Education Minister legally obliged to respond to concerns about new Science curriculum

Concerns have been expressed publicly about the omission of any mention of climate change in the final curriculum documents that were released this week. This follows earlier drafts that included references to climate change.

“We see from media reports today that the Minister of Education, Erica Stanford, is refusing to respond to these concerns, instead referring them to the Ministry.

“The Minister cannot shirk her responsibilities on this occasion – according to the Education and Training Act, the Minister of Education is the only person / entity who can make these curriculum requirements into law. The Ministry develops policy and advice and supports implementation but does not make the law.

“The buck stops with the Minister of Education. We call on her to respond to concerns about the omission of climate change in the final versions of the new Social Sciences and Science curriculum documents.”