Education in New Zealand

Maori Schools: were schools created by the Polynesian indigenous people, to preserve their culture and
traditions.

The department of education was in charge of the educational system, later it was replaced by the ministry of
education giving each school the opportunity to decide their own curriculum.

Every school have different needs, that’s why control and govern themselves.

Power was given to the people, schools have the chance to express themselves, having a more open way to
learn.

Children go to school from 5 until 12 years old and to high School from 12 until 16 and it is obligatory.

Most schools in New Zealand are owned and funded by the state. They teach the national curriculum and are
secular (non-religious).

They have three kinds of school, State School, Integrated School, Private School.

State School covers 85% of the students and it is free.

The higher education system in New Zealand really focuses in the growth of the student.

It allows each student to make their own discoveries.

Academics and teachers from various countries decide to pursue their education and work in New Zealand to
take advantage of its new way of thinking.

Workload of teachers is easy, so they have more time to improve their classes, more creativity is involved.

Compared to U.K. teachers, teachers in New Zealand are less rigorous but get more respect from students.

The system is great for people who aren’t very good at exams. It means you aren’t doomed if you miss an
exam.

There are only four grades: Not Achieved, Achieved, Merit and Excellence

Some Students say: “I’ve already got enough credits; I don’t need to bother learning that.” Many don’t bother
turning up for exams because they’ve already passed.

People are more focused on getting credits than learning

Mediocrity reigns.

High-achieving students are disadvantaged by the system, as they’re left doing nothing, waiting for other
students to catch up.

A high percentage of students drop out of college because they are not prepared for the amount of work they
are required to do, or how hard they have to work.

College Teachers say, “Forget what NCEA taught you.” NCEA does not prepare you for university
standards.”