Introduction - how do we work?

We back that up with extensive research about what is happening in New Zealand and the rest of the world in futures and education thinking.

We ask big questions about the nature, purpose and form of secondary education and about what we, as a nation, want for our shared future. And we gather and analyse feedback from our workshops, to identify points of agreement in peoples' views about the future.

You can read more about our work and progress in the report below.

What people are saying

Bernice Mene, Guardian:

"We're sharing the successful trends occurring in education now and gathering information about the world we will be living in, in twenty years' time: our environment, population, technological aids, the world of work and so on, so that we can think about the best options for learning."

Jaki Sutton, former Principal, talks about the purpose of secondary education:

"The purpose of secondary education is to really develop the child to be part of the world and to be successful in what they do, so that they are gaining values, learning about themselves, assisting others, learning to be part of a useful world, and to have the knowledge and the background that will enable them to keep learning all the way through; I think that's the important thing, the life-long learning point of view."

Student, Christchurch, about the purpose of secondary education:

"A system targeted primarily at promoting and tutoring subjects, tailored to suit students individually in regard to teaching in a way that appeals to their interests and passions. Teaching skills that will help craft creative, positive, contented young people who are happy with their abilities and where they stand in society."

Dan, Young Entrepreneur, Wellington talks about the purpose of Secondary Education:

"Education is a marathon; it's not a 100 metre dash... it doesn't finish at the end of high school or the end of university; we should perhaps establish the rule that you don't finish school and then begin your working life - learning is something that happens and comes at you from all angles."

Student, Board of Trustees representative, talks about the purpose of secondary education:

"To teach you how to be independent."

Education Professional talks about how learning could happen:

"Develop 'A Learning Hub', a centralised place that enables sharing, collective knowledge, initiates peer challenge. An opportunity to share views, political, industrial. A place to meet, check theories, thinking and allow socialisation."

Introduction - how do we work?

Secondary Futures gets people involved in a conversation about the future of secondary education through workshops, meetings, projects and our website.

Read our Inspiring Teachers paper

Read our 2006 report: the emerging vision

Read our Students First paper

Read our 2005 report: Creating the Space

Read our 2004 report: The Conversation has Begun