Subject Descriptors for Phase |Tūārere (Years | Tau 11-13) now available
5 December 2025
Subject descriptors for Phase 5 (Years 11-13) of the New Zealand Curriculum (NZC) and Tūārere (Tau 11-13) Te Marautanga o Aotearoa (TMoA) are now available:
Years 11-13 New Zealand Curriculum Subject Descriptors
Tau 11-13 Te Marautanga o Aotearoa Subject Descriptors
This follows the release of the list of Phase | Tūārere 5 (Years | Tau 11-13) senior secondary subjects in September: https://tahurangi.education.govt.nz/senior-secondary-subjects.
Developed with input from subject associations and experts, these descriptors reflect a knowledge-rich approach and provide early visibility of the direction for senior secondary subject. They are an important next step in the development of the curriculum that provide a high-level overview of each subject’s focus and intent and will serve as the starting point for developing detailed curriculum documents.
You may notice that there is a change to Materials and Processing Technology Years 11-13 as listed in the original subject list. During the writing of the subject descriptions and feedback, it became evident that the knowledge, skills and capabilities differ across the contexts within the subject in Years 11-13. The subject has now been separated to three stand-alone subjects: Resistant Technology, Textiles Technology, Food and Processing Technology.
Separating these subjects allows for the design of a coherent and sequential curriculum in each area that builds on the foundational knowledge of Phases 1-4. This also strengthens the higher capabilities needed for students to progress to tertiary study and industry pathways. This separation also allows schools to offer all or some of these subjects, dependent on their size and student choice.
You may also notice that there is currently one Year 11 Science subject. We will consider whether there needs to be another Science subject developed for Year 11 as we work through the design and scope of the knowledge strands involved in science. We need to ensure coherent sequential knowledge through to Year 12 and 13 science subjects.
Some subjects are included in both the New Zealand Curriculum (NZC) and Te Marautanga o Aotearoa (TMoA) lists, and the curriculum content will be the same. They will be available in both English and te reo Māori and designed to be appropriately delivered in each curriculum context.
The process for curriculum design
We now begin the process of designing a subject-by-year structure for Years | Tau 11-13, including detailed knowledge, practices and capabilities that will provide a pathway for students through secondary schooling and beyond.
You can find out more about the about the process for curriculum development and the expression of interest for subject advisors here tahurangi.education.govt.nz/phase5_update.
The design and scope of Phase | Tūārere 5 of the curriculum will be collaborative with targeted engagement with the sector. It is likely that the nature and scope of some subjects will evolve through development.
We are aiming to release the draft subject curriculum in Term 1, 2026 for wider feedback.
The Phase | Tūārere 5 Curriculum Development: Overview (20 November 2025) is available here National curriculum changes.
You can read more on Our Story https://tahurangi.education.govt.nz/our-story.
The new curriculum will be implemented progressively for Years | Tau 11-13 from 2028 to 2030.
This range of exciting secondary subjects will provide students with choice, clear pathways and opportunities for specialisation, setting them up for success in future study or their chosen profession.