Classical studies
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Tāhūrangi is the new online curriculum hub for Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga | Ministry of Education.
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The classical studies area of Social Sciences Online provides curriculum and assessment information, resources, and useful links to support the teaching and learning of classical studies in years 11–13.
Classical studies is a multidisciplinary learning area in which students learn about the literature, art, history, and philosophy of the classical world.
It involves the study of the civilisations of classical Greece and Rome without studying the classical languages, Greek and Latin. Drawing on the traditions and pedagogies of literary subjects, art history, history, and philosophy is central to classical studies.
You can browse the content in this section using the tabs below.
The New Zealand Curriculum: Social sciences
This section of the New Zealand curriculum website has information about the social sciences as a learning area. Resources and information relating to the previous (1997) curriculum document may continue to be used as supporting documents when planning teaching and learning programmes.
Understanding the social sciences as a learning area – A position paper
This position paper highlights the importance of the social sciences and the place of social studies as a social science in the New Zealand curriculum.
Visit Understanding the social sciences as a learning area – A position paper
The New Zealand Curriculum
The New Zealand Curriculum sets the direction for teaching and learning in English-medium New Zealand schools. It has been mandatory since February 2010.
Classical studies teaching and learning guides (years 11–13)
Senior secondary teaching and learning guides for classical studies provide support for teachers of classical studies as they develop programmes of learning for their senior secondary students. They reflect the intent of the national curriculum and are an adjunct to it.
Visit Classical studies teaching and learning guides (years 11–13)
Key Competencies
This section of the New Zealand Curriculum Online website offers specific guidance to school leaders and teachers on integrating the key competencies into the daily activities of the school and its teaching and learning programmes.
Te Marautanga o Aotearoa
Te Marautanga o Aotearoa is the curriculum for Māori-medium teaching, learning, and assessment. It is New Zealand’s first curriculum to be developed and written in te reo Māori and sets the direction for teaching and learning in Māori-medium schools and settings.
NCEA Levels 1, 2, and 3 achievement standards
Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 registered achievement standards for classical studies are available for use. They have been aligned with The New Zealand Curriculum (2007) and formally registered by NZQA.
The New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA)
Follow links to the New Zealand Qualifications Framework, NCEA, and subject achievement standards. Some useful resources are available on the NZQA website.
NCEA support materials
These support materials have been developed for use with NCEA achievement standards. NCEA support materials for classical studies include the philosophy and aims of a classical studies course at NCEA levels 2 and 3, and the recommended reading list for scholarship in classical studies.
NZQA – NCEA resources
This classical studies subject resources page provides links to information relating to classical studies assessment.
This page contains resources and tools to help support internal and external assessment (exams), teachers delivering this subject, learners taking this subject.
ERO (The Education Review Office)
In 2007, ERO published three reports on schools’ effectiveness in the collection and use of assessment:
Assessment Online
This key community covers assessment in the classroom, effective use of evidence, and reporting to families and whānau. It offers news, assessment tools and resources, research, a glossary, FAQ, and related links.
New Zealand Association of Classical Teachers
The association supports the work of teachers of classical studies and Latin in New Zealand schools. Includes a variety of classical studies resources, university links, and regional classical associations.
Any Questions (students)
Students can go to this website to find useful, accurate, online information. Librarians from all over New Zealand are available each week day between 1pm and 6pm to help students search online. To use AnyQuestions.govt.nz, students must be attending a New Zealand primary, intermediate, secondary school or being home-schooled.
The National Library of New Zealand – Services to Schools
Services to Schools supports educators by providing professional learning, advice, and quality resources to inspire and inform student learning, foster their love of reading, and develop their knowledge of culture and heritage.
Visit The National Library of New Zealand – Services to Schools
