Simpson, Mary LouisaWilliams, Tina2013-04-122013-04-122011Simpson, M.L., & Williams, T. (2011). Te tuangi (the clam): A metaphor for teaching, learning and the key competencies. Early Childhood Folio, 15(2), 4-9.0112-0530https://hdl.handle.net/10289/7446This article explores the shift from “essential skills” to “key competencies” in the school curriculum. Drawing on information gathered from teacher interviews and observations at a New Zealand primary school, this article suggests that culture and context strongly shape and influence the interpretation of key competencies. The authors develop a metaphor—te tuangi—to theorise the relationship between a learner (akonga) and a teacher (kaiako) in a cultural and social context.application/pdfen© 2011 NZCER Press. Used with permission.Early childhoodKey competenciesMāori and educationJournal Article