NZC Refresh/Te Mātaiaho

The New Zealand Curriculum/Te Mātaiaho is being refreshed.

The NZC Refresh/Te Mātaiaho organises learning into phases, ensuring a seamless and tailored progression for each learner.

As a school, we have already implemented the Aotearoa New Zealand Histories and Social Sciences refreshed curriculum, strengthening our commitment to delivering rich, meaningful learning experiences that reflect our nation's unique past and present. 

We have also begun teaching the refreshed Mathematics and Statistics and Pāngarau curriculum for

Years 0 to 8.

While we have familiarised ourselves with Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the English curriculum, the Year 7 to 13 component of the English curriculum is yet to be released.

What is Te Mātaiaho?

Te Mātaiaho, meaning "the strands of learning" in Te Reo Māori, weaves together knowledge, skills, values, and key competencies to create a holistic, learner-centred education system. Grounded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Te Mātaiaho fosters inclusive, equitable, and culturally responsive learning for all ākonga (learners).

Science of Learning:

Te Mātaiaho is underpinned by the science of learning, drawing on research about how children learn best. This ensures the curriculum:

  • Focuses on building strong foundations in early learning.

  • Emphasises mastery of important skills for learning 

  • Encourages active engagement, creativity, and problem-solving.

  • Integrates practices that support memory retention, critical thinking, and the development of transferable skills. 

  • Use an explicit teaching model approach to ensure ownership of learning 

By embedding these principles, Te Mātaiaho supports learners in becoming confident, adaptable, and lifelong learners.

Localised Curriculum:

Schools design learning programmes that reflect their community’s identity, integrating local stories, whakapapa, and Māori worldviews.

Key Competencies/Āheitanga:

The curriculum highlights competencies/Āheitanga essential for thriving in the 21st century.

Connection to Aotearoa’s Histories:

Learning about Aotearoa New Zealand's histories is now a key focus, helping learners understand our shared past and its impact on our present and future.

Phased Learning with Detailed Outcomes:

Te Mātaiaho organises learning into phases, ensuring a seamless and tailored progression for each learner. You can find details about the phases of learning and detailed outcomes for Mathematics and Statistics and English by clicking on the links below:

English

Each phase is guided by the Understand, Know, Do framework:

  • Understand: Focuses on the key concepts learners need to grasp in each subject area.

  • Know: Specifies the essential knowledge learners should acquire.

  • Do: Outlines the skills and processes learners should practise and apply.

Each phase contains detailed curriculum learning outcomes, specifying what learners should be taught at each year level. This provides a clear roadmap for teachers to deliver consistent and focused learning experiences, while recognising that learners develop at different rates.

The timeline for the refresh of the curriculum areas is as follows:

We are committed to ensuring a smooth transition for our ākonga and kaiako, making the most of professional learning opportunities and collaborative planning to embed any requirements effectively.