Curriculum Changes and Updates

Revised Curriculum Documents - English and Maths and Statistics 11/25

Curriculum Changes

Moving from "Levels" to "Phases"

• New Structure: Instead of your child being taught and assessed against old "curriculum levels," progress is now grouped into Phases of Learning:

  • Phase 1: Years 0–3 

  • Phase 2: Years 4–6 

  • Phase 3: Years 7 & 8 

The content in English and Maths & Statistics has increased and is more detailed year-by-year, concepts are sometimes introduced earlier????.

Knowledge and Practices

The curriculum is now organised into Knowledge and Practices.

Knowledge refers to the information, facts, concepts, and content that students must learn and retain in each subject. "What do students need to know?"

Practices refer to the skills, processes, and methods students use to engage with and apply that knowledge.  "What do students need to do with what they know?" 

Moving from Key Competencies to Capabilities

The following capabilities are common across all learning areas. 

• Communication which includes actively listening and participating, adapting self-expression to the audience and context, and confidently and safely using digital tools to access information and communicate with others.

• Relating to others which includes, working productively together, acting with personal integrity and responsibility, respecting the views and opinions of others, and demonstrating ethical and cultural understanding and responsiveness. 

• Self-management and self-regulation which includes setting personal goals and reviewing them, managing behaviour in a range of situations, organising and planning how to go about a task, and adapting strategies for success.

• Problem solving which includes identifying problems, justifying ideas, linking causes with consequences, critical thinking, and testing and evaluating solutions. 

• Creativity which includes experimenting to shape and explain thinking, demonstrating intellectual curiosity, and the ability to look at things from multiple perspectives, co-creating and refining ideas and encouraging imagination.

https://newzealandcurriculum.tahurangi.education.govt.nz/the-new-zealand-curriculum-te-m-taiaho/5637303584.p

Curriculum Implementation 2025 - 2028 

Curriculum Roll Out Year 0-8

Implementation of the new learning areas started in 2025 and will continue through to 2028. 

• Years 0-10 English and Mathematics will be required for use from the start of 2026 for all state and state-integrated schools.

• Years 0-8 content for Science, Social Sciences, Health & Physical Education will need to be used from Term 1, 2027.

• Years 0-8 content for The Arts, Technology and Learning Languages will need to be used from Term 1, 2028. 

Assessment and Reporting

Reporting to Whānau

Reporting Using Phases: The way progress is reported will look different in 2026. 

Reports to families about their child's learning will use new progress descriptions (Emerging, Developing, Consolidating, Proficient, Exceeding).

Emerging - Students require support to meet curriculum expectations for their year level and/or goals as described in their personalised learning plan.

Developing - Students are making some progress towards curriculum expectations for their year level.

Consolidating - Students are meeting many curriculum expectations for their year level and are steadily strengthening their understanding across learning areas.

Proficient - Students are meeting curriculum expectations for their year level.

Exceeding - Students are exceeding curriculum expectations for their year level.

Assessment Tools & Requirements

formal twice-yearly assessments (using new tools like SMART) for Years 3-8 in Reading, Writing, and Maths. 

From 2026 reqyuirement to carry out and submit Phonics checks - submitte after 20 weeks at school and 40 weeks at school

What You Can Do at Home

• For Maths: Ask your child to explain how they solved a problem or why they think a certain answer is correct. This supports the focus on reasoning.

• For English: Read with your child often, even older ones! Talk about what is happening in the story, what the author wants you to feel, and how the characters are using language.

• Check the Parent Portal: The Ministry of Education has launched a Parent Portal(need to link) with guides and simple activities to show you exactly what your child is learning in the new Maths curriculum and how you can help.

You can  find much more dertailed suggestions on this page on our website....???????