Special character stressed in curriculum talks

APIS chief executive Dr Kevin Shore said the association is “still active in our negotiations with the Ministry of Education (MoE) regarding the new curriculum content”.

“. . . APIS has been trying to convince the MoE to have a statement in the updated curriculum document that clearly states the responsibility state integrated schools have to promote special character within the delivery of the curriculum,” Dr Shore said.

“The Ministry has offered the statement ‘Schools may also include additional content and learning experiences that reflect their school communities’ priorities or their school’s special character’,” Dr Shore noted.

“This is factually correct and I believe it has been taken from Clause 28(2) Schedule 6 of the Education and Training Act.

“APIS has requested that the MoE consider inclusion or reference to the whole clause which reads ‘The general school programme must reflect the education with a special character provided by the state integrated school, and religious and other examples may be used to reinforce teaching throughout the school day’.

“APIS believes the whole clause is necessary to convey the full meaning intended,” Dr Shore said.

“This may appear to be a bit pedantic to some, but the reference to special character in delivering the New Zealand curriculum, whether that be religious, philosophical or even pedagogical, sits at the core of why our schools exist.

“APIS does not want special character to somehow be seen as a requirement that is less important than the curriculum. However, we acknowledge our responsibilities to give appropriate weight to the curriculum and are not backing away from those responsibilities.”

FULL STORY

NZCEO eNewsletter (Kōtui: School and Policy Updates/NZCEO)