Back to Basics: Nurturing the Next Generation
Earlier in August, my Youth MP, Oscar, wrapped up his time in the Youth Parliament programme before heading to the United States on a university football scholarship.
Watching him grow through the programme and speak up for his generation was inspiring. His journey is a reminder that when we invest in young people, they are capable of extraordinary things.
Here in Mt Albert, I often hear from parents and teachers who share the same message: we need to get “back to basics.” Families want their children to be confident in reading, writing and maths, and to leave school with strong foundations they can rely on for life.
That’s why the Government is focused on lifting achievement and updating how we assess success. NCEA was designed to prepare young people for life, but right now it isn’t doing that well enough. Parents are ambitious for their kids and so are we.
The proposal is to replace NCEA with a new national qualification that ensures students have the knowledge and skills they need to succeed. At Year 11, a new Foundational Skills Award will make English and Maths compulsory, with a literacy and numeracy test. In Years 12 and 13, two new certificates will replace NCEA Levels 2 and 3, with clearer A–E grades so progress is easier to understand. Students will take at least five subjects, with pathways better linked to future careers. The goal is simple: qualifications that give every child strong foundations, clear direction and confidence in their future.
At the same time, we know many parents are worried that young people are falling behind in the basics. That is why schools will now dedicate an hour each day to reading, writing and maths, with teachers supported by new resources and extra help for students who need it. Every child deserves the strongest possible start and the confidence to thrive.
These changes are about giving young people the skills and opportunities to succeed, whether they go on to university, a trade or the workforce.
This month I also joined several ethnic community events, where families came together to celebrate their heritage and help younger generations connect with their roots. In many ways, that is what education is about too: giving our young people both identity and skills to step confidently into the future. (Hon Melissa Lee)
National List MP based in Mt Albert
Authorised by Melissa Lee, Parliament Buildings, Wellington
MPLee@parliament.govt.nz
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