Preparing students to leave school
Preparing for the future is an integral part of the curriculum in years 9–13. Use flexible approaches to personalise the curriculum for students.
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Go to top of current page: Leaving school
Go to top of current page: Leaving school
Strategies for action
Six key strategies for schools to prepare students for their future outside of school
Access research and recommendations
Innovation in secondary schools should be supported by robust self-review to determine whether new approaches are making the intended improvements for all students.
For some students, particularly those with significant learning and social needs, the transition from school is probably the most crucial process for determining how the rest of their lives will unfold.
Ministry of Education
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Use research to inform practice
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Support effective transitions
Support students’ individual pathways by coordinating with families, iwi, and community businesses, along with government agencies and education providers.
Research suggests that learners value information from trusted, impartial sources and will generally turn to family, friends, and teachers with whom they have a strong relationship for advice.
Tertiary Education Commission Te Amorangi Mātauranga Matua (2014)
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Develop flexible systems to support all students
Value and plan for student variability from the outset. Build flexibility into systems, processes, and support models. Adopt teaching models that increase student engagement and opportunities for success.
Students are not conveniently fitted into an existing programme. Instead, the programme is discussed, tailored and resourced to meet their learning needs. Responsive teaching is important for all learners.
Six suggestions for implementing this strategy:
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Adopt flexible timetabling and options
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Build students' skills for their futures
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Help students' identify aspirations and implement plans
Personalise support for students as they plan their steps beyond school. Expect students’ needs and preferences to be diverse and provide options that are flexible.
A student describes how the flexible approach of her school’s learning support team is enabling her to pursue her dreams and prepare for the future.
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Document strengths, interests, and aspirations
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Encourage students to plan and seek support
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Prepare students with future-focused skills
Offer students multiple opportunities within the curriculum to identify and develop the skills and competencies they will need in their lives beyond school.
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Students will need to develop a wide range of skills and competencies.
Source: Ministry of Education | Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga
Four suggestions for implementing this strategy:
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Tertiary life and study skills
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Workplace skills and competencies
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Explore work and study options
Open the doors to a wide range of options that students can consider. Provide students with extended opportunities to explore unfamiliar contexts and build relationships beyond the school community
It’s good to feel what it’s like so I can believe it
Student
Source: Education Review Office (ERO) (opens in a new tab/window)
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Key resources
National Transition Guidelines
These guidelines provide schools and agencies with best practice information to ensure effective transition supports are in place.
Preparing students to leave school: School responsibilities, starting from year 9
A graphic depicting school responsibilities to prepare students to leave secondary school.
- Download PDF (371 KB)
Career malaga
A career-planning resource to support Pasifika secondary students planning their career journeys. Students are encouraged to think about who they are – their cultural identity, their special interests, and their strengths, and how these can lead to fulfilling futures.
Publisher: Careers NZ
School Leavers' Toolkit
Practical advice and resources to support young adults find their way after leaving school. The online toolkit contains information on: tertiary education, moving out of home, getting a job, money and tax, taking care of myself and others, government and voting. The toolkit is in English and Māori.
Career kete: Decide and prepare
Resource kit to support to help students in years 11–13 to make choices about tertiary education and work and prepare for the move from school.
Publisher: Careers NZ
I'm not sure what I want to do
This is a step-by-step guide to help students understand who they are and what they want – from both work and life.
Publisher: Careers NZ
How to use this site
Guide to Index of the guide: Leaving school
Strategies for action:
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Access research and recommendationsShow suggestions for Access research and recommend­ations
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Support effective transitionsShow suggestions for Support effective transitions
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Develop flexible systems to support all studentsShow suggestions for Develop flexible systems to support all students
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Help students' identify aspirations and implement plansShow suggestions for Help students' identify aspirations and implement plans
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Prepare students with future-focused skillsShow suggestions for Prepare students with future-focused skills
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Explore work and study optionsShow suggestions for Explore work and study options