Media Release
19 September 2011

Report proposes a world-class education system for Christchurch

Education is a key driver for the social, cultural and economic recovery of our city. It is time we recognised this and developed a clear educational vision for Christchurch, supported by principles and strategies that will meet the needs of future generations of learners.

If we do not act soon, and coherently, we risk going back to a system that was not working for many Christchurch students, says the Shaking Up Christchurch Education (SUCE) Network.

This group, made up of local educational consultants and leaders, formed recently to consider how the greater Christchurch area might use current opportunities brought about by the Canterbury earthquakes, to transform our education system into something world class.

The CERA Education Renewal Recovery Plan identifies education as ‘a big regional business’ and the need for future plans to be innovative as well as cost-effective. The SUCE network seeks to extend the conversation within the community, says spokesperson Dr Cheryl Doig.

A concept plan developed by SUCE is based on best evidence and research from around the world, yet specific to the unique context of Christchurch.

The plan is intended as a catalyst for discussion. While it does propose a possible model of federated learning and a more integrated approach to learning within the city, it stops short of saying this is the only way. Rather than offering solutions, the group has put some ideas together to sow seeds and to open up conversation.

While the group acknowledges the role of the Ministry of Education, it firmly believes education is a citywide responsibility. The Christchurch City Council, CERA, Ngai Tahu, businesses, community and whanau must engage with all educational sectors to meet the needs of learners more effectively in order to ensure the social, cultural and economic recovery of the city.

Before September 2010, statistics show the education system was not meeting the needs of many of our young people. “While the factors leading to this are complex, it must be acknowledged that education has a critical role in determining the well-being of the city. The earthquake has provided us with opportunities and possibilities. The need for new ways of thinking is on the lips of many educators.

“We also know those closest to students – teachers and principals, are grappling with many issues and that time to create a clear vision for the future is limited,” Dr Doig adds.

SUCE wants to support the process and encourage people to have their say. The group has met together regularly over the last few months, has developed conversations with wider networks and has surveyed for key ideas to inform its thinking. It now offers that information to others who understand the urgent educational imperatives and who want to co-create an educational system that will meet the needs of future generations of learners in greater Christchurch.

The concept plan, Opportunities and challenges: Creating a compelling vision and direction for education in Christchurch outlines four principles that could guide our thinking as we redesign learning in our city.

“Our education must be learner-focused, future focused, system coherent and sustainable. One suggestion is for federated model of learning hubs, which focus on learning happening in many places, using expertise from around the city and where collaboration focuses on the needs of the students rather than on competition. The establishment of demonstration models would be one way of moving this idea forward – the possibilities are endless.

Network spokesperson, Dr Cheryl Doig, says that the group has written a submission in response to the Christchurch City Draft Plan and intends to submit further ideas to CERA in response to its Draft Recovery Strategy.

Ends

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