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Date
27 September 2023
Link
inclusive.tki.org.nz/guides/preparing-students-to-leave-school
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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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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

Source: National Transition Guidelines (opens in a new tab/window)

Source:
National Transition Guidelines
http://www.education.govt.nz/school/student-support/special-education/national-transition-guidelines-for-students-with-special-education-needs/national-transition-guidelines-for-specialist-educators-schools-and-parents/

Two suggestions for implementing this strategy:

  1. Plan to self-review

    Includes:

    • Resources

  2. ​Use research to inform practice

    Includes:

    • Resources

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)

Source: Information for learners: Learner decision-making behaviours: Research summary. (opens in a new tab/window)

Source:
Information for learners: Learner decision-making behaviours: Research summary.
https://www.tec.govt.nz/assets/Forms-templates-and-guides/0c2845bd85/Information-for-Learners-research-summary.pdf?

Two suggestions for implementing this strategy:

  1. ​​Involve parents and whānau

    Includes:

    • Video
    • Resources

  2. ​Coordinate partnerships

    Includes:

    • Video
    • Resources

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.

Source: Schools' provision for students at risk of not achieving. ERO report (August 2008) (opens in a new tab/window)

Source:
Schools' provision for students at risk of not achieving. ERO report (August 2008)
https://inclusive-live-storagestack-assetstorages3bucket-3uty0hejzw6u.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/public/inclusive-education/resources/files/studs-not-achvg-aug08.pdf

Six suggestions for implementing this strategy:

  1. Establish high expectations​

    Includes:

    • Video
    • Resources

  2. ​Plan for diversity

    Includes:

    • Video
    • Resources

  3. ​Plan flexible assessments

    Includes:

    • Video
    • Resources

  4. Adopt flexible timetabling and options

    Includes:

    • Video

  5. ​Adopt mentoring models

    Includes:

    • Video
    • Resources

  6. ​Build students' skills for their futures

    Includes:

    • Video
    • Resources

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.

Video hosted on Vimeo http://vimeo.com/100662381

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.

Source: Ministry of Education, inclusive education videos (NZ) (opens in a new tab/window)

Closed Captions

Source:
Ministry of Education, inclusive education videos (NZ)
https://vimeo.com/album/2950799

Four suggestions for implementing this strategy:

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

Source:
Ministry of Education | Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga

View full image (244 KB) (opens in a new tab/window)

Four suggestions for implementing this strategy:

  1. Tertiary life and study skills

    Includes:

    • Video
    • Resources

  2. ​Workplace skills and competencies

    Includes:

    • Resources

  3. Support wellbeing

    Includes:

    • Video
    • Resources

  4. Independent living skills

    Includes:

    • Resources

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)

Source:
Education Review Office (ERO)

Three suggestions for implementing this strategy:

  1. ​Career pathways

    Includes:

    • Video
    • Resources

  2. Tertiary study

    Includes:

    • Resources

  3. ​Community connections

    Includes:

    • Resources

Key resources

Website

National Transition Guidelines

These guidelines provide schools and agencies with best practice information to ensure effective transition supports are in place.

File

Preparing students to leave school: School responsibilities, starting from year 9

A graphic depicting school responsibilities to prepare students to leave secondary school.

Website

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

Website

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.

Website

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

Website

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

More options

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Leading inclusive schools

Examine what it takes to lead an inclusive school where all students are supported and diversity is valued. Read three strategies

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Transitions – managing times of change

Plan personalised transitions for students who will benefit from a longer-term orientation programme. Read four strategies

Browse all guides

How to use this site

Guide to Index of the guide: Leaving school

Strategies for action:

Key resources:

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