New history curriculum brings benefits
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Rangiora High School is leading the way in adopting the new history curriculum.
The Aotearoa New Zealand history curriculum was introduced in term one this year, but Rangiora High School began implementing some of the new curriculum last year in collaboration with its partner Pūketeraki Kahui Ako (community of learning) schools.
"It was launched as a document last year and we started working around it late last year, and we have implemented more of it this year," social sciences leader of learning Rebecca Sweney-McKee said.
"We were the first off the rack for years 1 to 10 and we are leading the way."
Schools have until 2026 to fully embed the new curriculum, which is integrated into social studies for years 1 to 10, while the NCEA Level 1, 2 and 3 history curriculum has also been refreshed.
Sweney-McKee said the benefit of working collaboratively across the Kahui Ako meant there was some consistency in learning across the schools.
The Pūketeraki Kahui Ako schools were now teaching the background to the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in years 7 and 8, meaning the focus at high school could move on to "what happened next".
She said the new Aotearoa New Zealand history curriculum was not all about Māori history.
"But Māori history is given more of a focus and an equal status."
Rangiora High School’s year 9 and 10 students were learning about topics such as the New Zealand Land Wars, the Waitangi Tribunal, Bastion Point, the Dawn Raids, the 1981 Springbok tour, the nuclear free movement and the recent Ihumātao land settlement.
"And in a few years time we might be looking at things like Covid."
While it was mostly New Zealand history, there was plenty of scope for some international context.
"The year 10s have been doing social action for human rights looking at Rosa Parks and the bus boycotts alongside Bastion Point.
"And you can’t look at the Springbok tour without the context of what was happening in South Africa."
With the focus on climate change, the year 9s were learning about social action for the environment, looking at degradation in general and from a Māori kaitiakitanga perspective.
Sweney-McKee said the school was rebuilding its social science curriculum, with good support for its NCEA history classes.
"It is becoming more relevant and for people considering law degrees, it is going to set students up with a really good foundational understanding of our history and the development of human rights.
"If you can understand how people form their views and why they have them, you can function better in society."
Poll: Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?
Buses can be a relaxing way to get home if you have a seat and enough space. However, it can be off-putting when someone is taking a phone call next to you.
Do you think it's inconsiderate for people to have lengthy phone calls on a bus? Vote in the poll, and add your comments below.
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63.9% Yes
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33.6% No
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2.5% Other - I'll share below
Childs trike
Have 4 yr old boy stopping for 9 days at xmas. Has anyone got a small bike or scooter l could borrow or buy at good price as probably wont b used again ! He has two older sisters who might share.
Paddy Gower seeks ‘bloody great Cantab’
The Kiwi journalist drilling deep into the country’s biggest issues is on a mission to find the local greats.
Paddy Gower is looking for the Good Kiwi in every region to feature in his show, The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour.
To nominate a Good Kiwi, email reporters@press.co.nz with the name and a description of why your nominee should win. You an also share the local issues you think Paddy needs to tackle in the comments below.
It could be the woman whose knitting circle has made 3800 items for victims of domestic violence, the guy running the length of Aotearoa for mental health, or the woman with terminal cancer who spends her time campaigning to raise awareness and save lives.
“Basically I am looking for ... a bloody great Cantab who just gets on and gets things done. The criteria is somebody who has a positive attitude and makes the community a better place," Gower said.
“I will give this person the 'Big Ups' they deserve, and the community can celebrate them with me.”
A Good Kiwi will feature in each of Gower’s live shows in 14 centres through November and December. He will name the Cantabrian Good Kiwi at his Christchurch show on the evening of Friday, November 22, at St Margaret’s College.
The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour is a sort of book tour, sort of stand-up comedy, some journalistic yarns and memoir, and some motivational speaking - with a fair bit of local in each show.
Gower also wants to know about topics of interest in the region.
“I’m ... going to be taking on a big issue facing Canterbury and offering up solutions.”
A stinky suburb, a neighbourhood needing a round-about or a cathedral in disrepair - “I will make your views count”, he said.
“I'm touring the nation to spread positivity, optimism and good vibes.”
*For tickets to the The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour visit paddygower.co.nz
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