Standards miss the richness of our kids

Teachers at a low decile school in the Bay of Plenty are refusing to let National Standards torpedo their record of achievement. Jane Blaikie reports.

The unkindest cut

"We believe that all children deserve the very best." Taitoko Kindergarten has recreated itself as a thriving hub, drawing in parents and community agencies to address a raft of issues. Now the biggest challenge is a funding shortfall. Rose Northcott talks to parents and teachers.

Who's the boss?

Teacher has chunk of flesh bitten from leg. Pupil stabs teacher. Boy smashes teacher's head into wall. These headlines are all too familiar. Diana Clement investigates.

Look out for the kids who are different

Composer and entertainer Gareth Farr is known as much for his ground-breaking work with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra as for his drag queen persona Lilith Lacroix. He reminds us how much schools have changed since the 80s.

Boy

Taika Waititi tells Kirstin Marcon how his memories of school on the East Coast and his primary teacher mother influenced his smash-hit movie Boy. (This story gives away some of the plot.)

Dry Rot: PPP schools a step too far

Has the government got cold feet on PPP schools? Let’s hope so. Jane Blaikie reports.

Faster broadband for better learning

The government’s investment in ultra-fast broadband is big news for schools. Sarah Jones looks at what’s in the pipeline.