New AST Appointment

SECKA Schools Embrace the Science of Learning in Mathematics 

In 2024, SECKA schools began an exciting journey into the Science of Learning (SOL) and its influence on mathematics teaching practice. Professional Development Hui were held, where educators explored these research-informed methods. Many schools have since utilised their Within-School Teachers (WSTs) to identify the impact of adopting SOL-based approaches in their classrooms.

With the Government’s recent emphasis on "Structured Maths" for Years 0–8, and the roll-out of accompanying funded resources in 2025, many teachers are encountering this pedagogical approach for the first time. In response, the SECKA Numeracy Workstream is committed to supporting educators through this significant period of transition.

Looking ahead, Term 2 will see the launch of a Curriculum and Assessment Working Group. This initiative invites schools to collaborate and seek alignment as they navigate the evolving mathematics curriculum and its associated resources.

In Term 3, the Workstream will host a Numeracy Unconference – an open, workshop-based event where teachers can choose sessions that deepen their understanding of structured maths and the Science of Learning framework.

Throughout the year, SECKA’s Across-School Teacher (AST) for Numeracy, Jess Robinson, will be working closely with schools to facilitate teaching observations and provide ongoing support.

Together, we are building a robust and informed approach to mathematics education—rooted in research and responsive to change.

Bi-CEP PD for 2025

Over the last 6 months, some members of our Kāhui Ako have been engaging with meaningful work on building Cultural Capability. This opportunity included across-Kāhui work and also within school work.

Renee and Kerry, our facilitators from Evaluation Associates, worked with the ASTs and Lead Principal through a series of workshops to support their professional growth and knowledge about the following:

•  The Niho Taniwha framework and the ways this can be used to help frame thinking and learning

•  Giving practical effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi in our education spaces

•  Building cultural competency

•  Working with MOE documents that support cultural capability, eg Ka Hikitia Ka Hapaitia and Tātaiako

•  Aotearoa NZ histories – how UKD work together to ensure rich and engaging learning for our tamariki

•  Looking in more depth at the history that surrounded the signing of He Whakaputanga and Te Tiriti o Waitangi

•  Developing guidance and strategies to foster educationally powerful and productive partnerships

Within school work

One school in our Kāhui ako wanted to look deeper into the ways that te ao Māori values aligned with their charism. Facilitators met with leaders at this school to discuss the links and supported them with resources to help them unpack these values in more depth with their kaiako.

Another school in our Kāhui Ako worked with two facilitators to begin unpacking Aotearoa NZ Histories and plan rich and engaging units of learning for their tamariki, learning more about the history of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and how they can give effect to the treaty in their everyday teaching practice.