Education in New Zealand schools is based on a vision of young people developing the skills they need for study, work and lifelong learning, who will be able to reach their potential. 

The New Zealand Curriculum for schools identifies five key skills that are an essential part of a New Zealand education:

•    Thinking

•    Using language, symbols and texts

•    Managing self

•    Relating to others

•    Participating and contributing.

It also specifies eight learning areas:  English, The Arts, health and physical education, learning languages, mathematics and statistics, science, social sciences and technology.

These skills and learning areas, combined with values such as excellence, innovation, participation and respect, are the foundation for school education from Years 1 to 13.