Education in New Zealand
Our government-funded schooling system provides
a comprehensive curriculum of academic, sporting and skills-based learning
options, in a positive environment.
Most schools, even those in inner city areas,
have their own playing fields, gymnasiums and swimming pools.
There are a number of education and care options available
to parents with children five years or younger.
They can either provide home-based care or enrol their
child full-time or part-time in a kindergarten, child care centre (crèche)
or playcentre.
While the enrolment costs vary, the standard and
quality of the supervision doesn’t.
These early education centres provide a stimulating
learning environment and are regularly audited by the Ministry of Education
to ensure high standards are maintained.
With few exceptions, all children in New Zealand must
attend school between the ages of 5 and 16. Government-funded (state)
schools provide for the individual learning styles of children and for
different philosophies of education.
Private schools are required to follow the New
Zealand educational curriculum but may keep their own special character
(usually based on a philosophical or religious belief) as part of their
programme.
New Zealand’s tertiary (higher) education system
includes universities, polytechnics, colleges of education and private
training establishments. Each of these institutions provides a high level
of tertiary education and internationally recognised degrees and diplomas.
All universities receive around 70 percent of
their funding from the government. The balance is charged to students
by way of course and student association fees.
Source: New
Zealand Immigration Service, accessed April 2006
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