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Understanding Te Mātaiaho: The NZ Curriculum Refresh
At HPS, we are excited to share updates about Te Mātaiaho, the refreshed New Zealand Curriculum. This new framework is designed to prepare learners for the future while honouring the unique cultural heritage of Aotearoa.
We hope this page provides parents and whānau with key information to help you understand the changes and stay informed.
Each phase is guided by the Understand, Know, Do framework:
Understand: Focuses on the key concepts learners need to grasp in each subject area.
Know: Specifies the essential knowledge learners should acquire.
Do: Outlines the skills and processes learners should practise and apply.
Each phase contains detailed curriculum learning outcomes, specifying what learners should be taught at each year level. This provides a clear roadmap for teachers to deliver consistent and focused learning experiences, while recognising that learners develop at different rates.
What is Te Mātaiaho?
Te Mātaiaho, meaning "the strands of learning" in Te Reo Māori, weaves together knowledge, skills, values, and key competencies to create a holistic, learner-centred education system. Grounded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Te Mātaiaho fosters inclusive, equitable, and culturally responsive learning for all ākonga (learners).
Phased Learning with Detailed Outcomes:
Te Mātaiaho organises learning into phases, ensuring a seamless and tailored progression for each learner.
Phase 1: Years 0–3
Phase 2: Years 4–6
Phase 3: Years 7–10
Science of Learning:
Te Mātaiaho is underpinned by the science of learning, drawing on research about how children learn best. This ensures the curriculum:
Focuses on building strong foundations in early learning.
Emphasises mastery of important skills for learning
Encourages active engagement, creativity, and problem-solving.
Integrates practices that support memory retention, critical thinking, and the development of transferable skills.
Use an explicit teaching model approach to ensure ownership of learning
By embedding these principles, Te Mātaiaho supports learners in becoming confident, adaptable, and lifelong learners.
HPS CURRICULUM
The New Zealand Curriculum (NZC) is a clear statement of what we deem important in education in NZ. It takes as its starting point a vision of our young people as lifelong learners who are confident and creative, connected, and actively involved. It includes a clear set of principles on which to base curriculum decision making. It sets out values that are to be encouraged, modelled, and explored. It defines five key competencies that are critical to sustained learning and effective participation in society and that underline the emphasis on lifelong learning.
At HPS we aim to implement all aspects of the NZC through creating exciting, authentic and integrated programmes of learning for all of our students. Within each studio the learning is designed in a way that meets the interests and needs of the individuals within it. All students have the opportunity to learn Te Reo and Tikanga Maori to develop their understandings of Te Ao Maori.
Digital Learning is an authentic component of our learning and students learn to use digital tools appropriately to enable them to create and connect. All students at HPS have the opportunity to learn within a digital learning environment. This scaffolded developmental approach means that students in senior years are confident and competent when using devices purposefully for their learning. They are able to use a variety of devices to engage on a global level and apply their skills across the curriculum. Digital Learning is more than devices - it is the ability to authentically engage in global learning.
Starting School - Learning Through Play
At Hingaia Peninsula School we want learning to be fun and inspiring for our students, to develop a love for coming to school and for learning. Learning Through Play helps with the transition from Early Childhood Centres, and particularly supports those children who are still developing their readiness for a more formal school setting. Learning Through Play works on foundation skills, oral language, social skills, gross and fine motor skills, self belief and independence. This approach weaves in seamlessly with the NZ curriculum, and aligns with our school vision and values. Children can explore and play both indoors and outside the studio with many opportunities to make connections with children in the main studio space. More information about this can be found in our 'Starting School @HPS' booklet.
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