The changing English curriculum in New Zealand secondary schools

Abstract

This thesis seeks to follow the changes that have occurred in the English curriculum of New Zealand secondary schools. There was a time when there was no set curriculum that teachers were required to follow. The schools had a considerable measure of independence and a great variety of courses ensued. With the establishing of the Matriculation and Junior Scholarship Examinations as part of the secondary school course the curriculum rapidly became uniform from school to school and within the schools the courses of all pupils were planned to lead to the external examinations. The story of the curriculum since the early twentieth century is largely one of attempts to make the English course relevant to the needs and potential of all who further their formal education at a secondary school. Where possible an attempt has been made to account for the changes in the curriculum. Some changes are the result of a different outlook of society caused, perhaps, through changed economic circumstances or war, or the changes in the composition of the schools, or because of changes overseas but other innovations appear for little reason other than certain approaches seem more relevant to the needs of the day.