New Zealand’s Ministry of Education is taking an innovative approach to formulating its countries education strategy. It has organised two Education Summits as part of a public conversation with New Zealanders about the value of education and the future challenges and opportunities in their education system.
The first Summit took place on Saturday and Sunday the 5th / 6th May 2018 in Christchurch and involved 800 participants from a broad cross-section of educators, parents and whānau, Māori, Pacific people, children, young people and adult learners, communities, researchers, disability organisations, employers and industry. It was an opportunity to hear peoples’ views and insights as part of the Minister of Education Chris Hipkins’ plan to refine a future vision for education that is shared and owned by many New Zealanders.
The six themes of the Summit #EdConvo18 were:
- Ways of
learning - Ways of teaching
- Life-long learning
- Skills and abilities,
- Enabling self-fulfilled lives
- Thriving society.
A wide range of perspectives and inputs from challenging thinkers and provocateurs on the education system was a key part of the Summit. The CEO of the Education and Employers charity Nick Chambers was delighted to have been asked to participate in the Summit as a key note speaker.
Last week, findings from research conducted by Education and Employers informed recommendations made by a report conducted by the Australian government regarding the education system in Australia.