Figure 1.--New Zealand has preparatory schools that are set very much like British preparatory schools. This photograph is a little unusual as the boy is not wearing his helmet. The schools are very strict about this. |
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The modern New Zealand Educational System is composed of many different types of schools. There are a wide variety of state schools reflecting different areas, religions, and gender policy. The state has pledged to retain the distinctive nature of the Catholic and other private schools integrated into the state system. As a result of the Governments integration policy, New Zealand has a relatively small private sector. Parental concerns over standards in the state sector mean that many parents continue to opt for an independent education.
New Zealand's state school system has a number of different types of schools, including Catholic and other private schools integrated into the state system. The Government has given substantial attention and funding to integrating private schools. State schools are co-educational at primary and intermediate level but some offer single-sex education at secondary level. Some offer special programmes for adult students or run community education classes. There are growing links between schools, universities, polytechnics and other tertiary and early childhood education providers. There are a variety of interesting components of the state system. Kura kaupapa Maori are state schools where teaching is in the Maori language (te reo Maori) and is based on Maori culture and values. The curriculum is the same as at other state schools. Kura kaupapa were developed to build on the success of kohanga reo (Maori language early childhood centres) in preserving and increasing the use of te reo Maori and one of the key goals is to produce students who are competent in both Maori and English. Integrated schools are schools which were previously private and have now been integrated into the state system. The term integration does not mean racial desegration as in the United States, only that the school has been absorbed into the state system, but with the understanding that the schools's special character will be preserved.
New Zealand has one of the smallest private or ndependent school systems of all the western democracies. Successive governments have made a concerted effort to absorb private schools through policies of reducing state support to private schools and generous financial enducements to schools agreeing to integration. Many parents, however preceive decling standards in the state system which is creating continued demand for private school education. The private schools are entirely self-managing and offer parents a wide range of educational perspectives. There are over a hundred throughout private schools in New Zealand. The private schools report that offer small class sizes and individual attention. The private schools focus on the pursuit of excellence and maintain excellent academic standards while pursuing the all round development of the individual. They provide a wide range of cultural and sporting activities. Many schools emphasize values and the character building.
The schools seek to provide a stimulating learning environment in a caring and supportive atmosphere. The schools seek to build a good working relationships between teachers, students and parents. Many schools give special attention to the spiritual dimension of life
