Steve Fiet: Each child needs to be treated as an individual

Steve Fiet

I am writing in response to concerns raised by some to aspects of the Education (Update) Amendment Bill, which is being read this week.

The bill represents one of the largest education reforms in New Zealand since 1989, and therefore naturally and quite rightfully is bound to generate discussion.

A key aspect of the bill highlighted in a Herald article on May 9 will be the ability for children to start primary school before 5, with children attending state schools being given the ability to begin school at the start of the term closest to their fifth birthday.

Opponents of this option have indicated that they believe children are not emotionally ready to attend primary school before they are 5.

It is important to note that it will not be mandatory for all schools to provide this option, nor will it be mandatory for all children to begin school earlier than 5.

The concept of beginning school at an earlier age is not new with other countries having done this for some time, including the UK where children start at the beginning of the school year in which they turn 5.

At Hereworth School, we see every boy as an individual, with individual learning needs.

Whilst many children do benefit from a little longer at an early childhood facility, there are those who are emotionally and academically capable and ready to begin their primary school education before their fifth birthday and our designed for boys curriculum provides options for those boys that are ready for the next stage in their formal education.

Research and experience show us that boys in particular thrive and learn best in a structured and physically active learning environment, and our nurturing, small class sizes ensure our youngest students have the benefit of both continuing to enjoy play based learning, whilst extending their academic abilities.

Our highly skilled and passionate new entrant teachers work closely with early childhood teachers to ensure that those students intending to begin with us before 5 are indeed ready, even in some cases visiting the centre to observe the child in the early childhood environment and consulting closely with parents.

Generally, those who are ready to attend school earlier display behaviours that clearly show they are ready for the next stage in their education.

I believe that this update to the Education Amendment bill gives parents and educators at all schools the ability to focus on each child as an individual with varying emotional and academic needs, and ensures they are able to begin their schooling at a time that suits them best.

Steve Fiet is headmaster of Hereworth School in Havelock North. Views expressed here are the writer's opinion and not the newspaper's. Email: editor@hbtoday.co.nz