Wednesday 5 October 2016 4:59pm
Te Whāriki, the first national early childhood curriculum was launched twenty years ago. The teachers union NZEI –TRR celebrated this occasion with the release of a film featuring University of Otago College of Education Professor Helen May, speaking of her experience as a co-writer of Te Whāriki.
The film reunited the original writing team - which included Professor Helen May, Professor Margaret Carr, Emeritus Professor (Sir) Tamati Reedy and Lady Tilly Reedy.
It was released at the recent NZEI conference in Rotorua on the 25-27th September which Professor May attended as an honoured guest.
More about Te Whāriki
Te Whāriki was the first bicultural curriculum ever developed in New Zealand - the philosophy behind the curriculum and the age range it covered made it world leading. Te Whāriki is framed around the concept of Mana - empowering children to learn and grow - fostering the dispositions, interests and strengths of young children.
The curriculum has been widely supported by the profession and much applauded internationally as a model of curriculum framed around the aspirations for the nation’s children.
The Ministry of Education is currently updating Te Whāriki.
