Zoran Rakovic - No Laughing Matter: The Missing Joy in English Class

A thoughtful critique of NZ's proposed English text list for Years 7–13, drawing on Steiner, Dawkins, and timeless educational insights. Submissions close 13 June.

Are we teaching students to think—or just what to think? As the Ministry of Education seeks feedback on its new English curriculum text list, one question looms: where’s the humour, the wonder, the wit, and the wisdom beyond ideology? Before submissions close on 13 June, take a closer look between the lines.

Curriculum changes must tackle the lifelong consequences of NZ’s alarming literacy and numeracy declines

Literacy and numeracy are under the spotlight as Aotearoa New Zealand grapples with how to improve student performance in these basic skills.

At the beginning of 2023, the government rolled out its new history curriculum. But further changes to the curriculum were deferred to put the focus on maths and literacy.

This decision followed a damning report revealed that by the age of 15, two out of five children are either only just meeting or failing to meet literacy standards.