“We have initially identified five broad qualifications that senior secondary school students could work towards.  These broad qualifications would help students to identify career choices, but would not limit their options. These qualifications would complement the NCEA, and help remove confusion about vocational education and training options.  They would also help students see the relevance of core subjects like English, maths, and science to the working world, which would motivate achievement in these subjects.”
 
The Federation is suggesting that qualifications be developed covering the services; building and construction; manufacturing and technology; primary; and social and community sectors.
 
“This proposal is a smart use of the opportunities created by the NCEA. It does not change anything for those students heading to university but provides real and valuable options for the 70% of secondary students who choose not to go to university. These students will be the vast majority of our future skilled workers. This proposal would help them find pathways to vocations that suit their interests and strengths.”
 
Mr Baker said the Federation was continuing to work with ITOs, government, and sector groups to develop the proposal.

This sounds like a bloody good idea to me. It provides clear non-university pathways, while it helps to tidy up the clutter of many well-intentioned programmes developed by ITOs and others. It will be tough to achieve but how many worthwhile things aren’t? I might explore this more over the next wee while, but I’d be keen to get some feedback on what people think about the general idea.

Normally, I wouldn’t even pass this one on, but I received a copy of  a very official-looking email from an immigration official and it would take a lot of work to recreate all that bureaucratese! There was also a suggestion that other institutions were being investigated by NZQA for some similar activities. If that’s true, I’m quite happy – not that illegal activities may be happening but that NZQA is doing something about them, along with Immigration NZ.

I’ll provide more details as they are confirmed.

Lost in the frozen depths of the Atlantic a German U-Boat crew find themselves on a collision course with objects stranger than they can fathom. The truth leaves them bathed in confusion in this submarine drama of domestic proportions.

A live action and computer graphic animated short film with 35 visual effects shots from the Advanced 3D Productions course at Media Design School. With fully computer graphic underwater submarine shots and 3D submarine interiors composited behind green screen film actors, this film was made by a team of 5 digital artists in just 8 weeks.

The North Shore man – who did not want to be named – said he had contacted police after his wife’s encounter with the 19-year-old South American, but was told they were powerless to help as the student was legally an adult.

“I’m at a total loss about what to do in such a situation and I’m bloody angry,” the North Shore man told the Herald….”We really need to know what we can do in such situations, and I’ve suggested they add it to their pastoral care code. Is this something international students should be allowed to get away with?”

As a service to the MOE and the Community (I could get a gong for this sort of thing), I have drafted some suggested changes to the Code of Practice.

New Clause 4.5.(a) Mr X of the North Shore has requested that international students do not have sex with his wife if they are staying at his house, or even if they meet her through a TradeMe forum. This is not a legal requirement, but it would save the MOE from having to respond to his silly complaints. Cheers!

FAQs

I host international students and want to be sure that they get the message that sex is not on offer at our place. Can the MOE Help? The MOE has a handy card listing what can and can’t be done at the homestay. This used to cover smoking and similar matters but now has options for sex with the hosts (yes, no, maybe, only as a group). Alternatively, we can list you in the Code, just like Mr X of the North Shore. You’ll find a link to the request form at the bottom of the page.

What should I do it I find my spouse having sex with an adult homestay student? The MOE does not normally offer relationship advice, but over a morning coffee we came up with four suggestions: (1) Be calm and try to talk things through with your spouse. (2) Walk out, or kick out your spouse (and the student). (3) Join in. (4) Maybe don’t host the hot Brazilian student.

Is is true that the Police can’t arrest foreigners for having sex with Kiwi women? I’d really like someone else to deal with my relationship problems with my wife. No, the Police can’t arrest the student, but you could always kick the student out of your house, like you would with a Kiwi doing the same thing.

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