Differences Between Schools in America 🇺🇸 and New Zealand 🇳🇿

Join Chantal and Tara from KiwiAmericans as they discuss the differences between school systems in New Zealand and the US.

Year 1 to Year 13: A Guide to the School System in New Zealand

One of the most striking differences is the age restriction in New Zealand, where children cannot start school until they are five years old. The New Zealand school system runs from Year 1 through Year 13, and students have the option to end their education in Year 12, but Year 13 is mandatory for those who want to attend university. Unlike in the US and Canada, passing Year 13 grants entrance to university in New Zealand.

University Entrance Made Easy: How Year 13 in New Zealand Works

Another interesting fact is that the first year of UE in New Zealand is free. Unfortunately, many don’t go forward and according to Tara, making year 4 free instead of year 1 would be a lot more incentive.

Homework in New Zealand: The Unconventional Approach

Circling back to primary school, New Zealand’s teachers have an unconventional way of handling homework. While they are still present as part of the curriculum, after-school assignments are optional. So, following a long day at work or in school, Kiwis prioritize family time over doing homework.

Learning for Life: The Philosophy of Education in New Zealand

Having said that, New Zealand has been quite successful at encouraging young minds to explore their talents. Their philosophy that promotes learning as a life-long process helps students develop a love for growth and progress.

Open-Concept Classrooms: The Kiwi Way of Learning

A common classroom on the island can seem pretty chaotic to most non-locals. If you wonder why, it’s because they believe in growing and learning through actions, so children are encouraged to move and express themselves freely in open-concept classrooms.

Sports, Singing, and Acting: Exploring Talents in New Zealand Schools

Students usually take up sports such as rugby, cricket, kayaking, and swimming but they also have to participate in choir singing and school plays. This allows them to get exposed to as many activities as possible so they can discover their talents and interests.

The Importance of Uniforms in New Zealand Schools

Another big part of the school experience in New Zealand is uniforms. In many schools they are mandatory, especially on school trips or games. Uniforms are also a matter of pride as they represent the school you belong to and what it stands for.

All-Boys and All-Girls Schools: A Look at Gender-Separated Education in New Zealand

It’s interesting that most schools here are either all-boys or all-girls schools, but mixed schools are also available in more populated areas. One thing is for sure, boys and girls act totally different when there is no pressure coming from the opposite sex.

Safe and Secure: The Unique Features of School Safety in New Zealand

As parents, when it comes to our children, safety is everything. Children in New Zealand are allowed to walk or bike to school and back, and they don’t receive active shooter training as there are none. Schools are a safe zone! They don’t even require medical checkups before enrolment.

On top of it, future education may look quite different, as online and homeschooling are evolving fast and in so many directions, particularly after COVID-19.

Hopefully, we gave you a good grasp on how education in New Zealand works, in case you are with children and planning on moving to the islands.

Enjoy the video!