Friday 29 May 2015

Trailblazing education body a step closer 

Hekia Parata | Education
“Today’s gazetting of the official start date for the Education Council (EDUCANZ) is another step along the path towards the creation of a trailblazing professional leadership body,” Education Minister Hekia Parata says. The gazette notice confirms the Council will replace the New Zealand Teachers’ Council from 1 July 2015. Ms Parata says the Education Council is the new professional and regulatory body for the teaching profession. ...

Increase in achievement levels hailed

Hekia Parata | Education

A further increase in the proportion of students achieving NCEA has been hailed by Education Minister Hekia Parata. Since provisional NCEA results were issued in January the percentage of students achieving the all-important NCEA Level 2 qualification has risen from 87.1 percent to 88.3 percent as a result of reconsiderations and reviews and the late reporting of results for internally-assessed standards. Ms Parata says the proportion of students achieving NCEA Levels 1 and 3 has also risen. ...

$79k to fund opportunities for young people

Nikki Kaye | Youth

Youth Minister Nikki Kaye today announced that four recipients will receive a total of $79,000 funding under the Opportunities for Young People fund. “This funding comes from the Youth Enterprise Fund, which supports organisations providing hands-on learning opportunities for young people to develop entrepreneurial skills. “The Opportunities for Young People fund recognises that many young people are themselves coming up with projects that are creating social and environmental change, and these projects are worthy of support in their own right. ...

Sex education guidelines updated

Stuff.co.nz
Schools have been advised to address issues of consent and coercion in their sexuality lessons. The advice appears in the Ministry of Education's updated guidelines for schools on teaching sexuality education, which were released on Thursday. It is the ...
Updated sexuality education guide for schools released Scoop.co.nz
Sex education to cover consent 3News NZ
Schools urged to teach and respect diversity Gay NZ

Schools Will Reject 'Extreme' Sex Ed Guidelines

Scoop.co.nz (press release)
Family First NZ says that most schools along with the parents in the schoolcommunity will rightly reject the extreme elements of the new sexuality education guidelines, and that resources should be targeted at parents to help them educate their own ...

Taking gender out of the equation 

Schools have been asked to consider offering gender-neutral uniforms as part of new sexuality education guidelines aimed at being more inclusive.Advice from the Ministry of Education, released yesterday, also suggested schools could...

The children who aren't allowed to fail 

There was once a time when a new father was free to relax, sit back and enjoy the warm glow of parenthood when his first child was born. It was not to be for lawyer Andrew Lee. Within three hours of his son Alexander's birth, Andrew,...

Nats break health and education spending promises

Scoop.co.nz (press release)
National has outstanding promises of almost $1 billion to be spent on health,education and agriculture from the Future Investment Fund but has only $536 million left in the fund, says Labour's Finance spokesperson Grant Robertson. “John Key and Bill ...

Boys' High v Christ's College

Stuff.co.nz
Christchurch Boys' High School fans taunt rival Christ's College supporters at the annual rugby fixture between the schools. ... Christs' College supporters were the loudest in the early exchanges, not letting their school's 14-year losing streak get ...

Thursday 28 May 2015

$1 million to connect Kiwis with science Steven Joyce | Science and Innovation
Science and Innovation Minister Steven Joyce today announced the successful applicants for the $1 million Unlocking Curious Minds Contestable fund. “The Unlocking Curious Minds pilot fund is an important step towards engaging more New Zealanders to learn about science, particularly our young people" The fund offers two levels of grants: up to $20,000 for local projects, and up to $150,000 for regional or national projects. ...

Budget 2015 Education: the lowdown

Educators NZ
“Students who leave school with NCEA Level 2 or better are less likely to end up unemployed or in prison and more likely themselves to produce children who enjoy educational success,” it explains. The Budget 2015 investment of $442.9 million of ...

Proud to do things 'like a dyslexic'
Stuff.co.nz
In the video Isley says the classroom is not an easy place to learn for someone with dyslexia. "Sitting for tests, writing essays and reading are all a struggle for us. "You don't see us put our hand up for answers much, and we might try and hide in ...

Top e-learning trends impacting education

Educators NZ
Developers are already beginning to design educational game play around physical locations - this enables a user to receive real time, information tips, hints and advice about their environment/locations. These augmented learning systems are already ...

Sex ed classes add consent and coercion
Schools have been formally advised to add lessons about consent and coercion into their sexuality education programmes for the first time

Updated sexuality education guide for schools released
The Ministry of Education has released an updated guide for schools on teaching sexuality education.

Fewer kids at Auckland kindergartens
Auckland kindergartens are facing a decline in enrolments largely due to a lack of awareness in the region's growing migrant population.

Playcentres under threat of closure because of dropping roll numbers
Playcentre is trying to stop the slow death of its centres in the face of a 12-year low in enrolments.

Wednesday 27 May 2015

Could 2018 see computer-based exams?

As a new school term gets underway, how much is your child preparing for this brave new world: with pencil and pen, or keyboard?

It's time for a pay rise, say teachers
Stuff.co.nz
Many teachers were stressed trying to keep on top of things at home and the increasing workload and expectations in the classroom. "A lot of activities happen in your own time but I do it because I'm passionate and because it makes a difference to the ...

PPTA asks for 5 percent pay rise 

The secondary teachers' union is seeking a five percent pay rise it says is needed to catch up with inflation.

Schools agree to collect and share data on bullying
The Human Rights Commissioner says getting school principals to agree to collecting and sharing data on bullying is a breakthrough. The Bullying Prevention Advisory Group has agreed to the idea which is part of its revised guidelines for schools just issued. David Rutherford discusses how data collecting and sharing might work.

University dangles free flights

Stuff.co.nz
The University of Canterbury is offering incentives including free flights for studentsto boost its numbers after the region's earthquakes. Student numbers dropped to a five-year low in 2014 - falling 21 per cent from 18,783 registered students in ...

School turn around amazing, claims ERO
Walking into Te Kura o Waitahanui school the entire atmosphere of the school has changed.

Passion for science rewarded with grant
Sparking a passion for science at primary school can be difficult due to limited funding and resources, but one Taupo primary school has received a grant which has sent their passion propelling forward.

School children revive Samoan language
Children in South Auckland are braving the winter weather in traditional Samoan attire this week to celebrate Samoan language week.

Tuesday 26 May 2015

New indicators for educational success 

Hekia Parata | Education
Education Minister Hekia Parata has welcomed the development of new measures of educational success to be used for both internal and external evaluation of schools. The indicators have been developed by the Education Review Office in conjunction with key academic experts and make use of evidence from high-performing schools. They are being trialled over the next few months and will be formally adopted by ERO from July next year. ...

Special needs funding 'a spit in the ocean', says Upper Hutt principal 

An increase in funding for special needs students is a "spit in the ocean" according to Fergusson Intermediate principal Paul Patterson.

New Teachers' Council not representative of teachers - Labour

Stuff.co.nz
The Opposition says it's not surprising teachers have turned their back on the controversial new body replacing the Teachers' Council, given so few of the nominated members have actually spent time in a classroom. It's been revealed of the 145 ...

Students get a boost in science

Auckland stuff.co.nz
The project will bring together students and science professionals who will collaborate on projects that have scientific value. Comet skills manager Shirley Johnson says it's an exciting time for South Auckland. But not enough is being done to engage ...

Schools urge parents to get kids to school on time

Stuff.co.nz
The first 30 minutes in the classroom were important; kids were on the back foot when they continually arrived late for class, missing early morning instructions and a little piece of learning each day, he said. Five years ago the 370-pupil school had ...

Iwi extends education strategy with Computers in Homes

Educators NZ
... has extended its Learning and Development strategy and launched a pilot programme to benefit 10 iwi members and families across Marlborough. Butch Bradley, Ngati Apa ki te Ra To CEO, says “This pilot programme is another part of our education ...

Removing Christianity from schools 'dangerous'

Stuff.co.nz
I challenged the use of karakia in the classroom, saying that the school was meant to be secular and karakia was not something atheist teachers and students should have to listen to or take part in. As soon as I expressed these views (at a whole-school ...

Adult learners head back to Tapawera Area School for a second chance

Stuff.co.nz
Adult learners are hitting the books at Tapawera Area School, which is the first time the school has had older students in at least the past decade. The school now has fiveadult learners enrolled who are working on a range of subjects to achieve their ...

School children revive Samoan language

Children in South Auckland are braving the winter weather in traditional Samoan attire this week to celebrate Samoan language week.

22-25 May 2015

Updated Bullying Prevention Guide welcomed

Hekia Parata | Education
Education Minister Hekia Parata has welcomed the update of a successful anti-bullying guide, which incorporates suggestions from schools and boards of trustees. “The 2015 edition of Bullying prevention and response: A guide for schools will help schools prevent and respond to bullying to keep students safe and give them the best opportunities to learn,” says Ms Parata. ...

Budget 2015: Who gets what

New Zealand Herald
Total spending of $10.8 billion in 2015/16 on early childhood, primary and secondary education. New operating spending of $442.9 million includes: • $74.9 million for early childhood education to enable more children to attend early childhood education ...
Govt tightens education purse strings Radio New Zealand
Budget 2015: Live SunLive
Hon Bill English Budget Speech 2015 Scoop.co.nz (press release)

Budget positive but more needed to end child poverty

Scoop.co.nz (press release)
... child poverty requires action across a range of areas, including addressing disparities, ensuring adequate income and affordable housing, supporting parents, strengthening communities, and providing accessible and quality early childhood education ...

Budget will cost average early childhood centres $15,000

Budget 2015 will cost average early childhood centres $15,000 a year and increase parent fees

Budget 2015: Reining in of university fees 'paltry'

University fee hikes are to be reined in by the Government - but a student union has dismissed any savings as paltry.Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment Minister Steven Joyce announced yesterday as part of Budget 2015 that...

Budget 2015: Autism NZ says funds badly needed

Autism New Zealand has welcomed a funding boost to assist children with special needs at school, but says there will still likely be an unmet need.The Budget assigns an additional $63 million over the next four years to assist children...

No pay rises for educators in Budget 2015?

Educators NZ
“Therefore it needs to ensure it can deliver on its side of the bargain and ensure teaching is fairly paid and that good teachers are attracted to and encouraged to remain in the classroom.” He explains, “While no one enters the teaching profession...

Budget 2015 cold comfort for early childhood education

Scoop.co.nz (press release)
Budget 2015 has disappointed early childhood education (ECE) providers who received no increase to funding rates. $75m extra funding over four years has been allocated to ECE, however this is to pay for the increased number of children attending ECE ...

Education budget focuses on learners says NZSTA

Scoop.co.nz (press release)
The additional funding for vulnerable children and students with special educational needs is very welcome. NZSTA is also pleased to see that there has again been a price adjustment to the Operations Grant. The budget is a sensible and steady one for ...

Kids who turn 5 to wait before starting school

The time-honoured tradition of starting school on your fifth birthday is increasingly being dumped.A growing number of primary schools are looking to adopt new policies that will see children begin at preset dates throughout the...

Rate your child's school report

Stuff.co.nz
Children will next month begin arriving home with a school report stuffed in their bag. The mid-year progress report should provide insight into your child's achievement and progress. National Standards was designed to make it easier for parents to ...

Special needs education boost won't solve the problems, says dad

Stuff.co.nz
The Ministry of Education has spent the past two months reviewing special education, seeking feedback from parents, disability groups and teachers on how to create a simpler funding system, make services easier to access and have more involvement ...

Peter Hughes: Parents can place their trust in early childhood education

New Zealand Herald
There has been a lot of debate about how good New Zealand's early childhood education is in these pages this week. That's a good thing. You are entitled to hear every side of the story when it comes to the care of your kids. But not everything that's...

More childcare the focus for early education budget

Scoop.co.nz (press release)
... of all children in NZ having attended early childhood education before they start school despite a lack of evidence that participation is better for every child and that the more time children spend in ECE the higher their educational achievement ...

New role focuses on University's Māori development

Scoop.co.nz
Born and raised in Masterton he grew up in the Te Kōhanga Reo (Māori language nest) and Kura Kaupapa Māori (Māori language total immersion school) movements, and is a fluent speaker of te reo Māori. “I love my culture and my language. It defines a big ...

Gate Pa first to open Maori immersion preschool

New Zealand Herald
There are two ways to do that - a kohanga or a puna reo. A puna reo is funded and supported by the Ministry of Education. A kohanga reo is chartered through Te Kohanga Reo National Trust. "They both worked with our curriculum but have a different way ...

Classroom finances: Banqer

We visit a school where 10 year olds are earning hundreds of thousands of dollars using a virtual financial system called Banqer that's training them in financial literacy. With teacher Jolene Butson of Churton Park School and her class, and Kendall Flutey of Banqer.

Iwi leader believes education the key to a better future 

Top of the south iwi Ngati Apa ki te Ra To, in partnership with Computers In Homes (CIH), has further extended its Learning and Development strategy with a pilot programme that will impact the lives and homes of 10 iwi members and families across Marlborough.

Growing diversity 'increases need for national languages policy'

Voxy
Apart from on Marae and at specific cultural events like Chinese New Year, Diwali and the Pasifika Festival, English dominates nearly every aspect of public life. "We would like to see a comprehensive, across-government, languages policy that would ...

Student union critical after little movement on tertiary fee increases

A reduction in the fee increases tertiary institutions can charge is likely to save the average student $60 a year, but student unions say this is unlikely to help solve student debt or counter the growing price of rent. Currently...

Universities a key part of the solution

Scoop.co.nz (press release)
“All eight universities are well placed to support the government's dual goals of achieving sustainable, long-term economic growth through innovation, and of enhancing outcomes for young people, including Māori and Pasifika.” Currently universities ...

Religious education lessons 'are not punishment'

Stuff.co.nz
Personally I think the whole issue is being exaggerated and misstated, both by the Secular Education Network and the media. This is not Bible study being taught in the school curriculum. The lessons are largely stories, and suggest moral principles ...

The case for Apple in the classroom

Educators NZ
The Mac computer has been in classrooms since 1984. “With Mac in the classroom, students have access to a wide range of applications that can help keep the classroom productive,” Apple says. The Mac App Store is packed with education apps that help ...

A preschooler suddenly goes mute - and it's not just shyness

Stuff.co.nz
We removed all pressure on him about speaking while encouraging play dates with trusted friends and other interactions - such as hanging out after school in his classroom - that would expand his comfort zone. It took a long time, but his words ...

Student loan rules threaten medical degrees

3News NZ
New Zealand may end up with hundreds fewer doctors if student loan rules are not changed, a student association says. New Zealand Medical Students' Association president Elizabeth Berryman said the present seven-year cap on student loans would make ...

More study for Manawatu prisoners in the past five years

The number of prisoners to receive a student loan for tertiary study at Manawatu Prison has been increasing but numbers remain low.

Gisborne gets trial for education programme

Gisborne Herald
The Government has allocated $2.2 million to the trial for assigning educational mentors, or “champions”, to 80 to 100 of the most vulnerable students in the region. ... The Budget also included an additional 500 Maori and Pasifika trades training places.

Rangi Ruru Girls' School principal Julie Moor resigns

Rangi Ruru Girls' School principal Julie Moor has resigned after more than 13 years in the job.

Thursday 21 May 2015

Education investment rises to $10.8b 

Hekia Parata | Budget 2015
A Budget 2015 investment of $686.7 million will take total spending on early childhood, primary and secondary education in the coming year to $10.8 billion, Education Minister Hekia Parata says. “Budget 2015 includes $442.9 million of operating funding over the next four years for education and $243.8 million of capital, reflecting the Government’s determination to help young New Zealanders achieve their potential.

Vote Education – Budget 2015 Presentation to Education Cross Sector Forum
Hekia Parata | Budget 2015

Hi everyone. It’s great to see you all again this afternoon. Some of you are new to this lock-up; others have been here before. Regardless, I welcome you all and thank you for your ongoing commitment to education and to the future for all our children and young people. I’d also like to welcome the Under-Secretary for Education David Seymour who is here with us today. Like me, and all of you, Mr Seymour believes passionately in the ability of education to transform the lives of young people and I’m delighted he’s been able to join us. ...

Stepping up for kids with special needs...
Hekia Parata | Budget 2015

The Government is investing an extra $62.9 million of operating funding over the next four years to better assist children with special education needs to learn and achieve, Education Minister Hekia Parata says. “We believe every child and young person in New Zealand should have the best possible education,” she says. “In the case of students with special needs, a strong education increases the chance of them becoming more independent and better able to participate in and contribute to the community.” ...

Extra $8.2m for vulnerable students 

Hekia Parata | Budget 2015

Almost 6,000 of New Zealand’s most vulnerable students will benefit from an extra $8.2 million operating funding over the next four years for initiatives designed to increase their participation in the education system and lift achievement levels, Education Minister Hekia Parata says. “The more at-risk young people who get a good start in education, and the longer they engage in education and training, the better it will be for them and for New Zealand. That’s why we’re focusing more educational resources on this group of young people.” ...

$373.9m spending on school infrastructure 

Hekia Parata | Budget 2015

The Budget provides $373.9 million for school infrastructure, Education Minister Hekia Parata and Associate Education Minister Nikki Kaye say. This includes $130.1 million operating funding over four years and the $243.8 million capital expenditure the Prime Minister announced last month for new schools, kura and classrooms. “This spending is about securing and ensuring the safety of property and improving school infrastructure and services,” Ms Parata says. ...

Further $113m boost for tertiary education, skills
Scoop.co.nz (press release)
Budget 2015 will provide a further $112.3 million of operating funding over four years and $1 million of capital funding to invest in knowledge and skills to grow New Zealand's economy, Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment Minister Steven Joyce says.

Budget 2015: 2 new charter schools in education spend
3News NZ
Almost $700 million has been allocated for a suite of education programmes in this year's Budget, including two new charter schools and school infrastructure. Early childhood, primary and secondary education sectors will be the benefactors of the $686 ...
Budget 2015: Education - what's in it for schools?
Stuff.co.nz

Budget funding boost welcomed 

Budget funding boost welcomed A 20 per cent increase in tertiary funding for agriculture announced in today’s budget is being welcomed by Lincoln University Deputy Vice-Chancellor International and Business Development Jeremy Baker. The increase is part of an $85.8 ...

Hard budget decisions loom for primary schools
Scoop.co.nz (press release)
While public schools cope with miserly funding increases, money has been found to establish two more charter schools by 2017 even though hardly any of the current crop of charter schools are even meeting their minimum guaranteed rolls. “The millions of ...

Budget 2015: Special needs tops teachers' wishlist

More funding for children with special needs has topped an informal wishlist for teachers ahead of this year's Budget.The Herald yesterday took to Twitter to ask educators what they would most like to see announced today. Replies...

Budget 2015: Extra $687m for education
New Zealand Herald
In February, Secretary of Education Peter Hughes estimated fixing the system had cost an additional $45 million to date. Ms Parata said the extra Novopay funding was to "complete the process of delivering an efficient and cost effective payroll system ...

Education budget focuses on learners says NZSTA 

Budget 2015 continues to demonstrate a focus on learners and consolidates the changes introduced in recent years, which is what the sector has been talking about for some time, says the New Zealand School Trustees Association.

$244 million funding boost includes establishment of 3 new kura kaupapa
Māori Television
Education Minister, Hekia Parata says, “funding spread over four years, demonstrates the government's commitment to ensuring all kids can do their very best at school. It will be used to build seven new schools, expand four existing schools and add ...

Unlikely Budget will find missing billion 

Tertiary Update Vol 18 No 15 The government’s Budget today is unlikely to have anything new and positive in it for tertiary education. If the government had good news it probably would have started to sing about it by now, says TEU national president Sandra Grey. The problem is, that without a dramatic change in …

Should we still be teaching religious education in schools?
3News NZ
In 2012, Jeff McClintock found his daughter sitting in 'the naughty corner' at Red Beach School while the rest of the class participated in Bible class. Since then he's fought to have religious education removed from all state schools, rather than ...

Atheists and the devout join together in protest
Stuff.co.nz
The group of protesters would include atheists who wanted no religion to be taught in state schools, as well as religious people who believed all religions – rather than only Christianity – should be taught as part of the school curriculum. SEN members ...

Should we still be teaching religious education in schools?
3News NZ
In 2012, Jeff McClintock found his daughter sitting in 'the naughty corner' at Red Beach School while the rest of the class participated in Bible class. Since then he's fought to have religious education removed from all state schools, rather than ...

Father fighting David and Goliath battle over bible in schools
3News NZ
A parent fighting bible lessons in schools admits he's feeling a weight on his shoulders as his High Court battles begins. Jeff McClintock is taking a case against Red Beach School north of Auckland, and the Attorney-General, Chris Finlayson. He says ...

Have you moved for a school zone?

Stuff.co.nz
What lengths have you gone to to get your child into the 'right' school? School zones are often a huge part of the decision in where your family lives. A Wellington mother was left shocked and upset that her third child could not go to school with her ...

Maori students' development plan underway at Witt in Taranaki

Stuff.co.nz
"There's no point in walking into a classroom filled with diverse learners and hitting them with a one size fits all solution." The Maori development plan is a fresh take on the institute's Rautaki Maori strategy which previously focussed on the ...

Exchange student's New Zealand highlights
Auckland stuff.co.nz
Heidi Virtanen, who is almost at the end of her Rotary exchange to Dargaville, says the town and nation has made an impression on her. The 18-year-old from Finland, with aspirations of becoming a medical doctor, says there are differences between her ...

Wednesday 20 May 2015

Upper Hutt man to head national education research body

The Dominion Post
Brown Owl resident Graeme Cosslett is the new chief executive of the New Zealand Council for Educational Research. Born and bred in Upper Hutt, Cosslett joined the research organisation in 2008 after a decade of primary and intermediate school teaching ...

Maori literacy in spotlight for strategy

New Zealand Herald
Leading the consultation process for Te Wahanga of the New Zealand Council for Educational Research is Keith Ikin. The stakes are high as consultation resumes on a national strategy for Maori adult literacy and numeracy. "Improved Maori adult literacy ...

NZ teachers 'deserve a decent pay rise'

In countries with great education systems, such as Finland and Japan, lots of people want to be teachers. What this means is that getting into teacher training is tough, and then it can still be hard to get a job, as schools that advertise vacancies can afford to be selective.

NCEA manipulated for better results, principals say

Stuff.co.nz
Principals are frustrated with the publication of NCEA results, saying they are not a fair representation of school achievement. Several Manawatu principals have expressed frustration about the importance placed on participation results. They said ...

Phone ban lifts students' marks

It is a question that keeps some parents awake at night. Should children be allowed to take mobile phones to school?Now economists claim to have an answer. For parents who want to boost their children's academic prospects, it is...

Sex education, alcohol and consent

Stuff.co.nz
Children need to be educated about the risks involved with sex when alcohol is involved, says Michael. Related Links. Sorting sex education in New Zealand 'We need to talk about porn' in sex ed classes Sex education's 'too important' to be left to ...

Sex education's 'too important' to be left to parents

Stuff.co.nz
Sex education is a matter of health and therefore should only use information provided by medical experts or advice from professionals. There should be no room for personal opinions or religion. Just the facts - statistics and science. What sex is ...

Davis demands answers over new Kura Kaupapa

Māori Television
He has extensive experience in the Education sector and Kelvin Davis wants answers. "My question is, will Māori immersion schools be treated the same as mainstream schools? How much resources will be given them?" Education Minister Hekia Parata has ...

Charter schools slow to fill classes 

None of the charter schools opened this year have yet reached capacity - with one for Pasifika students chaired by All Black Michael Jones failing to meet its targeted roll by 40 per cent.Teacher unions and opposition parties say...

Kura complains about loss of cash

A Gisborne kura says the Government has slashed nearly $40,000 of desperately needed funding from its budget due to an incorrect decile rating.

Ministry accused of 'dropping ball' on Havelock North kura kaupapa plan 

The Ministry of Education is defending its decision to build a new kura kaupapa on the old Arataki Holiday Park in Havelock North, after a claim by Tukituki MP Craig Foss that ministry officials "dropped the ball".

Thursday 14 May 2015

NZnews will be taking a break from tomorrow until Wednesday 20 May 2015

High school exams moving online 

High school students will be sitting exams on computers by the end of this year. The New Zealand Qualifications Authority is offering an NCEA maths paper in a digital format, following a successful pilot last year. The NZQA plans...

NZQA to discuss digital assessment in schools

Educators NZ
Technology is rapidly changing teaching, learning and assessment, according to the New Zealand Qualifications Authority. As NZQA moves towards the increased use of digital assessment, deputy chief executive Richard Thornton will visit schools and ...
NZQA looks to roll out digital exams

Students Embracing Online Learning Achieves NCEA Success

Scoop.co.nz (press release)
Embracing the online learning environment wholeheartedly was key to Alicia Miller's high achievement in NCEA, and being awarded the 2015 Virtual Learning Award for Excellence at the second annual Awards ceremony in Wellington, hosted by the Virtual ...

Why do inequities persist in accessing exam help? 

Latest figures from NZQA show huge inequities persist between high and low decile schools when it comes to accessing special exam help for students with learning difficulties. This is despite an overhaul of the system last year to make it easier. Richard Thornton, is the deputy chief executive, qualifications, for NZQA.

Literacy - getting children engaged with reading 

Jill Eggleton is an international educational consultant in literacy and author of over 800 children's books with a wide variety of teaching experiences, spanning over 30 years. She works throughout New Zealand with classroom teachers, administrators, reading specialists and consultants in school districts and implementing practical literacy programmes.

There is nothing normal about massive student debt

Stuff.co.nz
But, as with buying anything, getting an education does not justify a run-away debt. Many students do well in keeping down their debts, realising, I hope, that just because you can borrow, doesn't make it a good idea. In 2013, while 94 per cent ...

Education unit for Far North teenage mums

Stuff.co.nz
Teen mums in the Far North may soon have a haven dedicated to their education. Northland College signed an agreement with the Ministry of Education last month to establish a teen parenting unit in Kaikohe. Joanne Kiro is coordinating the consultation ...

More schools supported to run food literacy programme

A national programme that is changing the way children approach and think about food has been able to add more schools thanks to a $28,500 grant from the Medibank Community Fund.

Two-way partnership helps schooling

waateanews.com
Dr Rae Si'ilata from Ngati Raukawa, Tuhourangi, and Fiji graduated from the University of Auckland's Faculty of Education on Monday, with her thesis on Pasifikalearners being awarded a vice-chancellor's prize. Dr Si'ilata started her PhD in 2010 after ...

Maori Medium – Immersion School Throws Open It’s Doors

South Island’s first KURA KAUPAPA MAORI (Maori Medium – Immersion School) “ Te Kura Whakapuumau I te Reo tuturu ki Waitaha” ( which translates as “ The school within Canterbury giving permanence to Maori Language and customs” aka “Te Kura ...

Education is fundamental to the wellbeing of our children

Scoop.co.nz (press release)
The Human Rights Commission is concerned at allegations officials are trying to access information held by schools to locate and deport students' family members. “Education is a basic human right, the most powerful tool we can give New Zealand children ...

EIT Achieves Top Education Ranking

Scoop.co.nz (press release)
EIT Achieves Top Education Ranking. EIT achieved the top ... In its recently released EER report, the New Zealand Qualifications Authority says it is “highly confident” in EIT's educational performance and its capability to self-assess. Already ...

Coastal School recognised by Prime Minister 

A Taranaki mentoring programme has attracted the attention of the Prime Minister after huge improvements in attendance was found after its creation.

Wednesday 13 May 2015

NZCER appoints new director

Scoop.co.nz (press release)
responsible for the development, management and marketing of a wide range of evidence-based educational assessments, surveys, resources and services such as the widely used PAT “I am excited about leading NZCER as we strive to influence an ...

Maori with degrees earn thousands more

Radio New Zealand
More than 9000 tāngata whenua obtained a Level 7 qualification or Bachelor's Degree between 2006 and 2013, Statistics New Zealand information on education and training shows. The median income for people without a bachelor's degree was nearly ...

NCEA 'needs a PR campaign'

A panel of education experts says NCEA needs a major public relations campaign to raise limited public understanding of the qualification.

Education sector needs best and brightest: Minister

New Zealand's smartest students need to see teaching as a career.

Teenagers with learning difficulties missing out

Stuff.co.nz
It has been revealed teenagers with learning difficulties applying for Special Assessment Conditions (SAC) don't qualify for reader-writer aides, more time or a separate space to sit exams if their reading or writing ability is not what it should be ...

Students advised to build 'wiggle room' into credits

More than 20 per cent of students who applied but failed last year to enter university have managed to fight their way back in or have enrolled in a university bridging programme to get up to speed.Nine hundred school leavers who...

Students and staff meeting in Wellington to discuss education issues

Scoop.co.nz (press release)
The national student union NZUSA is this week hosting a series of conferences in Wellington on issues in the tertiary education sector with students and staff from universities, institutes of technology and polytechnics (ITPs). The first conference ...

Marlborough schools in line for $1.8m investment

Stuff.co.nz
Twenty-one schools in Marlborough have signed up to a multi-million dollar government success scheme to lift student achievement. The scheme, called the Blenheim Community of Schools, will target student attendance, improve literacy and numeracy ...

Open Polytech finalists in PM's Education Excellence Awards

Scoop.co.nz (press release)
Chris Bishop, National List MP based in the Hutt Valley, has congratulated the Open Polytechnic for being nominated for a Prime Minister's Education Excellence Award. The Primary Science and Mathematics Teaching Team at the Open Polytechnic has been ...

Tuesday 12 May 2015

New boss for New Zealand Council for Educational Research

Educators NZ
The New Zealand Council for Educational Research has today announced it has appointed a new chief executive. The board of the country's national educational research organisation has appointed Graeme Cosslett to the role of director and chief executive.

Education Excellence Awards finalists

Hekia Parata | Education

Education Minister Hekia Parata says eleven entrants have been selected as finalists for the prestigious Prime Minister’s Education Excellence Awards. The entrants include schools, early childhood centres and a tertiary institution. They come from both major centres and provincial towns. “The awards, in just their second year, provide an opportunity to publicly recognise, celebrate and share the highly effective education practice we have in New Zealand and further lift the status of the teaching profession,” Ms Parata says. ...

Uni bans watches in exams

Massey University has announced a blanket ban on all watches from exam rooms to beat cheats.The move follows the release of smart watches which have internet capabilities.Britain's Guardian newspaper reported last week that watches...

Scholarship fee 'another hurdle'

Students sitting scholarship exams this year will need to stump up $30 per exam - a change Labour says will put another hurdle before teenagers in poorer communities.The Qualifications Authority (NZQA) recently published information...

Ministry quiet on site for Blenheim colleges 

The Ministry of Education is refusing to comment on whether it has failed to find a greenfield site in Blenheim for the new Marlborough Boys' and Marlborough Girls' Colleges.

Why did so many students fail UE last year?

Scoop.co.nz
Schools offer a wide-range of NCEA subject options but not all of them are 'approved subjects' and count towards University Entrance. It's also ... I strongly recommend that students thinking about going to university check with their school careers ...

Uni opens research site in city

Auckland University officially opens its 5.2ha Newmarket Campus tomorrow although students have been there for many months.Engineering dean Professor Nic Smith welcomed the expansion."From tomorrow's transport solutions to leading-edge...

National student union looks to 'reinvigorate campus life'

The national student union is hosting a series of conferences on tertiary education issues with students and staff.The first conference starts today. It features a guest speaker and other workshops will discuss ways to "reinvigorate...

Gate Pa first to open Maori immersion preschool

New Zealand Herald
Principal Richard Inder said establishing Te Puna Reo o Pukehinahina came from an idea, about 18 months ago, when the school was exploring how it could cater more for its Maori pupils, whose parents wanted them to learn te reo in an early childhood ...

Student voice extravaganza kicks off in capital

Scoop.co.nz (press release)
The national student union NZUSA is this week hosting a series of conferences on issues in the tertiary education sector with students and staff from universities, institutes of technology and polytechnics (ITPs). The first conference, which begins ...

Havelock North motor camp to become kura kaupapa

The Dominion Post
The kura kaupapa is a decile 2 school that caters for pupils aged 5-13, and is part of a larger institution that also includes a kohanga reo, for younger children, and a wananga that offers tertiary education. The kura did not wish to comment when ...

Bearded high school student stood down

A Christchurch high school has today denied standing down a bearded student who allegedly refused to comply with its facial hair policy.Kay Peebles says her son - whose name she wants to protect - was sent home from Hornby High...

Waikato schools want to keep caretakers

A plan to centralise maintenance services could spell the end of the traditional school caretaker's job.

Stewart Island school kicks off campaign to lure kids to island 

Hot on the heels of a royal visit, Stewart Island's school will launch a campaign to lure kids to boost its roll, advertising in Trade Me a free ferry trip over and accommodation for a family for a month.

Monday 11 May 2015

Wellington schools dismiss funding for collaboration

Stuff.co.nz
"Funding should go into the classroom. The money going into my pocket isn't going to make the difference it's designed to do. "We work really hard for our kids, and putting the money where it is going to benefit them the most is what it needs to be ...

Student survey finds increase in loneliness and anxiety

A study of 1000 New Zealand final year undergraduate university students has found that 64% are worried that stress and anxiety is creating performance issues that is fueling fears that they will be awarded lower grades than expected.

Sex ed's 'an issue for families, not schools'

Stuff.co.nz
Sex education is a subject which definitely should stay in the home. I think schools have a history of getting it wrong, whether it be keeping referrals/suggestions/knowledge of abortions away from parents, or giving way too much information and ...

Sorting sex education in New Zealand

Stuff.co.nz
Should schools be doing more to tackle issues around online safety in an era of social media, sexting and leaked photos? Tell us how you think New Zealand should be tackling sex education in schools by clicking the green contribute button below.

Grammar eschews beanbag lessons in $6m classroom upgrade

Bean bags, bright colours, wide-open spaces - they're the hallmarks of modern-day classrooms - but not at Auckland Grammar.The leading secondary school's most ambitious building project, a $6 million building opened by Governor-General...

New Director of Postgraduate Studies appointed

Professor of Food Science Charles Brennan has been appointed Lincoln University Director of Postgraduate Studies. He replaces Professor of Environmental Management Ken Hughey, who had held the role for 10 years. Professor Brennan has been with Lincoln ..

New Zealand teachers to plunge into Shanghai.

From Kiwi start-ups in China to global giants like Disney Corporation ¬– the Asia New Zealand Foundation’s Shanghai forum will give teachers a taste of the scale and significance of China’s economy.

Prejudice begins in the PE class, survey finds

Schools are being urged to crack down on homophobia as a landmark study finds gay New Zealanders are struggling to come to terms with their sexuality due to negative experiences in physical education class.

AUT University empowering creativity and Kidz First Hospital 

AUT University empowering creativity and Kidz First Hospital Oscar Wilde once said that art is the most intense mode of individualism that the world has known. Some of AUT’s most talented individuals are contributing their artwork to this year’s ...

Students to pay $30 fee per scholarship exam 

Students sitting scholarship exams this year will need to stump up $30 per exam - a change that Labour says will put another hurdle before teenagers in poorer communities.The New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) recently...

Prison to thank for teaching graduate to read

Murray Wilson has more than an academic interest in crime, having spent much of his 20s in and out of prison.

Wiri prisoners to get tablets for studies

Prisoners at New Zealand's newest jail will get tablet computers, as well as in-cell desktop screens, if they enrol in Open Polytechnic courses.Rachael Cole, assistant director for reducing reoffending at the new 960-bed Kohuora...

Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga's New Pathway is Confirmed

Scoop.co.nz (press release)
Associate Professor Jacinta Ruru (Raukawa, Ngāti Ranginui) from the University of Otago, who will take on the Co-Director position alongside Tracey in 2016, commented that “this is an outstanding achievement and I would thank our researchers and ...

Redevelopment under way at Ellerslie School

Stuff.co.nz
A $10.4 million redevelopment project at Ellerslie School is set to get under way this month. Two twelve-classroom blocks will be constructed to replace old relocatable classrooms and provide extra learning facilities for the growing school role ...
$10.4m redevelopment for Ellerslie School Scoop.co.nz (press release)

Linda Sissons finishes as WelTec chief executive

The Dominion Post
"I think tertiary vocational education is absolutely the desirable path for our young people," Sissons says. It's a message WelTec has been particularly successful at getting across to Pasifika people. Backed by the Government's fees-free trade ...

Stubbly Hornby High School student still off school

A Christchurch teenager remains off school as a stand off over his stubble continues between his mother and Hornby High School.

Friday 8 May 2015

Four more Centres of Research Excellence Funded 

Steven Joyce | Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment
Four more Centres of Research Excellence (CoREs) have been selected by the Tertiary Education Commission at the end of the second round of CoREs funding. Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment Minister Steven Joyce has commended successful applicants, the Bio-Protection Research Centre (Lincoln University), The Riddet Institute (Massey University), QuakeCore: Centre for Earthquake Resilience (University of Canterbury) and Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga (The University of Auckland.) ...

$10.4m redevelopment for Ellerslie School 

Nikki Kaye | Education
Work will get under way this month as part of a $10.4 million redevelopment of Ellerslie School in Auckland, says Associate Education Minister Nikki Kaye. Ms Kaye will visit the school this afternoon with local MP Sam Lotu-Iiga, to celebrate the start of construction with students and teachers. “The redevelopment will address the school’s ongoing roll growth, as well as classrooms that are old and in poor condition,” says Ms Kaye. ...

Elizabeth Rata: Academic learning a path to better things

What are schools for?When Prime Minister and Minister of Education Peter Fraser said in the 1940s all children should have the opportunity to be educated to the fullest extent of their abilities, he captured a commitment to two...

Universities' plan to boost world rankings

Universities could get a leg-up in international league tables through closer links with the Government's Crown Research Institutes.

Kiwi educators: How are you using technology?

Educators NZ
Various studies have been conducted on the use of technology in the classroom, looking at how students take notes and how lectures are presented in a tertiary education setting. One study divided a class into three sections. One section used only a ...

N4L opens Pond to the public

Educators NZ
He tagged the item as being useful for NCEA Level 1 Physics, so now anyone searching for learning resources on this topic can discover it when searching on the Pond site or via search engine like Google. Similarly ... “Allowing teachers to share their ...

Best Educational Apps for Kids - App Review 

With over 1.3 mil Apps in Playstore, are there apps that actually help toddlers learn?

Concern over Education Minister's disinterest

Scoop.co.nz
... to be included in the secretive deal. “The only winners in such a deal will be the mega corporations peddling for-profit charter schools and one-size-fits-all text books and testing. The quality of public education in New Zealand will suffer as a ...

Education left out of council plans for Wellington

Stuff.co.nz
Engineers are in high demand by local employers and Wellington's regionaleducational institutions make a significant contribution to the region's needs. For example, Victoria and Weltec already work cooperatively to offer students different pathways ...

Kea partners with Education NZ to attract international students

Stuff.co.nz
Education New Zealand (ENZ) and Kea have teamed up to include international students and New Zealand-educated alumni into Kea's global network of more than 600,000 expat Kiwis and friends of New Zealand. The network allows businesses and people ...

New Director of Postgraduate Studies appointed

Professor of Food Science Charles Brennan has been appointed Lincoln University Director of Postgraduate Studies. He replaces Professor of Environmental Management Ken Hughey, who had held the role for 10 years. Professor Brennan has been with Lincoln ...

6-7 May 2015

Health of language measured

waateanews.com
The New Zealand Council for Educational Research is about to run a ruler over the health of te reo Maori. A ground-breaking study conducted for the council in the 1970s by Richard and Nena Benton raised the alarm about the state of the language and led... 

Minister congratulates top scholars 

Hekia Parata | Education
Education Minister Hekia Parata has congratulated Joshua Hansen on being awarded this year’s Prime Minister’s Award for Academic Excellence. The former Westlake Boys’ High School student was presented the award by Prime Minister John Key at the NZQA Top Scholar Award ceremony held at Parliament today. “This award is presented annually to the New Zealand Scholarship student who showed the highest overall level of academic excellence,” says Ms Parata. ...

Former principal appointed to key role

Hekia Parata | Education

Highly-regarded educationalist and experienced school leader Prue Kelly, the former principal of Wellington High School, has been appointed to a key role overseeing appointments for new teacher and principal positions in Communities of Schools. Education Minister Hekia Parata says Ms Kelly will chair the Investing in Educational Success New Appointments National Panel. ...

Hekia Parata appoints Prue Kelly to key Communities of Schools role

Stuff.co.nz
A former Wellington principal has secured a key role within the Government's flagship education policy. Prue Kelly was principal at Wellington High School for 17 years where she transformed the school from one that was struggling financially and ...

Concerns education to be included in trade deal

A teachers' organisation says a leaked document shows New Zealand has joined a group of countries pushing for education to be included in a murky trade deal.The New Zealand Educational Institute said the Trade In Service Agreement...

Secret moves could undermine education system

Scoop.co.nz (press release)
“For the past seven years National has been consistently undermining our public education system in favour of private sector providers. Now it's trying to use trade negotiations to further undermine public education and open the door to further ...

Whanau Ora spending slammed in Auditor-General's report 

Millions of dollars allocated to help vulnerable families could have been spent on people rather than administration, the Auditor-General says.An often heavily critical report on the first four years of the flagship Whanau Ora policy,...

Minister defends Whanau Ora 

Te Ururoa Flavell is the Whanau Ora Minister and he's been listening to that.

Editorial: Whanau Ora needs much more work 

The Auditor-General, Lyn Provost, took no pleasure in issuing a disturbing report on the Whanau Ora scheme this week. She prefaces her findings with this prediction: "I have no doubt some commentators will make light of the successes...

Dozens of schools challenge new decile ratings

More than 150 schools nationwide have challenged their new decile ratings - controversially announced by the Government last November.Eight hundred schools nationwide were moved to a lower decile rating in November, 784 schools...

Poverty is affecting children's education

Stuff.co.nz
Latest Ministry of Education figures show that more than half of students in decile one schools live in overcrowded houses and 42 percent are from poor families. Poverty is the biggest obstacle to students' educational success, she said. "It is totally ...

Maori education provider at risk of closure

Radio New Zealand
Te Arai te Uru Kokiri Centre said recent changes to Tertiary Education Commission funding policies had contributed to its operations becoming unsustainable. It has confirmed that, after 30 years, it is going to have to make cutbacks. Despite ...

National sells out public education through TiSA agreement

Scoop.co.nz (press release)
“If education is included in TiSA, large foreign profit making educational franchises would be able to sue if New Zealand tried to stop them setting up schools,” said Ms Delahunty. “If National goes ahead and includes education in TiSA large foreign ...

Future Schools Partners proud to build four new schools

Scoop.co.nz (press release)
In the agreement, the consortium will become responsible for the school maintenance for 25 years, before the buildings are handed back to the Ministry in an agreed, well-maintained condition. “Because of this responsibility we want to make sure we ...

Nine schools across Nelson-Tasman get new principals

Stuff.co.nz
"I liked the idea of the challenge, to make a difference and think about making more of a difference beyond the four walls of the classroom." One of the first things Campbell instigated was a Friday itinerant music programme. He said it was good for ...

Westlake Boys' High student awarded PM's Award for Academic Excellence

Stuff.co.nz
Hansen's advice to those slogging away in classrooms for this year's exams and thinking about scholarship was to have fun and just do it. "It's a great way to extend yourself and do something different in your last year in school." The ceremony also ...

Far North school gets total rebuild

Auckland stuff.co.nz
Role growth qualified them for an extra classroom and a 300sqm general purpose space like a school hall. But once the Ministry of Education reviewed the rest of the school's shonky condition including the 60-year-old prefabs, they were granted a full...

Schools plan on-site hostels

Three of Auckland's biggest public high schools are seeking to build international student hostels on site so they can boost numbers and reap the financial rewards.High-decile Rangitoto College, Macleans College and Takapuna Grammar...