Science curriculum rewrite paused

The rewrite of the science curriculum has been put on hold.

The rewrite, which attracted some controversy last year following a leaked draft, has been suspended and the rewrite group has been paused. The group will resume work in the new year. 

Read the latest print edition of School News online HERE.

Pauline Cleaver, Acting Hautū (leader) Curriculum Centre said the science curriculum rewrite was being paused while they reviewed their processes based on lessons from developing and implementing the English and Maths learning areas.  

“We are reviewing how we approach the remaining learning areas from the lessons learnt in developing the English and mathematics & statistics learning areas and Te Reo Rangatira and pāngarau wāhanga ako.  

“We have paused work by the full science curriculum contributing group for the past month to give us time to base our ongoing writing process on the experience in producing a knowledge rich curriculum grounded in the science of learning.   

“We are progressing work in the meantime based on discussion with writers so far so that we don’t lose momentum and the groups will restart early in the new year.” 

RNZ reports that the decision to pause the rewrite surprised members of the curriculum writing group. Some science subject associations have expressed dissatisfaction with the rewrite.  

The Ministry of Education says they have approached subject associations for nominations of contributors to the writing group, and there will be opportunities to provide feedback on the science learning area draft in 2025.  

“There will be many opportunities for teachers to provide feedback through a range of channels during the development. We also expect schools will have further feedback as they implement the updated learning area into their teaching and learning programmes when it is released for use, and we encourage them to get in touch with us to share this feedback.”    

The previously leaked draft curriculum proposed the teaching of science through five contexts, leading to some science teachers expressing concerns that the document made no explicit reference to the traditional subject areas of chemistry, physics and biology.  

The New Zealand Association of Science Educators (NZASE) has been contacted for comment.  

The Term 4 edition of School News is out now. Read it HERE.