What achievement challenge are you considering as an area of focus in 2024 and why?

The Achievement Challenge that my inquiry specifically links to for 2024 is the Raising of  Māori student achievement through the development of cultural visibility and responsive practices across the pathway as measured against National Standards and agreed targets for reading 

My goal is to integrate the Aotearoa NZ histories into my teaching practice.  Incorporating these histories into learning inquiries is crucial for promoting cultural understanding, recognising indigenous perspectives, fostering social cohesion, and enhancing education. It also aids in developing critical thinking skills, a sense of citizenship, and a global perspective, while preserving cultural heritage.

I chose this inquiry focus for several reasons. 

Firstly, my deep passion for New Zealand history was fueled by my participation in an enlightening, thought-provoking, and sometimes uncomfortable  ANZHT conference at the end of term 3. 

Secondly, upon reviewing the previous positions within the Manaiakalani school CoL, I noticed that, apart from Scott at Tamaki College, there was limited focus on New Zealand histories and how they can be seamlessly integrated into various learning areas, especially when using the LCS framework, especially within the primary school sector.

One of the most significant reasons for teaching the histories is to help our Māori learners connect with their heritage and understand why they belong. It allows them to establish a meaningful connection with their roots as tagata whenua, providing a profound sense of belonging.

Upon examining the Ed potential data from the classroom observations and surveys, done during 2023, I observed a common absence of Maori multi-modal text types, a clear demand for fostering critical thinking, and a significant opportunity to encourage greater creativity for students in their learning, not only within Glen Taylor but across the Manaiakalani community of learning.

I believe that integrating the histories of Aotearoa New Zealand into learning inquiry is important for several reasons:

  • Treaty of Waitangi Education: The Treaty of Waitangi is a fundamental document in New Zealand's history. Understanding its implications and the ongoing Treaty relationship is crucial, and integrating it into education helps New Zealanders grasp the significance of the Treaty and its relevance in modern society.
  • Cultural Understanding and Respect: Incorporating Aotearoa New Zealand's histories helps students, educators, and the community at large gain a deeper understanding of the rich and diverse cultural heritage of the country. This fosters respect for the Māori culture and its contributions to New Zealand's identity.
  • Acknowledgment of Indigenous Perspectives: Aotearoa New Zealand's histories include the experiences and perspectives of the indigenous Māori people. Acknowledging and teaching these histories is a step toward reconciliation and addressing the historical injustices that Māori people have faced.
  • Holistic Education: A holistic education includes diverse perspectives and worldviews, and integrating Aotearoa New Zealand histories allows for a more comprehensive and well-rounded curriculum. It enriches the learning experience by providing multiple viewpoints.
  • Social Cohesion and Inclusion: Learning about the histories of Aotearoa New Zealand promotes a sense of belonging and inclusivity among all New Zealanders, regardless of their cultural backgrounds. It can help bridge the gaps between different communities and foster social cohesion.
  • Critical Thinking and Analytical Skills: Examining Aotearoa New Zealand histories encourages critical thinking, as students can analyze historical events, their causes, and their impacts. This promotes important analytical skills that are valuable in a range of disciplines.
  • Citizenship and Identity: Understanding the history of one's country is essential for developing a strong sense of citizenship and national identity. Integrating Aotearoa New Zealand histories can help individuals connect with their roots and contribute positively to their nation.
  • Cultural Preservation: Teaching Aotearoa New Zealand histories is a way of preserving and protecting cultural heritage. It ensures that the knowledge and traditions of the Māori people are passed down to future generations
  • Global Perspective: Learning about Aotearoa New Zealand's history can contribute to a global perspective. It shows students how historical events and cultural interactions in one part of the world have parallels and connections with global history and contemporary issues


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