MoE approves virtual school

The MoE approved the new NZ Virtual School Trades Academy (NZVS), which is due to open next February. The school will offer NCEA Level 1 and 2 learners the ability to achieve qualifications - such as NCEA and National Certificates - in a broad range of areas, including 3D Animation and Game Design, Aviation Studies and Horticulture.

The new learners will use a wide range of modern technologies to improve their learning, such as podcasts, online learning environments and Skype. The ‘classes’ will be interactive and collaborative, with learners completing tasks that are based on authentic learning contexts and related to their real world interests and career goals. 

Fiona McGregor, who has worked on setting up the educational systems for the school, commented that the foundation English and Mathematics courses will also have a distinct inquiry feel, with learners given opportunities to have a real say in their learning and to complete it in contexts that are related to them and their peers.

Learners will also be given the opportunity to complete work placements, so that they have the opportunity to experience the industry they are studying and to get basic hands on experience. To sum it up, “it will be more convenient for students,” said Nicole.

Learning Advisor, Tracy MacCreadie, explained that the NZVS will meet all of the requirements that are faced by regular schools, and provide real courses that have academic rigour and participate within the same systems of checks and balances. 

Allan Jon, NZVS Director, said that depending on enrolment patterns, “NZVS is either free or at an absolute minimum cost to schools,” and that principals at local secondary schools across NZ have been given information about how this can work for both schools and learners. 

He explained that Learners who enrol with NZVS can either study full-time with the organisation, including their NCEA Mathematics and English, or part-time whilst completing the rest of their course through their local school. 

Learners will also remain dual enrolled with their local schools and can still play in their local sports teams or participate in local school events like productions and Kapa Haka.