Have high expectations for all learners
Suggestion for implementing the strategy ‘Leading with moral purpose’
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The importance of high expectations
The importance of high expectations
John Robinson explains the underpinning philosophy of inclusive practice at Onslow College.
Support student aspirations
Support student aspirations
Katrina, a student at Onslow College, talks about reaslising ambition to become a kindergarten teacher.
Impact on students
Impact on students
Past student and deputy head boy, Matt Frost, reflects on how his school supported his interests and maintained high expectations of his achievement.
Closed Captions
Support students to have high expectations
Support students to have high expectations
Teacher Wayne Robinson shares how he sets up and engages his students with their learning to own their own high expectations.
Reflection questions
Reflection questions
Consider these questions in your context.
- In what ways do you demonstrate that you have high expectations for all your students?
- How do the teaching practices and assessment processes in your school enable students to meet those expectations?
Source: The principle of high expectations curriculum update 22 (opens in a new tab/window)
Useful resources
Useful resources
The principle of high expectations – New Zealand Curriculum Update 22
This curriculum update supports school to explore and enact the curriculum principle of high expectations. This principle empowers all student to achieve personal excellence, regardless of their individual circumstances.
Publisher: The New Zealand Curriculum Online

Kinds of participation: Teacher and special education perceptions and practices of ‘inclusion’ in early childhood and primary school settings
This article looks at how labelling and language can lead to negative assumptions about disability and create barriers to learning.
Publisher: International Journal of Inclusive Education
Changing how we talk about disabilities
A conversation guide addresses the importance of using respectful and positive language
when talking about students with disabilities.
Publisher: Government of Alberta
Next steps
More suggestions for implementing the strategy “Leading with moral purpose”:
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Current page Have high expectations for all learners
Return to the guide “Leading schools that include all learners ”
How to use this site
Guide to Index of the guide: Leading inclusive schools
Understand:
Strategies for action:
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Leading with moral purposeShow suggestions for Leading with moral purpose
- Demonstrate a commitment to inclusion
- Model the use of inclusive language
- Have high expectations for all learners
- Partner with whānau
- Partner with external agencies
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Strategically resourcing for inclusive practicesShow suggestions for Strategically resourcing for inclusive practices
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Leading learning to support inclusive practicesShow suggestions for Leading learning to support inclusive practices