At the start of 2020 Dunstan High School began a review of our Junior Curriculum. We did this because:

• Data from various sources indicated that our students are not engaged in their learning as we would like.

• The length of time since the last review would suggest that having a good look at what we are doing is timely.

• With rapid changes in technology and the way that we work over the last 10 years, we needed to answer the question… Are we doing our best to prepare our akonga / students for life beyond the school gates?

At Dunstan High School our curriculum vision replicates that of the NZ Curriculum vision which is “for our learners to be confident, connected, actively involved lifelong learners”.

This means our young people will be creative, energetic and enterprising. They will seize opportunities offered by new knowledge and technologies to secure a sustainable social, cultural and economic future for our country. They will work to create an Aotearoa New Zealand in which Māori and Pakeha recognise each other as Full Treaty partners, and in which all cultures are valued. Learners will continue to develop values, knowledge and competencies that will enable them to live a full and satisfying life.

To view the Dunstan High School Curriculum Framework click on the following link:

https://sites.google.com/dunstan.school.nz/dunstan-high-school-curriculum/dhs-framework-homepage

How will we achieve this?

1. Focus on the 6 Cs 

In order to achieve our Curriculum Vision and our Leaver Profile, we will have a focus on the 6 Cs of Education as described by Michael Fullan. The 6 Cs are often referred to as 21st Century skills. They are the skills and attributes that will set our ākonga / students up for success in the workplace and for the future. Therefore, by focusing on the 6 Cs we will be preparing our students for the best chance of success in life beyond the school gates. 

The 6 Cs are:

Character, Citizenship, Communication, Collaboration, Critical Thinking and Creativity.

For a description of the 6 Cs please click the link to the Framework page above.