Samoan Language in the Samoa Curriculum

The Samoan language holds a significant place in the Samoa education system. While specific details about the Year 4 curriculum are unavailable, the following information outlines the broader context of Samoan language learning within the primary education framework.

The Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture (MESC) in Samoa oversees the curriculum development and implementation for all subjects, including Samoan. The MESC website provides access to general information about primary education, including curriculum statements for various subjects. Samoan is listed as one of the core subjects within the primary curriculum.

While English is the primary language of instruction in later primary grades, Samoan language learning is emphasized in the early years to facilitate a strong foundation in literacy and cultural understanding. This approach recognizes the importance of the Samoan language for cultural identity and its potential benefits for cognitive development and overall academic achievement.

The Samoan language is also taught as a subject in New Zealand schools, with a detailed curriculum framework available online. Although designed for the New Zealand context, this document offers insights into the structure and progression of Samoan language learning, covering aspects such as oral and written language, visual language, and cultural learning. It emphasizes communicative competence and provides suggested learning activities, vocabulary, and assessment approaches. However, it's important to note that this framework may not directly align with the specific learning outcomes and assessment criteria used in Samoa.