New Curriculum Leads signal start of more focused approach to wellbeing
A $32m programme will establish 40 new curriculum leads to work with schools, kura, centre-based early learning services and kōhanga reo to support the health and wellbeing of learners.
This new programme is in response to the expected increase in wellbeing and mental health needs of leaners, post-COVID-19
Providing frontline support, the curriculum leads will be regionally based and will work in partnership with schools, kura, centre-based early learning services and kōhanga reo to embed high quality teaching approaches to mental health, wellbeing and healthy relationships in learning programmes and local curricula.
For example, in schools and kura the leads will support:
- teachers and kaiako to deliver high quality Health and Physical Education and Hauora programmes, including the Wellbeing and Mental Health Guidelines and the Relationships and Sexuality Education Guidelines
- schools and kura to engage with communities to design Health and Physical Education programme
- and promote environments relating to wellbeing, including through work with Learning Support Co-ordinators, guidance staff, Boards, communities , educators and Māori and Pacific organisations.
Delivered over four years, the programme is the first part of a comprehensive wellbeing support package for the early learning, school and tertiary sectors. The first Curriculum Leads will start in Term 1 2021.
The curriculum leads announcement is also in response to the Education Conversation | Kōrero Mātauranga, the Māori Education Wānanga and the Pacific Education Fono. In these conversations, young people, families, whānau, communities and educators sector called for more of a focus in the education system on learner and educator wellbeing.
They also asked for a more inclusive, equitable and connected education system, working in partnership with parents, communities and whānau.
The curriculum leads will have expertise in The New Zealand Curriculum, Te Marautanga of Aotearoa and Te Whāriki. They will have the ability to work with Pacific, Māori, disability and lower socio-economic communities to engage in sensitive conversations that support children and young people. Funding will include the cost of producing information resources for whānau.
Last reviewed: Has this been useful? Give us your feedback