Election 17 – Education

Education – Most young people finish school well equipped for further study or vocational training, but too many fall through the cracks. Regardless of the hard work of many teachers, the one-size-fits-all state system simply does not fit those kids. Only wealthy families have choices to move to sought-after zones or send their kids to private schools, and this is wrong.
ACT has had huge success implementing our policy of charter schools and more are opening every year – including Rotorua and Taupo next year. Kids who were once failing or simply not attending are now succeeding, and the cycle is breaking. A stronger ACT will accelerate this programme and I am keen to work with local community leaders to get the first charter school proposals approved for Tauranga and the Western Bay.

from Nathaniel Blomfield, Labour Candidate for Coromandel

Education –
Yes. I am very excited about Labour’s education policy.
As the parent of three young children I am especially concerned about making sure they have the best opportunities to learn at all stages of their lives.
I know that children need to learn their 3Rs, but there are many ways this can happen if we harness their interests at a young age, including in the context of equipping them for a future that includes new systems and processes of work that we almost cannot imagine.
I am a very strong supporter of Labour’s intention to invest in education, so schools can get on with teaching, not begging for money through so called voluntary donations. I am particularly excited about plans to introduce fees-free post-school education and training, and pleased that Labour will continue to champion a free public education system that provides all New Zealanders with lifelong learning opportunities so that they can reach their full potential.
Labour will give school leavers the practical skills and knowledge they need for adult life with a new School Leavers’ Toolkit. Labour’s School Leavers’ Toolkit will help students learn to drive, understand practical budgeting, be equipped with workplace skills, and learn how our political system operates through civics education at school. Every secondary school will be resourced to provide these courses.
For me, the contrast between the current government and Labour’s approach would be one of the most compelling reasons to change the government, and one of the most effective ways to ensure our country’s future and our children’s futures will be in good hands.

BY J Tinetti- Tauranga Candidate for Labour Party

EDUCATION – While the “3Rs” are important education is more than these. It is about providing all New Zealanders with the opportunity to develop their potential. We need to bring out the best in everybody. Labour will abolish National Standards to return the focus to a broad and varied curriculum with the key competencies at the heart. We will ensure that the education system embraces and fosters essential skills and competencies such as attitude, communication, commitment, teamwork, willingness to learn, motivation, self-management, resilience and problem-solving.

Education – While the “3 R’s” are still a vital part of our education system, we live in a rapidly changing world. That is why the Government is investing around $40 million over three years to enhance the digital fluency of our young people.
Digital technologies are revolutionising how we live and work and influencing every facet of our lives. To participate successfully in society and get the jobs and careers they want, our children will need to be confident users and creators of digital technologies.

Education – While the “3 R’s” are still a vital part of our education system, we live in a rapidly changing world. That is why the Government is investing around $40 million over three years to enhance the digital fluency of our young people.
Digital technologies are revolutionising how we live and work and influencing every facet of our lives. To participate successfully in society and get the jobs and careers they want, our children will need to be confident users and creators of digital technologies.

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