Conversation
The Government’s vision for the future of New Zealand education reflects the overwhelming aspirations of New Zealanders, as expressed in the Kōrero Mātauranga, for a more inclusive, equitable, future focused and connected New Zealand education system.
Curriculum, Progress and Achievement Ministerial Advisory Group
One of the steps towards achieving this vision was the appointment of the Curriculum, Progress and Achievement Ministerial Advisory Group in May 2018, following the removal of the compulsory use of National Standards and Ngā Whanaketanga Rumaki Māori in December 2017.
The Ministerial Advisory Group was tasked with providing advice on strengthening the focus on progress across the curricula, so that all ākonga can make progress in the breadth of learning that is important for lifelong wellbeing, and experience a rich and engaging curriculum that is relevant to their local contexts. It included representation from both Māori and English medium educators to deliver advice that reflects Te Marautanga o Aotearoa and The New Zealand Curriculum and meets the needs of a bicultural Aotearoa-New Zealand.
It worked with a sector reference group that included teachers and kaiako, school and kura leaders, and representatives from different parts of our education system. Its members provided an ‘on the ground’ view by talking directly with people within their networks.
Feedback from conversations led by Reference Group members
The report of the Ministerial Advisory Group in June 2019 provided a clear direction for the future of curriculum, teaching and learning:
Report: Strengthening curriculum, progress, and achievement in a system that learns
It contained separate recommendations for Māori and English medium settings that provide a coherent direction, but reflect the differences there are in the aspirations and contexts of Te Marautanga o Aotearoa and The New Zealand Curriculum. The report made it clear that to achieve our vision for education we need to change the way we use our national curriculum.
Since then, the Ministry of Education has been working collaboratively with people from the education sector and communities to respond to the report’s recommendations. This work has identified that significant change is needed to make our national curriculum for schooling clear about the important learning that all ākonga need, to uphold our commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and to make it equitable and fit for purpose now and into the future.
In February 2021 Ministers Jan Tinetti and Kelvin Davis announced that the national schooling curriculum will be refreshed through a phased approach over five years so it remains fit for purpose and is clearer about what our tamariki need to learn at school and kura.
More information and how to get involved
Refreshing our national curriculum
Curriculum Refresh for Clearer, More Relevant Learning | Beehive.govt.nz
National Curriculum Refresh information release
More information about refreshing The New Zealand Curriculum
More information about refreshing Te Marautanga o Aotearoa
If you have any questions or suggestions, or want to be involved, email us at nationalcurriculum.refresh@education.govt.nz.