Educational Reform
In 1987 the then Government, the Labour Party, led by David Lange as Prime Minister and self-appointed Minister of Education, named a task force to review education and its administration. Since then nearly every aspect of the administration of education in New Zealand has been reviewed. The task force found that structures that had been in place for over a hundred years were in need of extensive reform as they were too centralised and too complex.
The basic aim of these reforms was to improve the quality of education for all New Zealanders, and their recommendations were that education should be based on choice, giving a range of options to both pupils and the institutions that provide education. The wishes and aims of parents and those in any education community needed to be recognised, and education needed to be culturally sensitive and provide equal opportunities and to practise good management.
The Schools
The most significant changes were in the administration of primary and secondary schools, in partnership with teachers. Previously, this had been the responsibility of education boards and the regional offices of the
Department of Education. This responsibility was now decentralised to boards of trustees of individual schools who became accountable for meeting the objectives of their
charter (an agreement between the school and the Minister of Education). Expenditure was made from bulk grants received from Government to run education institutions. The boards of trustees are now required to report to the Education Review Office, which reviews how well schools are meeting the objectives of their charter. The Education Review Office in turn reports directly to the Minister of Education.
Starting Age
Most New Zealand students start their education at the age of five years, despite the legal starting age of six years. In 1990 100% of five-year-olds were in fact enrolled at primary school.
It will help your child integrate into the new school if you as parents make an effort to become involved. School camps, for example, take place in the summer months. The children, teachers and helpers spend 3-4 days away together at a camp, sometimes in the bush, in a relaxed situation, learning new skills. Parents are always needed to help out, in the kitchens preparing food, and also being involved in the various activities. It gives a greater understanding of the different roles the teacher is required to play.
Consider joining your own School Board of Trustees, and become involved with the committees when asked. There is no better way for you and your family to become
familiar with the new lifestyle. I found that I made most of my friends from amongst the other parents I met at socials organised by the School Parent Teacher Association, and they still remain friends even though our families are now grown up.
The School Curriculum
Primary/IntermediateIn primary and intermediate schools the curriculum subjects cover oral and written language, reading, writing and spelling, mathematics, social studies, science, art and craft, physical and health education and music.
Intermediate School
At intermediate school the curriculum covers (in addition to the primary school curriculum) the skills of woodwork, metalwork, cooking and sewing.
Junior Classes
The first three years of the child’s education is spent in junior classes (Junior 1-3). Promotion is by age through the Standards 1-4 classes, and continues through Forms One and Two.
Secondary Schools
Most secondary schools cater for students from Form Three to Form Seven, with average ages ranging from 13-18 years. Attendance is now compulsory until the age of 16, and education is provided free to the age of 19 years.
The core curriculum subjects for secondary schools for Form Three to Form Four are language, social studies, mathematics, general science, health and physical education, music, art and craft, home economics. Optional
subjects may include economics, history, geography, French, Japanese and German. At Form Five to Form Seven levels, students have a wide range of subjects to choose from.