FOREWORD

This curriculum statement replaces the syllabuses Science Syllabus and Guide: Primary to Standard Four (1980), Science for Forms One and Two (1961), Science for Forms Three and Four (1968), and Science Draft Syllabus and Guide: Forms 1 to 4 (1978). It builds on New Zealand research and curriculum development in science education, and provides the basis for science programmes in schools from year 1 to year 13; that is, from junior classes to form 2 in primary schools and from form 3 to form 7 in secondary schools.

The Minister of Education requested the redevelopment of the science curriculum in 1991, as part of a broad initiative aimed at improving primary and secondary school student achievement. The development process involved a small project team and a number of reference groups. A science advisory group provided guidance at key stages of the project. A draft statement was prepared and circulated to schools and interested groups for comment and discussion. The views of all those who responded have been taken into account in preparing the final curriculum statement.

There are three major directions in this curriculum statement. It gives special emphasis to continuity and progression in learning in science by specifying clear learning goals expressed as achievement objectives at eight levels through all of the years of schooling. The statement focuses on the use of a range of diagnostic and formative assessment to enhance learning and teaching for all students. Finally, the curriculum statement stresses the need for initial learning in science to be set within contexts which are meaningful to students and which lead to understanding of the interrelationship of science, society, and technology.

I am grateful to all who have contributed to the development of this curriculum statement, especially Ministry staff, the contractor and the writers, the members of the reference groups, and the members of the policy advisory group, all of whom gave freely of their time, expertise, and experience.

Dr Maris O'Rourke

Secretary for Education