Education solutions for our partners in the Pacific

While our focus in the Pacific is generally on primary and secondary education, we also engage with non-government and civil society organisations and universities to support the early childhood, technical and vocational and informal education sectors.

We work with local experts to ensure our work is aligned with national social and economic aspirations and embedded in the language, culture and identity of the communities we work with.

Read more about our recent projects below.

Local Curriculum Design NZ National Priority

Literacy and Leadership Design (Tonga, Cook Islands, Solomon Islands)

We partnered with MFAT (New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade) to develop a literacy and leadership framework for these Pacific nations.

Working closely with stakeholders in each country, we co-designed a framework for improved literacy based upon strong school leadership and community engagement. Our design has had significant influence on the shape of Pacific literacy and leadership programs, including the collaborative, community-focused and ‘ground-up’ design of the:

  • Pacific Literacy and School Leadership projects in Tonga and the Cook Islands
  • The Leaders and Education Authorities Programme (LEAP) in the Solomon Islands
  • The Education Design for the Solomon Islands which Cognition completed for MFAT and DFAT.

Solomon Islands Education Design

Working with MFAT (New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade), DFAT (Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade) and MEHRD (Solomon Islands Ministry of Education and Human Resources), we developed a design for basic education in the Solomon Islands from 2020 to 2024. The project involved research and consultation with over 70 stakeholder organisations and individuals.

The Design recognises the challenges of education in the Solomon Islands, but is future-focused and aligned with a range of other initiatives and agencies and includes a deliberate, innovative model of capacity building for MEHRD and Provincial Education Authorities and schools, supported by their communities.

Solomon Islands Five Year Curriculum and Professional Development Plan

We partnered with MEHRD (Solomon Islands Ministry of Education and Human Resources) to develop a roadmap for the next five years of curriculum and professional development for junior and senior secondary education. Working with a range of stakeholders, we supported the development of a detailed plan which provided an approach, timeframe and costs for all curriculum-related materials for the next 5 years. The plan also provides the focus, model and timings for a nationwide rollout of increasingly localised and sustainable professional development to support implementation of the curriculum.

Solomon Islands Curriculum Implementation Project

We partnered with MEHRD (Solomon Islands Ministry of Education and Human Resources) to complete syllabuses, textbooks and learner guides for basic education and a Senior Secondary Curriculum Framework. The outcomes included:

  • Finalisation of syllabuses for Years 1-6 Maths and English
  • Completion of teaching guides and learner books for Maths Years 1-4; teacher guides for Maths Years 8 – 9 and teaching and learning guides for English and Social Studies Year 9
  • The development of a Senior Secondary Curriculum Framework which is underpinned by cross-curricular capabilities (competencies and values) which will inform all new curriculum development.

Solomon Islands Cultural Impact Evaluation

MEHRD (Solomon Islands Ministry of Education and Human Resources) asked us to provide an organisational cultural assessment to inform the revision of its Teaching Services Handbook. This includes regulations and expectations for teachers and school leaders in the Solomon Islands.

We recommended an approach involving Provincial Education Authorities, communities, principals and teachers which is based on the cultural context of participants, something which is also reflected in our recently completed Solomon Islands Education Design.

Nauru School Support Project

We partnered with DFAT (Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade) and the Nauru Department of Education to develop a secondary social sciences curriculum, conduct needs analysis of initial and in-service teacher education and provide support for both junior secondary schooling and special education.

As a result, there has been a significant re-development of the centre for children with disabilities, including more inclusive approaches to teaching and learning and a more vibrant and welcoming learning environment. We’ve also seen an innovative secondary social science curriculum come to life, significantly improved practice in junior secondary education and a framework for enhanced pre and in-service teacher education.

Solomon Islands Professional Development Partner (2021-23)

Cognition Education is supporting the Solomon Islands Ministry of Education and Human Development (MEHRD) to design and implement a nation-wide program of professional development (PD) which will:

  • provide culturally and contextually relevant whole-school professional development for teachers and leaders
  • ensure teachers are confident in effectively using recently published (or soon to be published) curriculum resources
  • support teachers to make learning more effective, engaging and authentic, utilising both indigenous and global pedagogical approaches
  • focus on sustainability with increasing local leadership and delivery at all levels, including within MEHRD and Local Education Authorities
  • be part of the wider development of a Whole Educator Professional Development Framework
  • provide support for learning continuity for the period of school closures during Covid 19.

Solomon Islands Curriculum Development Partners (2021-23)

Cognition Education and Wavelength Learning are supporting MEHRD, as its curriculum development partners, in the ongoing creation of curriculum resources for Solomon Islands’ teachers and learners. Key outcomes of this initiative include:

 

  • development and publishing of a range of curriculum materials (learner books and teacher guides) for Years 1–10, to be ready for digital and/or print distribution
  • building the skills and knowledge of local writers and developers who will eventually take leadership of both curriculum and professional development
  • crafting curriculum resources that are contextually relevant, authentic, engaging, and promote student-centred learning, while providing clear support for teachers
  • working with MEHRD to re-establish a practical model of curriculum review and quality assurance
  • creating clear links between curriculum and professional development.