Living in Northland
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Education
PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION
Schooling is compulsory in New Zealand for children aged between 6 and 16. The New Zealand education system has three stages for children aged 5-17 years of age:
- Primary School (Years New Entrant to 6)
- Intermediate School (Years 7-8)
- Secondary School (Years 9-13)
Some private schools and very few state schools combine intermediate and high schools. All schools operate on a four-term year commencing in January and ending in December. Some schools operate zoning requirements to deal with high demand so it is important to consider your choice of school before deciding on the locality in which you will live.
There are a growing number of kura kaupapa Maori (total immersion Maori language) schools, and other schools have Maori language streams and exposure to Maori culture. There are also private, including religious schools.
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
Early childhood education is not compulsory in New Zealand. Parents and caregivers can choose from a wide range of services.
Teacher-led services include:
- New Zealand free Kindergartens
- Education and Care Centres
- Home-based Services
- The Correspondence School
Other services include:
- Nga Kohanga Reo
- Playcentres
- Early Childhood Development (ECD) funded playgroups
- Parent support and development programmes
SPECIAL NEEDS EDUCATION
Dedicated Special Needs Schools
Dedicated special needs schools provide specialist service needs for students with have intellectual disabilities and related physical challenges. These schools are staffed by New Zealand Registered Teachers who work in support with Special Education Assistants, teacher aides and therapists to ensure that every relevant aspect of continued growth and development is provided for.
Special Needs at Mainstream Schools
Many mainstream schools also have classes catering for students with intellectual disabilities and related physical challenges. Where possible, students in these classes access mainstream classes with support as necessary.
Students are supported by teachers, teacher-aides, physiotherapy and occupational therapy staff working as a team on individual educational programmes, in consultation with parents, caregivers, and Health and Education specialists
