Minister: Chris Carter

Wanaka Primary gets $21.5m redevelopment

beehive.govt.nz — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 17:40:13 +1200

Wanaka Primary School's redevelopment is ready to proceed to the next stage, David Parker announced in Wanaka today, on behalf of the Education Minister Chris Carter.

Cabinet has agreed to fund up to $21.5 million to construct a new school on a site adjoining Mount Aspiring College, the Ministers said.

The new school, to open in 2010, will have a roll of about 540 initially, growing to about 650 over time.

"I'm delighted to able to make this announcement on behalf of the Labour-led government," David Parker said. "I know there has been a lot of discussion over the options for this school and I'm sure the parents, staff and Wanaka community are as excited as I am that we are ready to go with a new school in a new location.

"This area has been booming for some time, and a consequence of that is the need to cater for the extra school children in the region."

Population growth projections indicate there will be almost 900 primary students attending schools in Wanaka by 2026 - up 250 percent on the number attending primary school in the area in 2001.

Chris Carter said the $21.5 million price tag for the school took into account local factors such as the higher-than-average cost of building in Central Otago and the extra design features needed to ensure a high standard of education can be delivered.

"The option chosen will allow for design features such as flexible learning spaces and providing students with access to new information communication technology."

David Parker said spending a little more upfront on energy efficiency measures such as double-glazing would allow the school to save on operating costs in the long term.

"By incorporating sustainable design principles, the school can make efficient use of power and water, lessen the impact on the environment, and reduce running costs.

"Budgeting for thoughtful building design can also the school cope with its contrasting seasons - high temperatures in summer and cold temperatures in winter."

The Ministry of Education will now work with the board of trustees for Wanaka Primary School to progress the construction of the new school through to completion.

"The important thing is that this new school will ensure the quality of education for children who grow up in Wanaka is maintained at its highest level for many years to come," said Chris Carter.

More students involved in Youth Apprenticeships

beehive.govt.nz — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 15:45:31 +1200

Minister of Education Chris Carter today announced that another 56 schools will be offering students the Youth Apprenticeships Scheme next year.

Extending the apprenticeship scheme to all schools by 2011 is a key component of Schools Plus programme that the Prime Minister outlined today.

Today the government also released the Schools Plus key findings, which summarise the feedback received during two months of discussion in April and May.

Mr Carter said the government received from submitters clear messages about how best to lift participation in education and improve outcomes for all students.

“Young people told us they want better and more in-depth careers education, increased flexibility in how they learn, a wider choice of subjects and experience, and more practical learning.

“Other contributors mentioned the need for more parental involvement in education, closer partnerships between secondary and tertiary educators, and improved work readiness for school leavers.

Mr Carter said the Youth Apprenticeships Scheme is an effective way to bring the worlds of work and school closer by building clear industry-related pathways so that students can move through school to a career in industry.

“Offering students a course of study directly relevant to their career aspirations is seen as key to keeping young people engaged in learning.”

The Youth Apprenticeships Scheme started as a pilot in 10 schools and has been very successful. Next year 120 schools will offer the scheme with a further 100 schools taking part in 2010. By 2011 Youth Apprenticeships will be available to all secondary schools across New Zealand.

“Schools involved in the scheme to date say it is resulting in greater student participation and motivation.

“These are excellent outcomes for young people and for the country as a whole,” said Chris Carter.

Parliament to celebrate Rosh Hashanah

beehive.govt.nz — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 17:07:42 +1200

Prime Minister Helen Clark and Ethnic Affairs Minister Chris Carter will welcome New Zealand’s Jewish community into Parliament to celebrate Rosh Hashanah for the very first time tonight.

Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is one of the most important High Holy days in this, the 5768th year of the Hebrew calendar.

A small but vibrant Jewish community has been active in New Zealand since the earliest days of European settlement, and the first synagogue was consecrated in Wellington in 1868. Today almost 7,000 people in New Zealand identify as Jewish.

Chris Carter said he was honoured to host this important event for the Jewish community and take this opportunity to acknowledge the contribution the Jewish community have and continue to make to New Zealand.

“This government recognises that our country is a place of diverse cultures and religions, and we believe that all New Zealanders are stronger for this diversity.

"In the past six years we’ve bought many different cultural and faith celebrations into our Parliament, including the Muslim festival of Eid, the Hindu festival of Diwali, and the Chinese new year which is an important Buddhist festival.

"Most recently, Parliament hosted over 500 people to celebrate the contribution that the Croatian community had made to New Zealand on the 150th anniversary of the arrival of the first Croatian migrants to New Zealand.

“Jewish immigrants have brought a passion for education, a devotion to family and community, and a strong social conscience to New Zealand.

"Jewish New Zealanders have included Prime Ministers, business leaders, high court judges, academics, local body politicians and have been well represented in the medical and legal professions.

“Our celebration of Rosh Hashanah recognises this legacy, as well as the many contributions the Jewish community continues to make to New Zealand. I hope this gathering will start a tradition of celebrating Jewish festivals in our Parliament.

“I want to wish everyone a happy and memorable Rosh Hashanah.”

Education Bill to improve safety and accountability

beehive.govt.nz — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 10:42:53 +1200

Measures introduced into Parliament today will make early childhood services and schools safer places for students and introduce measures to improve student attendance and engagement, Education Minister Chris Carter says.

The Education Amendment Bill proposes police vetting of all people who have unsupervised access to children during the opening hours of early childhood centres and schools.

“With these changes parents can feel confident that their child is under safe supervision. Schools will also be able to know at a glance that staff members are registered and clear of any supervisory conditions,” said Chris Carter.

The creation of an information matching programme will allow the identification of teachers who are teaching without a current practising certificate or authorisation.

Chris Carter also said the new requirements will ensure that students get good guidance on career choices and pathways while they are at school.

“We know students who leave school early are at the greatest risk of poor social and economic outcomes. While student participation and achievement is improving, there are still far too many leaving school early with little or no attainment.

“Accordingly the Bill removes early leaving provisions for 15 year olds to signal the importance of staying at school. Schools Plus will support schools to offer students greater flexibility and more choices so they are encouraged to stay at school and fulfil their ambitions,” said Chris Carter.

In addition the Bill provides greater clarity to school boards of trustees on their roles, and increases flexibility around timing of board elections, the establishment boards and alternative board constitutions.

The Bill also includes technical amendments affecting special education and the New Zealand Qualifications Authority; and amendments to deter people from committing offences relating to students’ loans and allowances.

“Together these measures serve to strengthen the education system for all students and give them the opportunity to realise their full potential,” said Chris Carter.

$9.3M boost for early childhood services

beehive.govt.nz — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 12:21:53 +1200

Education Minister Chris Carter today announced grants worth $9.3 million for 27 early childhood education providers across New Zealand.

The Minister made the announcement during a visit to Aoga Amata EFKS Early Childhood Centre in Newtown, Wellington, with local Member of Parliament, Hon Annette King.

“Today’s announcement forms part of the government’s commitment to increasing participation in quality early childhood education and achieving the goals of the ten-year strategic plan for early childhood education.

“Research shows that the greatest benefits are for children who traditionally have been less likely to access early childhood education,” said Chris Carter.

The Aoga Amata EFKS is a successful Discretionary Grant applicant and the centre will receive $999,201 to relocate and build a new facility to increase licensed child places from 30 to 40.

“We know that a quality early childhood education gives our children the best possible chance of succeeding in school and later in life,” said Chris Carter.

The Ministry of Education’s Discretionary Grants Scheme and the Establishment Funding initiative will increase the provision of early childhood education through the creation of 306 new child places in the early childhood services network and help retain 156 places in services that are required to relocate.

These grants provide assistance to eligible community-based groups to plan for and build new early childhood services, extend existing services and meet costs associated with establishing a new service.

Discretionary Grants and Establishment Funding initiatives have provided over $100 million towards early childhood education services since July 2000.

Applications for the second round of the Discretionary Grants Scheme for 2008 close on Friday 24 October 2008. Applications for the second round of Establishment Funding for 2008 close on Friday 31 October 2008.

Information and application forms for the Discretionary Grants Scheme and Establishment Funding are available on the Ministry’s website.

German language given boost in New Zealand schools

beehive.govt.nz — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 12:32:09 +1200

Education Minister Chris Carter says the learning of German language and culture in New Zealand schools will be enhanced through a new initiative, 'Schools: Partners for the Future', which was launched at Takapuna Grammar School last Tuesday.

Speaking at Takapuna Grammar School (the first school in New Zealand to join a global network of schools linked through the German based initiative) Education Minister Chris Carter told students the programme will not only strengthen the teaching and learning of German at their school but also create international connections with other schools.

"As the first partner school in New Zealand you will play an important role in expanding this initiative and creating greater knowledge, awareness and understanding of German language and culture," Chris Carter said.

The Goethe-Institut will work in consultation with the school to develop special projects and support the learning of both students and teachers.

"This is a great example of how international programmes can be developed and integrated into New Zealand teaching and learning.

"Learning new languages is a vital skill if New Zealanders are to succeed in an increasingly global society. It opens new doors and allows us to expand our horizons and truly appreciate cultures other than our own," said Chris Carter.

Burnside High School in Christchurch will be the second New Zealand school to join the programme.

"With German being the most widely spoken first language in the European Union, young people in New Zealand will have greater opportunities to travel and work throughout Europe as well as enriching their understanding of European culture."

Late last year the government launched the revised New Zealand Curriculum which now includes learning new languages as a separate achievement area.

All schools with students in years 7-10 should be working towards offering students opportunities for learning a second or subsequent language.

Upping the ante for Pasifika educational achievement

beehive.govt.nz — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 12:33:05 +1200

Education Minister Chris Carter and Pacific Island Affairs Minister Luamanuvao Winnie Laban launched the Pasifika Education Plan 2008-2012 today, stepping up the Labour-led government’s commitment to ensure more Pasifika students achieve their educational potential.

The Plan uses evidence from 2000 to 2007 to set out goals and targets across early childhood, school and tertiary education sectors that will significantly raise Pasifika achievement, retention and participation.

“Our government is committed to making sure that Pasifika students achieve and succeed at all levels of the education system. This Plan is our opportunity to be explicit and deliberate about what we need to zero in on at each stage of our Pasifika students education journey,” said Chris Carter.

The Ministries of Education and Pacific Island Affairs have worked in partnership to produce the Pasifika Education Plan 2008-2012, with contributions from all education agencies.

Luamanuvao Winnie Laban said the goals and targets of this new Plan were deliberately designed to stretch the education system further.

"Monitoring data shows that Pasifika education is heading in the right direction, the challenge for the next five years is to ensure that we continue to move forward. The best way to do that is to have a more concentrated and collaborative approach, working together with our Pasifika families and communities.”

The 2007 Pasifika Education Plan Monitoring Report also released today shows positive trends. More Pasifika students are gaining strong learning foundations with participation in early childhood education continuing to grow, and more Pasifika students are leaving school with at least NCEA Level 2. In tertiary education Pasifika participation continues to be the fastest growing of all ethnic groups.

"While the report shows Pasifika education is heading in the right direction, we need to ensure these gains continue. This Plan is about everyone in education working for achievement for all Pasifika students. We all have a role to play in the future success of our young people," said Luamanuvao Winnie Laban.

Gifted and Talented Good Practice report released

beehive.govt.nz — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 12:25:30 +1200

Education Review Office Minister Chris Carter released a report today that will be helpful for teachers looking to better understand and more effectively extend learning opportunities for Gifted and Talented students.

In the report, ‘Schools' Provision for Gifted and Talented Students: Good Practice’, the Education Review Office has set out some best practice examples of successful initiatives developed by schools.

“We found that some gifted and talented students are not engaged in learning because they don't see school as being relevant to them," Chris Carter said.

"The evidence shows that by providing special support programmes tailored to suit individual needs, school becomes more relevant to these students."

Kelston Girls' College, where the Minister launched the report, has a High Motivation Class for academically gifted Years 9 and 10 students, a High Motivation Pacific Class for Year 10 Pacific students, and a High Performing Sports group.

Speaking at Kelston Girls' College today, Chris Carter said gifted and talented students can be found in a range of different fields.

“As well as students who are top of the class in academic subjects, some students show exceptional talents in sports, music or arts.

"This report shows how teachers can extend the abilities and talents of gifted students,” said Chris Carter.

The Ministry of Education is currently reviewing the education provided for gifted and talented learners, including professional development for teachers.

'Kiwi Leadership' to create better leaders

beehive.govt.nz — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 12:28:32 +1200

Principals throughout the country will benefit from a new document which outlines the qualities, knowledge and skills required to lead New Zealand schools Education Minister Chris Carter says.

Chris Carter said Kiwi Leadership for Principals presents a model of leadership that will help to develop the leadership skills of New Zealand Principals.

"At the heart of the model is a clear focus on how to improve educational and social outcomes for all our young people," Chris Carter said.

"Kiwi Leadership provides an approach to school leadership that is distinctively suited to New Zealand and draws upon our 'can do' Kiwi attitude.

"With studies showing that principal leadership contributes to improved student outcome, I believe this document will be helpful in developing educational leaders."

During the extensive consultation process to develop this document, many individuals, associations and sector groups responded.

“I would like to thank all those who took the time to send in their comments. There were some great ideas and consistent themes which we have incorporated into the final version of the document.”

“Kiwi Leadership for Principals will provide great assistance to the professional learning of principals' in this country,” said Chris Carter.

Minister announces $5.4m for latest ICT clusters

beehive.govt.nz — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 12:26:35 +1200

Education Minister Chris Carter announced today that 87 new schools nationwide will receive funding to implement Information and Communication Technologies Professional Development (ICT PD) at a cost of $5.4 million.

Chris Carter made the announcement at one of the successful schools, Timaru Boys’ High School, which will lead the Timaru cluster that includes Timaru Girls’ High School and Craighead Diocesan School.

"These three schools will have an opportunity to enhance their working relationships, benefit from shared teaching arrangements and develop innovative approaches in the use of technology for learning and teaching,” said Chris Carter.

"Teachers will also have the opportunity to explore the use of ICT to connect their students with quality resources and materials that can effectively support 21st century learning.

Pleasant Point School will also lead ten schools in the Aoraki Rural Cluster resulting in a total of thirteen new South Canterbury schools involved in the programme.

A ‘cluster’ is where schools group together to deliver innovative e-Learning programmes. Today’s national announcement includes 19 new clusters, each receiving varying amounts up to $360,000 over three years.

“Since the inception of ICT PD, 1,744 New Zealand schools have been involved in the programme. As a result more schools are using technology to make learning and teaching exciting and innovative, and are lifting standards for their students.

“The Government has invested more than $408 million into ICT for schools since 1999. A further commitment to ICT funding of $65.3m over the next four years was delivered in Budget 2008.

"Developing ways our students’ can learn through the use of ICT is vital to readying young New Zealanders for the future," said Chris Carter.