Industry leaders praise nine new secondary school subjects
But the teachers' union warns timelines for their development and introduction are extremely tight.
Industry leaders are supporting nine new subjects for secondary school students, with a focus on providing relevant skills and knowledge for future careers. However, the National Union of Students warns that the timeline to develop and introduce these subjects is extremely tight, with the first being introduced in 2029 when a new qualification replaces the NCEA.
The Education Minister, Erica Stanford, announced the subjects alongside the Finance Minister, Nicola Willis, at Meridian Energy's Mākara windfarm. Stanford emphasized the importance of industry's involvement in developing the curriculum, stating that young people will leave school with the skills and knowledge needed to pursue jobs, further training, apprenticeships, or university.
The new subjects aim to better equip students with skills and knowledge that employers want, and more industry-led subjects may be added in the future. While not all schools will be able to offer all nine subjects, some may collaborate or partner with local trades academies to provide them. Teachers' union vice-president Kieran Gainsford expressed concerns about the feasibility of the timeline, stating that there is a lot of work to be done between now and 2029.
He questioned who would teach the subjects and the need for additional teachers and staff. Industry leaders praised the new subjects, highlighting their potential to expose students to careers in industries they may not have previously considered, particularly in sectors facing workforce shortages.
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