As you are aware, the Ministry of Education is refreshing the national curriculum for all schools in Aotearoa New Zealand. This will impact Year 9 and 10 students in 2026. The new curriculum places a stronger emphasis on clear learning progressions, core knowledge, and evidence-based teaching practices. It also aims to provide students with a more consistent and coherent learning experience across subjects.

For students, the changes mean:

• Clearer expectations about what they should learn in each learning area.

• More structured literacy and numeracy teaching, ensuring strong foundations before senior secondary.

• A more knowledge-rich, future-focused curriculum, while still supporting creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking.

Although the curriculum is changing, the core experience for students remains familiar: rich teaching, broad curriculum coverage, and opportunities to explore interests.

What will this look like in 2026?

In English and Mathematics, Year 9 and 10 students will study the refreshed curriculum from the start of 2026. In all other learning areas, the refreshed curriculum will be in place from 2027. The Wellington College Certificate remains in place for students in Year 10 and 11. 

In the senior school, students will continue with the current NCEA system at Level 2 and Level 3. This is in place until the new assessment framework comes into effect in 2029 for Year 12, and 2030 for Year 13.

What this means for our school

Our school is confident and ready to implement these updates smoothly, ensuring that every student continues to thrive. Parents can be reassured that:

• We are well positioned for this change. Our current teaching programmes already align closely with the refreshed curriculum’s emphasis on clarity, structured learning, and strong foundations.

• Teachers are experienced and well-prepared. Our staff have been engaging with draft materials, professional learning, and national guidance throughout the refresh process.

• Your child’s learning will continue without disruption. We will phase in changes carefully, ensuring continuity and maintaining high expectations for progress.

• We will continue to cater for a wide range of learners. Support, extension, and personalised approaches will remain central to our practice.

• Languages remain a valued part of our curriculum, and Te Reo Māori will remain compulsory at Year 9. Even though under the new model there is no requirement for schools to offer languages, we are committed to ensuring students continue to have meaningful opportunities to learn additional languages as part of a well-rounded education.

• Communication with whānau will stay clear and open. As final curriculum documents are released and timelines confirmed, we will keep you informed about what to expect.