Cross-Sector Initiative: Increased Support for the Technology/Hangarau Curriculum in the Senior Secondary School
[ Last Updated 14 October 2005 ]
The GIF Sector Taskforces (particularly ICT) identified the need for more secondary students to be informed about and prepared for tertiary study and careers in GIF priority technology areas. This includes a focus on innovation and entrepreneurship. They recommended providing additional support for the implementation of the secondary schools technology curriculum with the aims of:
- Increasing secondary school student participation in technology/hangarau education and flow on into tertiary technology related courses.
- Raising the quality and effectiveness of senior secondary school/wharekura technology/hangarau courses, including enhanced teacher capability
- Improving alignment between secondary and tertiary technology education and alignment with business/industry needs
Developed in the mid 1990s for years 1-10, this curriculum is now being introduced to senior schools and is being rolled out as part of the NCEA framework. It aims to develop:
- technological knowledge and understanding
- technological capability
- understanding and awareness of the relationship between technology and society through study in up to seven technological areas:
- biotechnology
- electronics and control technology
- food technology
- information and communications technology
- materials technology
- production and process technology
- structures and mechanisms.
Design, drawing and graphics are also integral to the curriculum
Under this initiative, centers of excellence will be identified and expanded through the establishment of an on-line Community of Learning in Technology (CoLiT). This is designed to increase teacher capability to deliver effective technology/hangarau education and improve student participation, engagement and results.
The Community would consist of classroom teachers, pre-service and in-service educators (including teachers of hangarau in wharekura), tertiary technologists, technology researchers, technology experts in industries and Crown Research Institutes.
This initial phase of the project would be to establish a Community of Learning in Technology through consultation and collaboration based in an electronic environment. With the broadband initiative, this provides the most effective and efficient means of teacher engagement and allows for professional discourse.
Total Cost: $8.0 million over four years
Contact: Rawiri Gibson, Manager Secondary Education, Curriculum Teaching & Learning Group, Ministry of Education, 04-463 8035
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