New Zealand Curriculum updates
22/10/09
Schools that have been working effectively with The New Zealand Curriculum for some time have shown there's no one starting point for exploring the document and developing their own curriculum. Their experience also shows that:
- It's important just to start. Learning about one part of the curriculum invariably leads to thinking about the other parts.
- It helps if you build on what's already happening in the school, for example, professional learning about ICT or assessment.
- Teachers need time to explore and reach a shared understanding of the curriculum.
- Strategic leadership is vital.
- The curriculum is as much about the 'how' and 'why' of learning as it is about content.
- Change is complex - you won't necessarily find what works best right away.
- It helps to embed small changes and then build on them.
- It's important to think whether school structures are supporting change or are getting in the way.