Virtual Learning Network

Hi everyone,

    Last week we continued our discussion about the New Zealand Curriculum reset with varied and interesting posts. This is a very complex topic and it is important that ESOL teachers consider the implications and opportunities of the rese, discuss these in their networks and input into the conversation via the available mechanisms. 

A number of issues have been highlighted. These include:

• The overall status of ESOL / English as an Additional Language within the NZC - intervention or key learning area?

• Where  ESOL / English as an Additional Language might be positioned within the NZC. People have have suggested

  • inclusion of English as an Additional Language under another key learning area such as English or Languages 

  • or as a stand alone area as has happened with other new ‘subjects’

• Should ESOL / English as an Additional Language have achievement standards

  • Would this apply to English Language unit standards?

  • If so how would EL level 1-3 unit standards relate to NCEA Levels 1-3

  • What about EAP standards?

• How to support and promote bilingualism

As Kerry said, ‘So many aspects to consider on this iceberg!’

Keep the discussion going - both here and in your networks.

Key information can be found at the following links

• Curriculum refresh to enhance learning, Education Gazette editors ISSUE: VOLUME 100, NUMBER 2

• Ministry of Education releases

  • Refreshing Our National Curriculum  

  • Refreshing The New Zealand Curriculum

  • Refresh of the National Curriculum for Schooling

• 11 FEBRUARY 2021 Curriculum Refresh for Clearer, More Relevant Learning, Beehive releases

Events

Registrations for the 2021 NZLA Conference are now open!.

Term 1 Links and language weeks 

Earth Day – 22 April 2021 

• TKI Earth Day page

• Earth Day 2021: Restore our Earth. 

ANZAC Day  – 25 April 2021 The NZ Curriculum online provides some links and resources.

Ramadan begins on April 12th, 2021, at the end of Ramadan,  

• Ramadan Information Sheet, Islamic Networks Group (ING)

• Ramadan begins Learn English Kids, British Council.

• School Journal stories:

  • Ramadan is Coming by Marita Vandenberg, School Journal, level 2,August 2013

  • All As One, by Susan Paris with Tahir Nawaz, School Journal Level 3 November 2020

Rotuman Language Week 9 – 16 May 2021.

• TKI NZ Curriculum Rotuman Language Week for educational links  

• The Auckland Rotuma Websitehas some great language resources, expressions, and videos etc.  as does their FaceBook page.

• The Ministry for Pacific Peoples Rotuman Language Week page

Samoa Language Week Sunday 24 May – Saturday 30 May.

• TKI NZ Curriculum, Samoa Language Week 

• Samoan Language Week FaceBook page

• Ministry for Pacific Peoples, Samoa Language Week

• Te Papa, Sāmoan Language Week Resource

• My Christchurch City Libraries, Samoa Language week  

On other communities

On Secondary Literacy Online Jacqueline linked to an article in Literacy Today on The Fab Four Strategies: Digital tools for dramatically improving comprehension (Pages 48-49).

Have a great week

Breda