We are excited to share important information about the implementation of the refreshed New Zealand Maths Curriculum at Sunnybrae.

The changes we are going through are part of a nationwide initiative to strengthen mathematics education and ensure all students develop strong foundational skills and a love for mathematics.

Why the Change?

The New Zealand Government has recognised the need to improve mathematics outcomes for our tamariki (children). Recent data have shown that a significant number of students in New Zealand are not meeting expected curriculum benchmarks in mathematics. The refreshed curriculum aims to address this by:

• Providing a clearer learning progression: There will be a more structured approach with explicit expectations for what students should learn at each year level (Years 0-8). This means both educators and parents will have a better understanding of the mathematical skills and knowledge children should be developing at each stage.

• Focusing on "Big Ideas": The curriculum centres around overarching mathematical concepts that link different areas of mathematics together, fostering deeper understanding.

• Renewed emphasis on basic facts and skills: While maintaining a problem-solving approach, there's a stronger focus on mathematical fluency and mastery of fundamental skills, including number knowledge and computational fluency.

• Accelerating learning: The curriculum is designed to ensure children learn more, earlier, building a solid foundation for future learning.

Key Changes You'll See:

• Shift in Expectations: Students are now learning subject matter at a younger age due to changes in the curriculum. 

• Structured Learning: The new curriculum is more explicit about what children should learn year by year, rather than broad curriculum levels spanning multiple years. This provides greater clarity for both teachers and parents. 

• New Resources: Schools across New Zealand are receiving new curriculum-aligned resources, including teacher guides and student workbooks, to support this new approach. At Sunnybrae, we are using the Oxford University Press resources to support our Mathematics Programme. 

• Increased Consistency: The goal is to enhance consistency in mathematics teaching across schools, helping to address inequities in achievement.

What Does This Mean for Your Child?

Your child will be engaging with mathematics in a way that builds a strong, sequential understanding of concepts. There will be a clear focus on mastering essential skills before moving on to more complex ideas. The curriculum fosters a deep understanding of mathematical ideas and their application in real-world situations.