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Niue
Niue is an island nation in the South Pacific Ocean. It is commonly known as the Rock of Polynesia, and natives of the island call it The Rock.
Though self governing, Niue is in free association with New Zealand, and thus lacks full sovereignty. Queen Elizabeth II is Niue's head of state. Most diplomatic relations are conducted by New Zealand on Niue's behalf.
Niue is 2,400 kilometres northeast of New Zealand in a triangle between Tonga, Samoa, and the Cook Islands. The people are predominantly Polynesian.
The population of Niue is around 1200.
The capital is Alofi.
Education
(sourced from the WikiEducator article on Niue - http://www.wikieducator.org/Niue)
Since Niue is a country with free association with New Zealand, Niueans are citizens of New Zealand and they enjoy the priviledges of New Zealanders who live in New Zealand. The decision to utilize the New Zealand Curriculum in the Niue Schools was influenced by this factor. Niue follows the New Zealand curriculum from early years to Year 13.
There are only two schools in Niue. One of these is a ECE/Primary School and the other a Secondary school. There are slightly over 200 students in each school and both schools are supported by their own administration staff. Each school is headed by a Principal and both Principals work under the leadership of the Director of Education.
The only Secondary school of Niue is staffed by 26 teaching staff and 6 supporting staff. Students begin at Niue High School at the Year 7 level at about 11 years old to about 18 years or Year 13.
Wikipedia reports that:
- In 2003, Niue became the first territory to offer free wireless internet to all its inhabitants. In August 2008 it has been reported that 100 percent of primary and high school students have what is known as the OLPC XO-1, a specialised laptop by the One Laptop per Child project designed for children in the developing world.
Higher Education
Most of the students have to go to New Zealand or other regional institutions for further education, be it vocational or academic qualifications.
The University of the South Pacific has a Niue Campus that caters for distant learning, community education or adult students.
There is also privately operating representation of St Clements University.