Term 4 2024 Professional Growth Cycle- Reflection Aotearoa New Zealand Histories Curriculum

History is who we are and why we are the way we are. Maori history is the foundational and continuous history of Aotearoa New Zealand. The Aotearoa New Zealand's Histories Curriculum has a goal of understanding the past to make sense of the present and to inform future decisions/actions. Learning about history requires thinking critically about historical events and considering why they still matter today.

 TITIRO WHAKAMURI KŌKIRI WHAKAMUA... Look back to move forward. 

 The curriculum is progression focused rather than outcomes focused. The progressions models are clear about the direction of learning and key outcomes,  thus knowledge, understanding and capabilities deepen over time. It is a framework to inspire deep and meaningful learning as it "chunks" the learning to make it more evident and it fits the child. 

 Growing critical inquiry skills is essential. A critical thinker analyses evidence in order to make decisions and communicate their beliefs clearly and accurately. There are descriptors and focus questions (Page 11 of Aotearoa New Zealand's Histories Part 1/2-Leading Local Curriculum Guide)that can be used to guide and strengthen thinking and inquiry processes. This publication is very useful for getting one's head around the content of the ANZHC. 

 I value the professional learning that has come about through exploring the Aotearoa New Zealand Histories Curriculum. I have seen how sharing and imparting knowledge can make a difference to learner's outcomes. As my awareness has grown, I feel hopeful and positive about the content and direction of the curriculum and the potential it has to challenge akonga Maori to be successful learners

and to be confident about their identities.

As well as the resources on Te Poutāhu (curriculum Centre) there is a lot of online research, articles, stories, books, social media pages like the Aotearoa New Zealand Histories page on Facebook and the Aotearoa History Show (14 podcasts developed by Radio New Zealand) to mention a few that are easily accessible to all learners. 

 There is a great place for learning Whakatauki to support the teaching and learning of Maori history. They have been passed down for generations and often merge references to historical events with general pieces of wisdom and observation about the world. Whakatauki can teach us valuable lessons about ourselves with their principles and underlying messages. 

 E KORE AU E NGARO, HE KĀKANO I RUIA MAI I RANGIĀTEA ... I will never be lost for I am a seed sown from Rangiātea. 

 (I have a reason for being. I identify as Maori and am proud of it. I have confidence in our future.)