PROPOSED TEACHER EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS – SPECIAL CHARACTER
New Zealand Certificate in Special Character Education
Level 4 – 40 credits
New Zealand Diploma in Special Character Education
Level 5 – 120 credits
STRATEGIC PURPOSE STATEMENTS
The purpose of this qualification is to provide New Zealand with competent entry-level people who have elementary
understanding of the special character of an education institution, which will enhance their ability to act as an
employee or support worker in schools, pre-schools or other related educational environments which share that
special character.
The primary purpose of this qualification is to provide New Zealand with a professional development opportunity for
practising teachers who wish to develop the competencies to work effectively with the special character of an
education institution . Applicants who are not qualified teachers but who have experience of teaching or working
with children may be granted discretionary acceptance to the programme.
Graduates of this qualification will benefit New Zealand by supporting teachers in meeting the needs of parents,
children and stakeholders who have particular spiritual and cultural orientation with a wish for this to be reflected in
the education of their children.
Graduates of this qualification will benefit New Zealand by meeting the needs of parents, children and stakeholders
who have particular spiritual and cultural orientation and a wish for this to be reflected in the education of their
children. Graduates will also contribute to excellence in learning and teaching in education with that special
character. Stake-holders involved in other educational approaches seeking a broad-based cultural/spiritual
orientation may also benefit from the model provided by this programme.
Graduates of this qualification will, under broad guidance, have the skills and knowledge to work effectively with
suitably qualified teachers, to support pupils, parents and whanau in a bi- and multi-cultural environment;
particularly with communities and individuals who have particular spiritual, philosophical, religious and/or cultural
orientation.
Graduates of this qualification will have the skills and knowledge to identify appropriate pedagogies for working
effectively with learners, parents and whanau in a bi- and multi-cultural environment, and particularly with
communities and individuals who have spiritual, philosophical, religious and cultural orientations aligned with that
special character.
GRADUATE PROFILE OUTCOMES
Graduates of this qualification will be able to:
Graduates of this qualification will be able to:

select and apply a range of appropriate pedagogical processes to support teaching related to the special
character [including curriculum, pedagogy and school culture] (10 credits)

select and apply a range of appropriate pedagogical processes relevant to the special character [philosophy,
curriculum, pedagogy and school culture] (15 credits)

support classroom teaching related to the Special Character (10 credits)

apply a range of teaching skills and approaches in the classroom as an essential aspect of the Special
Character (20 credits)

share responsibility for effective communication with learning community stakeholders: teachers & school
managers; parents and pupils (5 credits)

plan and deliver lessons informed by the Special Character (20 credits)

respond with sensitivity to learner needs, in particular cultural diversity and literacy needs (5 credits)

communicate effectively with learning community stakeholders: teachers & school managers; parents and
pupils (10 credits)

reflect on own practice as a teacher support worker to identify and apply ways of strengthening support for
teaching and learning using innovative, collaborative and creative approaches (10 credits)

respond with awareness of and sensitivity to learner needs, in particular cultural diversity and literacy needs
(15 credits)

apply innovative, collaborative, creative approaches to learning and teaching, including effective strategies
for assessment, feedback and evaluation. (10 credits)

reflect on own practice and critically explore options to improve practice (10 credits)

apply a range of appropriate educational technologies in their practice as a teacher (10 credits)

have developed skills for life-long learning and on-going professional development (10 credits)
PROPOSED TEACHER EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS – SPECIAL CHARACTER
New Zealand Certificate in Special Character Education
Level 4 – 40 credits
New Zealand Certificate in Special Character Education
Level 5 – 60 credits
PATHWAYS
Education Pathway
Education Pathway
The New Zealand Certificate in Special Character Education (Level 4) builds on from:
- previous practical experience of working with children in a context relevant to Special Character education (e.g.
teacher aide; state-teacher seeking re-orientation; experience as parent involved in a Special Character school;
learning support worker)
- short courses relevant to the special character of Special Character education
The New Zealand Diploma in Special Character Education (Level 5) builds on from
- the New Zealand Certificate in Special Character Education (Level 4)
- other recognised teaching qualifications
Achievement of the New Zealand Certificate in Special Character Education (Level 4) may lead to:
- New Zealand Diploma in Special Character Education (Level 5)
Achievement of the New Zealand Diploma in Special Character Education (Level 5) may lead to
- Graduate Certificate in the Arts (Level 7)
- Graduate Diploma in Special Character Education (Level 7)
Or may pathway graduates who are not State-qualified teachers into:
- Relevant qualifications to work towards teacher registration
Or may pathway graduates into:
- Relevant qualifications to work towards teacher registration
- Other relevant level 4 or 5 qualifications
Employment and Community Pathways
Employment and Community Pathways
Graduates of the New Zealand Certificate in Special Character Education (Level 4)
- will have the skills and knowledge enabling them to work as an informed support worker (teacher aide) for a
qualified teacher working with specialist skills in a Special Character schools or similar institution
- State qualified teachers will have increased their pedagogical understanding, and developed skills and teaching
strategies which may lead to career enhancement
Qualified teachers who are graduates of this qualification will have the skills and knowledge to be employed as class
teachers or specialist teachers working with the special character of Special Character Education in schools or other
education settings.
Graduates of this qualification who are not qualified teachers may obtain employment as teacher aides in Special
Character schools or other equivalent institutions.