Concerns a crowded curriculum could affect RE delivery

Dr Kevin Shore, chief executive of the Association of Proprietors of Integrated Schools, said the issue would be discussed with Pauline Cleaver, the associate deputy secretary – curriculum, pathways and progress at the Ministry of Education.

Consultation for the year 0 to 10 draft curriculum content started last month and runs until April 24 next year. Dr Shore said “the draft curriculum has a very structured format with specific content and knowledge having to be delivered at each year level and this may impact on special character for some proprietors”.

APIS is concerned for smaller schools that may have multilevel classrooms requiring the teacher to deliver defined content for each year level across two, three or even more year levels, Dr Shore said.

“Those proprietors who have a philosophical special character aligned to particular pedagogies will need to ensure their voices are heard so that the Ministry of Education understands that there will have to be some accommodation made in curriculum delivery for those schools.

“Steiner education (and there are others) is a case in point where formal school teaching starts two years later than normal when the student is seven years of age.”

Dr Shore said he had been assured by Ms Cleaver that “our concerns have been heard. She has indicated that she would like to meet with representatives of our sector during the consultation period to discuss ways of ensuring that the draft curriculum does not impact negatively on our special character. APIS looks forward to those conversations”. 

The New Zealand Principals Federation (NZPF) made a statement that primary school leaders will not engage in consultation on the draft curriculum until term one next yera, due to their concerns that reform is happening too quickly and at a time of year when they have limited time to consult comprehensively.

Dr Shore, who is also chief executive of the New Zealand Catholic Education Office, said he acknowledges the challenging environment, but reiterated “the need for our voice to be heard and [I] encourage our proprietors to make submissions on the draft curriculum”.

FULL STORY

NZCEO eNewsletter (Kōtui: School & Policy Updates)

Consultation for Year 0 to 10 draft curriculum content (Ministry of Education)