The principles give direction to the curriculum in New Zealand schools. They
are based on the premises that the individual student is at the centre of
all teaching and learning, and that the curriculum for all students will be
of the highest quality. The principles affirm and reflect New Zealand's identity.
They provide national direction while allowing for local discretion. All schools
must ensure that the principles are embodied in their programmes.
The New Zealand Curriculum recognises that the formal, planned curriculum
is one factor amongst many which influence learning. Learning is shaped by
the diverse experiences, values, and cultural beliefs which students bring
from their informal learning. Students' learning opportunities at school will
be affected by a range of factors, such as classroom interaction patterns,
access to resources, and the expectations, attitudes, and behaviour of family,
teachers, and peers. The principles seek to ensure that the day-to-day practices
of schools reinforce the formal curriculum.
The New Zealand Curriculum establishes direction for learning and assessment
in New Zealand schools.
The school curriculum will give all students the opportunity of a broad and
balanced education throughout their years of schooling. It will provide them
with opportunities to undertake continuing study in the seven essential learning
areas, and to develop the essential skills, attitudes, and values. It will
provide coherent goals and learning experiences which will enable students
to achieve their potential, to continue learning throughout life, and to play
their full part in our democratic society and in a competitive world economy.
The New Zealand Curriculum fosters achievement and success for all students.
At each level, it clearly defines the achievement objectives against which
students' progress can be measured.
The school curriculum will provide learning opportunities which will enable
all students to achieve the learning objectives to the best of their ability.
Schools will provide professional and innovative teaching, supported by resources
of the highest possible quality.
The New Zealand Curriculum provides for flexibility, enabling schools and
teachers to design programmes which are appropriate to the learning needs
of their students.
The school curriculum will be sufficiently flexible to respond to each student's
learning needs, to new understanding of the different ways in which people
learn, to changing social and economic conditions, to national needs, and
to the requirements and expectations of local communities.
The New Zealand Curriculum ensures that learning progresses coherently
throughout schooling.
The school curriculum will link all learning experiences within the total
school programme in a coherent and balanced way. At all levels of schooling,
programmes will build on students' previous learning experiences, and will
prepare them for future learning. The New Zealand Curriculum encourages students
to become independent and life-long learners. The school curriculum will foster
the development of the knowledge, understanding, skills, and attitudes that
will empower students to take increasing responsibility for their own learning.
It will provide students with satisfying and worthwhile experiences which
will motivate them to continue learning throughout life.
The New Zealand Curriculum provides all students with equal educational
opportunities.
The school curriculum will recognise, respect, and respond to the educational
needs, experiences, interests, and values of all students: both female and
male students; students of all ethnic groups; students with different abilities
and disabilities; and students of different social and religious backgrounds.
Inequalities will be recognised and addressed. All programmes will be gender-inclusive,
non-racist, and non-discriminatory, to help ensure that learning opportunities
are not restricted.
The New Zealand Curriculum recognises the significance of the Treaty of
Waitangi.
The school curriculum will recognise and value the unique position of Māori
in New Zealand society. All students will have the opportunity to acquire
some knowledge of Māori language and culture. Students will also have the
opportunity to learn through te reo and nga tikanga Māori. The school curriculum
will acknowledge the importance to all New Zealanders of both Māori and Pakeha
traditions, histories, and values.
The New Zealand Curriculum reflects the multicultural nature of New Zealand
society.
The school curriculum will encourage students to understand and respect the
different cultures which make up New Zealand society. It will ensure that
the experiences, cultural traditions, histories, and languages of all New
Zealanders are recognised and valued. It will acknowledge the place of Pacific
Islands communities in New Zealand society, and New Zealand's relationships
with the peoples of Asia and the South Pacific.
The New Zealand Curriculum relates learning to the wider world.
The school curriculum will provide learning which students can see to be relevant,
meaningful, and useful to them. It will enable all students to experience
and understand the application of knowledge and skills to society, including
the world of work.
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Foreword
| National
Curriculum |
The Principles
| Essential
Learning Areas |
The
Essential Skills |Attitudes
and Values
| National Curriculum Statements
| Context
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