A new report shares some key insights into young New Zealanders' experience of school and what's important to them when it comes to their education.
Young New Zealanders want to be better understood, taught in the way they learn best and have concerns about racism at school.
These were some the findings revealed in a new report presenting key insights from over 1600 young New Zealanders about their experience of school and what is important to them about their education.
The paper, Education matters to me: Key insights will be followed with six follow-up reports in mid-February that will help guide the development of the Statement of National Education and Learning Priorities this year.
“Racism exists – we feel little and bad,” was the response of one student.
Students also stressed the importance of feeling happy and comfortable before they can learn and the impact that their learning environment has on their wellbeing.
Children’s Commissioner Andrew Becroft says children’s are “experts on their own experiences of education” and it is vital their opinions are at the centre of decision-making processes.
President of the New Zealand School Trustees Association Lorraine Kerr agrees.
“We can talk about the kind of experience we are trying to give our children and young people. But only they can talk about whether that is what they are actually getting.