More curriculum changes around the corner

The latest in a string of announcements from the Ministry of Education has warned there will be further changes to the National Curriculum.

“Our curriculum is acknowledged by many to be world leading but we’ve heard very clearly that there needs to be a stronger focus on wellbeing, identity, language and culture,” Chris Hipkins said.

“In addition, we need a stronger mechanism to routinely update the national curriculum so it remains responsive and current and is clearer about the learning that every child and young person needs and not leave it to chance.

“This new step comes on the back of recently announced changes so that all children and young people can learn about New Zealand’s history.

“That was an important first step, but there are other aspects of the national curriculum that need a fresh look.” 

The new process will be agreed with the sector and will make it easier for teachers and kaiako to design and deliver a local curriculum or marau ā-kura that includes all the learning from the national curriculum, as well as learning that’s important to communities locally, Chris Hipkins said.

The Ministry will work with educators, students, their parents and whānau, hapū, iwi, Pacific and communities to develop a process and scope for updating the national curriculum. 

Chris Hipkins said we will also update Te Marautanga o Aotearoa – which guides learning through te reo Māori – to more strongly reflect te ao Māori approaches to education used in our kura.

“We appreciate our educators will need time and support to adjust to any changes. The Ministry will provide more support for developing a school curriculum or marau ā-kura, along with new curriculum resources and guidance for teachers on how to integrate the national curriculum locally.”

“These will also complement broader curriculum supports and resources that have recently been developed. The Pūtātara resource helps teachers and kaiako incorporate sustainability and global citizenship across the curriculum and we are trialling a classroom kit which is available for teachers and students to challenge racism and bias.”

A new online platform to support learning in and through te reo Māori – Kauwhata Reo – was launched earlier this month.

Planning is currently underway to replace Te Kete Ipurangi, the Ministry’s online portal for education resources and curriculum material – to make it easier for teachers to access the tools and resources they need.

Recommendations for changes to the curriculum were developed by the Curriculum, Progress and Achievement Ministerial Advisory Group working with a sector Reference Group.