Outdoor Ed Years 11–13:

Draft Curriculum Consultation

For the first time, Outdoor Education | Akoranga tū-ā-nuku will have its own national curriculum for Years 12–13.

This is a significant milestone for Outdoor Education in Aotearoa. EONZ thanks everyone who has supported and advocated for our subject. We now encourage teachers, schools, students, whānau and outdoor providers to help shape the final curriculum.

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Feedback closes Thursday 29th October.

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1. Read The Draft

The draft sets out the knowledge and practices students will learn across Years 12–13, including relationships with people, place and te taiao; outdoor skills and navigation; participation and leadership; safety systems; and disciplinary writing.

Read The Draft Curriculum

What does a knowledge-rich curriculum mean?

The curriculum identifies what students need to understand alongside the practices they use to apply that understanding. It does not mean learning becomes knowledge-only or classroom-based.

All knowledge and practice statements must be taught, but they do not need to become separate lessons or units. Teachers can integrate them through outdoor experiences that suit their students, local environments and school programmes. There is no prescribed teaching order, and examples in the draft are guidance rather than required activities.

What about Year 11 and assessment?

Year 11: Outdoor Education is outside the Ministry-led Year 11 subject development process. EONZ intends to develop a Year 11 curriculum and supporting resources, and strongly encourages schools to continue offering Year 11 Outdoor Education.

Assessment: NZCE begins for Year 12 in 2029 and NZACE for Year 13 in 2030, using whole-subject assessment combining coursework and external assessment.

Outdoor Recreation Unit Standards: Current standards remain available within NCEA. EONZ is working with the Services Industry Skills Board to help retain future assessment options alongside the new curriculum.

2. Give Feedback

What should you give feedback on?

As you review the draft, consider whether it:

Includes the knowledge and practices that matter in Outdoor Education.
Appropriately reflects mātauranga Māori, te ao Māori, place and te taiao.
Maintains practical and experiential learning.
Allows flexibility for different schools, students and local contexts.
Is achievable within the teaching time available.
Supports a wide range of learners and future pathways.

When considering the amount of content, think about how knowledge and practices could be integrated into a programme rather than taught individually.

Tell the Ministry what works well, what needs clarification and what you would change. Specific examples from your school, learners or practice will help show how the curriculum could work in different settings.

How and when to submit

Submit feedback through the Ministry’s online consultation survey. You can comment on individual sections and provide overall feedback. Individual and department responses are welcome.

Feedback closes Thursday 29 October 2026.

Give Feedback Here