What's big news in NZ education?

[5kings]

Hi all

Lots of circumstances have led me back to this forum, with a view to possibly mkaing the move to NZ (dependent on house sale) and I was wondering if anyone can help me.
I am an NQT (1 term left to complete induction) and I wondered what is currently big news in Early Years or Primary Education? I there anything I could maybe get additional training in to help my chances of employment if we moved?
SEN for example, or any current assessment initiatives etc?

I am happy to start off wherever it takes!

Thanks in advance

Helen

[sophiedb]

I remember seeing you here before Welcome back!

(I know very little about ECE or primary though, sorry...)

[JandM]

Hello again.

[Kanga]

National Standards and ECE funding cuts.

[Carey]

Def look at National Standards. and might be worth having a peek at the NZ maths website:

http://nzmaths.co.nz/

Welcome back and do ask for any further info.

[gorstsmit]

Hi 5 kings,

My OH will soon begin the search for a Primary job in NZ, so we've been gathering info on current practices etc as well.

There's some people with really helpful info on here that are already in teaching, and have mentioned things such as Inquiry Learning and Assessment being a big thing - my OH seems to think this relates closely to transformational learning in the UK.

The NZ Curriculum site below has tonnes of resource available as well as downloadable copies of the curriculum, and maths and english standards, as well as expected levels for the years etc etc.

http://nzcurriculum.tki.org.nz/

The Teach NZ below has other info about the general labour market, coming to teach in NZ etc. It also has info about the $4k allowance you can apply for when you immigrate and secure a job in teaching (subject to conditions obviously).

http://www.teachnz.govt.nz/how-to-te...rseas-trained/

Hope they help for starters.

Cheers.
Chris

[5kings]

Thanks

Will check out those sites and see what happens next!

Helen

[auskiwi]

...just realized that I am ineligible for the relocation grant as my job will be at a private school, and the grant only applies to teachers in state or state integrated schools. Something to be aware of...
Amy.

[tea drinker]

Hey 5Kings - you're back!

echo Inquiry learning and assessment

with Inquiry - each school decides upon their own so general principles would be good - or if you've got involved in something similar during your teaching practices

Assessment - my school use the term AToL
Assessment Tools of Learning

think -
learning intentions
modelling by teacher of what learning should look like
success criteria - so students can assess themselves as well as co - construct with you
reflection time - what was tricky? What helped me? (the student) What do I need to do next?

Time for reading?
Track down - Shirley Clarke (UK author) 'formative assessment'
do a search - think she may have a website
here in NZ I use - Clarity in the Classroom - using formative assessment
Michael Absolum
Pub Hodder
ISBN 978-1-86971-069-9
quite easy to read and digest and contains some good stuff

often schools like it if you can offer to do a club - sports? music? dance? the sort of thing that enhances school life for students

HTH

keep in touch

[gorstsmit]

That's good stuff teadrinker - think I'll check those out for my OH too.