changes to the NZ Teaching Curriculum.

What’s the best way for a school group to experience the Otago Central Rail Trail (and who can help with planning, booking and logistics)?

Schools often have programmes that integrate both classroom and outdoor components to learning, and teachers are generally aware of the logistics needed to plan a field trip. However, the Rail Trail website has all the information required to help with logistics planning, accommodation, itineraries etc. Many of the tour operators which service the trail are also experts at supporting groups, including schools.

Have you received any feedback from teachers and students? What do they make of Rail Tales?

All reports to date have been excellent and several schools who have used the Rail Trail are delighted to have the new resource available to them. There is genuine excitement from those who have had a look, and we are sure that will continue, not just in the lower South Island but throughout New Zealand from schools who offer different experiences to their students and can see this outstanding opportunity here in NZ.

Where can I find out more information?

The Rail Tales website provides access to all the teaching resources, and the Otago Central Rail Trail website has all the information you need to help plan a trip. Or you can email us here. 

What’s your favourite “rail tale”?!!

They are all outstanding – we challenge you to find your favourite!