28 July 2005

Healthy schools, sustainable society & rounded people

"Co-operation, not competition, within the compulsory education sector is crucial," Education Spokesperson Metiria Turei says.

The Green Party today launched its Education policy.

"Schools must be supportive inclusive learning environments that are capable of meeting the needs of every New Zealand child," Mrs Turei says.

"So to address the immediate needs of schools we propose a 10 percent increase in the Operations Grant and an increase in funding for children with high special needs."

'Education for sustainability' is the key curriculum priority in the Greens' policy.

"Our children need the knowledge and skills to develop a sustainable, peaceful world and contribute positively to society. Education is more than just producing labour to fuel economic growth. It is about learning to manage scarce and finite resources to enable long-term sustainability. Incorporating education for sustainability in the core curriculum will prepare our children for their future." The Greens also propose ensuring only healthy food is sold in school tuckshops and that healthy eating and lifestyle habits are taught to all our children in schools.

"Schools themselves must also be healthy environments. Our children deserve the best and most healthy of environments in which to learn."

"Enhancing rangatiratanga in education is also essential if we are to build a just and peaceful nation.

"Te reo and tikanga Maori should be available to all children. New Zealand history, Te Tiriti o Waitangi and civic education are essential for the building of a robust, critical and inclusive community.

"The Green Party's policy for cooperative inclusive education will protect our children from attempts by right-wing political groups to co-opt mainstream education. Some parties are using words like 'choice' when they really mean increased privatisation of schools and removing the right of local children to attend their local schools. These radical and failed ideas, such as compulsory bulk funding, will damage our quality public education system and installation system where the wealthy have the best education and the poor will have the scraps."

Highlights of the policy are at

http://www.greens.org.nz/searchdocs/other8996.html

The full policy is at

http://www.greens.org.nz/searchdocs/policy4750.html

ENDS

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