In 2023, a Nex Kōtuitui PLD focus was Te Mātaiaho, the government initiative that aims to enhance learning outcomes by rethinking and refreshing the curriculum — and providing guidance for the changes ahead.

Te Mātaiaho emphasises the importance of an education that nurtures the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being of learners in Aotearoa. It recognises the diverse identities, cultures, and languages within New Zealand and promotes a curriculum that is inclusive and equitable for all.

In our PLD session Nicole Young and Kelly Marumaru, both Curriculum Leads at the Ministry of Education in the Bay of Plenty,  presented an overview of Te Mātaiaho tailored for those in our network who work outside of schools and needed support with the changes ahead.

What is Te Mātaiaho?

The refreshed curriculum focuses on key competencies that students should develop throughout their educational journey. These competencies, such as critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration, are seen as essential for success in a rapidly changing world. By fostering these skills, Te Mātaiaho aims to empower students to become active, engaged, and lifelong learners. A guiding kaupapa is the expression of the centrality of Te Tiriti o Waitangi as a vision for education in Aotearoa.

Mātauranga Māori

A core emphasis in the curriculum refresh is the inclusion of local knowledge and cultural perspectives. Māori knowledge, values, and practices are integrated throughout the curriculum, ensuring that learners are equipped with a deep understanding and appreciation of the unique cultural heritage of Aotearoa.

Understand, Know, Do

At the core of the Aotearoa New Zealand Histories framework, the Understand, Know and Do model provides a blueprint for learning as an outcome of the refresh. 

As part of our network's adaptation to the change, the Understand, Know, Do approach seems a great approach to getting ourselves ready for the changes ahead in 2024.

Here are some resources to peruse (hopefully in flip flops! 👓):

What's changing?

Example of the refresh for Years 4-6