The national association of Maori language immersion schools says its new draft national curriculum focuses on delivering more cultural and spiritual elements into a child's learning.
Pita Sharples. Photo: MAORI PARTY
The curriculum was launched yesterday at the first Kura Kaupapa that opened nearly 30 years ago in west Auckland, Hoani Waititi, and has been endorsed by the Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples.
Toni Waho, the tumuaki of Te Runanganui o Nga Kura Kaupapa Maori o Aotearoa, says Te Marautanga o Te Aho Matua is about boosting educational achievement, but has more of a Maori philosophical approach.
While mainstream and Maori language curricula focus on the seven main areas of learning, Mr Waho says the new draft curriculum speaks from a Maori world viewpoint that respects the spiritual dimension of a child and provides a more holistic approach.
Mr Waho says Te Marautanga o Te Aho Matua centres itself around themes of development that are essential for a Maori child growing up in Aotearoa.
During the trial period it is expected that the draft curriculum will be tweaked, based on feedback from kura and parents.
