The draft English and maths curriculums for New Zealand’s primary schools are set for a major overhaul, aiming to be implemented next year. The proposed changes include:
- English Curriculum: Focuses on “structured literacy” to enhance reading skills for children in Years 0-3, emphasizing decoding words and understanding letter sounds. It also incorporates more detailed guidance on punctuation, grammar, and spelling. The approach, which builds on previous government initiatives, has been praised for its effectiveness.
- Maths Curriculum: Seeks to accelerate learning by introducing fundamental concepts like fractions and basic arithmetic earlier. This shift responds to current challenges in math proficiency, as recent testing shows a significant gap in meeting expectations.