CURRICULUM REVIEW MATTERS

NZHTA Conference 2007

History Tier 2 Discussion

Fixing History

Events of significance to New zealanders

Reflections on the Development of the History curriulum

August Consultation

Curriculum Review - Feedback

Review of the History Curriculum


NZ HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION Conference (24 November 2007)

Surviving or Thriving? The text of an address given by Paul O’Connor to the  conference on the state of history in New Zealand Schools. 

Panel Statements and General Discussion.

A comment from Gregor Fountain of Wellington College.

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HISTORY TIER '2’ – DISCUSSION DOCUMENT FOR TEACHING PROGRAMME (31 Oct 2007)

Curriculum review does not necessarily mean throwing out everything that has gone before! Many of the topics we currently do are interesting, are ‘of significance to New Zealanders’, and are well resourced. Proposed is a ‘core’ of NZ History at each Level, with ‘Suggested other contexts’ that explore themes/ideas raised in the NZ core. The ‘Suggested other contexts’, where they relate to the current common topics that are taught, do not necessarily have to be taught as full topics but instead the most relevant parts alone could be covered (while providing enough of a narrative to make sense).  ...read more

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FIXING HISTORY - Paul O'Connor (October 2007)

The current review of the curriculum, and suggestions for change, have focussed people’s minds on what we teach and how we assess it. These comments reflect my personal views of what I think needs to be done to “fix” school history in New Zealand (rather than being an official view of the New Zealand History Teachers’ Association). I offer these thoughts for your consideration to contribute to the discussions that may well occur as a result of consultation about the so-called “second tier” of the New Curriculum.  ...read more

A response from Auckland Grammar’s Jon Hasler to this article

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Events of Significance to New Zealanders

This phrase is used as part of the broad Achievement Objectives, and has caused some confusion among some history teachers. It does NOT mean that all topics must relate to New Zealand history in some direct manner, not is there an expectation that students will be required to demonstrate such a relationship in assessment.

The review group has interpreted this phrase as referring to:

  • events occurring within New Zealand, and/or
  • global events involving New Zealand, and/or
  • global events influencing New Zealand.

In line with current historical scholarship, New Zealand history is seen within wider global contexts wherever possible. The aim of this phrase is to place interests of 21st century students at the centre of our programmes. 

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Reflections on the Development on the History Curriculum - Carol Jarman (August 2007)

It is interesting to note the comparatively small number of history teachers who have responded to the discussion document produced by the History Curriculum Review panel. Possibly this indicates that most teachers were generally happy with the directions of the document (which was broad and very much draft in nature). It could indicate however, a sense of being over-whelmed by the rate and nature of recent changes in secondary education ... read more

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August Consultation Paul O’Connor (August 2007)

Dear colleagues

At a recent meeting of the National Executive of the Association, a summary of feedback thus far was received. It was noted that submissions were received from seven schools, …read more

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History Curriculum Review – Teacher Feedback

-   belief that greater consultation with teachers is needed before any firm decisions are made

-   belief that the consultation process is all wrong – why not ask teachers what they want first  … read more

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Review of the History Curriculum

The Ministry of Education requested the New Zealand History Teachers’ Association to nominate people who would be prepared to make a long term commitment to help in the development of history  … read more

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