Education Minister Erica Stanford has announced an updated set of secondary school subjects to be phased in from 2028.
Last month, the Government announced its proposal to axe NCEA. Stanford said implementation for all changed subjects would be aligned with any changes to the qualifications, which are currently being consulted on.
The updated subjects would be developed for years 11 to 13. While some subjects had already been announced or named, Stanford said there would be some “exciting brand-new” ones.
The subjects would be designed to create a curriculum which “recognises the growing importance of STEM in a future focused world, alongside other learning areas”.
“Students will be able to specialise in areas such as Earth and space science, statistics and data science, and electronics and mechatronics. There will also be a range of new specialist maths subjects including further maths.”
Education Minister Erica Stanford said the changes will allow for “purposeful pathways” to the professional world. (Source: 1News)
Other new subjects announced included civics, politics and philosophy; media, journalism and communications; Te Mātai i te Ao Māori; Pacific studies; and music technology.
Stanford said Te Marautanga o Aotearoa, or Māori-medium schools, would be resourced with a first ever detailed curriculum in te reo Māori. It would also include Tātai Arorangi (Māori traditional systems of Earth and Sky), Te Ao Whakairo (Māori carving) and Te Ao Māori subjects.
The Government said it would also introduce “new strengthened industry-led subjects”, to give students “more choice”.
These subjects included: “Primary industry, health and wellbeing services, outdoor education, automative engineering, building and construction, infrastructure engineering, mechanical engineering, tourism and hospitality, and more”.
Stanford said the pathways would be “industry led and tertiary aligned so they meet what is expected in the professional world, making staying at school relevant for every child, no matter what their career pathway”.
“This will enable students to leave school with a secondary and a tertiary qualification. We’re having one integrated system where all subjects, whether Ministry led or industry-led, are equal.”
Year 13 AI subject to be explored
Stanford said with the rapid development of AI, students would be able to learn about and use generative AI in “a range of subjects”.
“This may include learning about how digital systems work, machine learning, cyber security, and digital ethics.”
A new year 13 specialist subject on generative AI would also be explored for later development.
Implementation
- The draft Ministry-led Years 11-13 subjects will be released in Term 1, 2026 for feedback and familiarisation.
- Industry-led subjects will be developed from Term 1, 2026 once ISBs have been established.
- There will be no formal requirement to use the new curriculum content until 2028 (for Year 11 content), 2029 (for Year 12 content), and 2030 (for Year 13 content).
- Implementation will be aligned with any changes to the qualifications, proposals for which are currently being consulted on.