Curriculum
We endeavour to provide all children
with a ‘broad balanced education’. Our
curriculum encompasses academic,
social, cultural, sporting and community
orientated programmes.
Simultaneously, students are exposed
to a diverse range of learning
opportunities, including technology,
which has links with most subjects in
the curriculum. The technology classes
involve specialised knowledge and
practical experience. For example,
all students will take a course in
Design Technology and Food and Fabric. They will also receive
specialist teaching in Science and The
Arts (Music, Visual Art and Dance/
Drama).
Classroom teaching programmes cover
seven essential learning areas: English,
Mathematics, Social Studies, The
Arts, Health and Physical Education,
Science and Technology. Within these
programmes teachers have the ability to
cater for all students’ academic needs.
There is an emphasis on participation,
success and personal excellence.
In 2008 another curriculum area,““Learning Languages”, becomes
compulsory, making it the eighth
essential learning area.
In 2005/6 our National curriculum underwent
a review resulting in the development of a new
curriculum, due for implementation from 2008.
Key changes in the new curriculum include:
-
Emphasises clear outcomes. Students are more
task-orientated and motivated when they are
involved in developing and understanding
the outcomes they are working towards. The curriculum is more manageable for teachers when expectations are clear.
-
Provides an overall vision for learners based on
research about what makes a successful school
leaver. This research says our young people
need to be confident, connected, life-long learners who actively contribute to the wellbeing of New Zealand.
-
Outlines five key competencies that everyone
needs in order to live, learn, work and contribute as active members of New Zealand society.
-
Highlights the essence of each learning area.
This is designed to help teachers understand the nature and unique perspectives of each learning area.
-
Strengthens the importance of effective
teaching and learning and the recognition of the role that pedagogy plays in successful learning.
-
Strengthens the flexibility that enables
schools, with their communities, to engage their students and develop programmes that motivate and meet their particular needs.
-
Emphasises the importance of making
connections between what happens in schools and the wider needs of communities, society and employers.
-
Increases the profile and status of second–language learning, leading to more students learning languages more effectively.
-
Places more emphasis on the significant themes
of sustainability, enterprise, globalisation,
including studies of Asia, and critical literacies.
We are currently in the process of rewriting our
school curriculum in line with these new National
guidelines. Throughout 2008 we will be sharing
developments with you and providing updates of our progress. The information that follows reflects our current curriculum and will stand for 2008.
|
Next - Essential Learning Areas
