Primary ITO and Ministry of Education working with our communities to support local rangatahi
10 June 2022
Primary ITO’s latest collaboration with the Ministry of Education (MOE) has been on a research project to support schools and wharekura.
The aim is to deliver Achievement Standards and curriculum-based learning in a way that brings pathways and the world of work to the fore.
The MOE recently visited our Trades Academy akonga at Te Wharekura o Ruatoki in the Eastern Bay of Plenty. They spent time with Kaiako learning about their unique learning contexts, what works well for them in integrating industry and curriculum learning, what challenges they face, and how they might be best able to support Kaiako in building on the excellent work they are already doing.
Reno Moosman-Melbourne, Kaiako at Te Wharekura o Ruatoki noted:
Primary ITO currently have 1100 Trades Academy places around Aotearoa, New Zealand with a waiting list of schools wanting to get their students involved. Kaitiaki of the Whenua is our programme for delivering primary industries training to Wharekura in the Eastern Bay of Plenty. We take the learning to the students. The programme is based in the students’ rohe and whenua, and we deliver the training on blocks of Māori land and local marae.
The programme aims to connect our rangatahi to students’ whenua, highlight the importance of whakapapa, and recognise the pathways and opportunities that their whenua provides.
Primary ITO Future Pathways Manager, Ginny Vincent said “our trades academy akonga are gaining confidence as they learn in a practical environment while also working towards recognised qualifications which is a win-win”.
The MOE’s other school visits included Palmerston North Boys High School and Geraldine High School who both run the Trades Academy through Primary ITO.
You can watch the video on our website, courtesy of the Ministry of Education, on the visit to Te Wharekura o Ruatoki.