How do I find resources for my subject or year level on TKI?

Updated

Start at the TKI homepage (tki.org.nz) and use one of three routes: browse by curriculum area or subject, browse by audience or year level, or use the site search. The exact category names and menu positions change, so confirm the current labels on the live site before relying on a specific path. TKI is a broad portal rather than a single catalogue, so the fastest route depends on whether you already know your subject, your students' level, or just a keyword.

Route 1: Browse by curriculum area or subject

This is the usual starting point when you know what you teach.

  1. Open tki.org.nz.
  2. Look for the navigation menu or section links that group content by learning area (for example, English, mathematics and statistics, science, or social sciences).
  3. Select your subject to reach a landing page that gathers relevant resources, guidance, and links.
  4. Narrow further within that section if sub-topics or year bands are offered.

Expected result: a subject-focused page you can scan for units, tools, and supporting material. Common snag: some subjects are served by separate TKI community sites rather than a single page, so follow the links from the subject landing page rather than expecting everything in one list.

Route 2: Browse by audience or year level

Use this when your priority is the stage of the learner rather than the subject.

  • Look for sections aimed at early learning, primary, or secondary schooling.
  • Within a level, check whether content is grouped by year band or by phase.
  • Combine this with a subject filter where the site allows it.

This route suits teachers planning across several subjects for one class, or leaders checking what applies to a whole year group.

Route 3: Use site search

Search is the quickest option when you have a specific topic, resource type, or phrase.

  1. Find the search box on the homepage or in the site header.
  2. Enter a precise term — a subject name plus a year level, or a resource type such as "unit plan" or "assessment".
  3. Review results and use any filters offered to narrow by learning area or level.
  4. If results are thin, try a broader term or the Māori name of a curriculum area.

Expected result: a filtered list of pages and resources. Common snag: search may return pages from across the whole portal, including guidance and news, so check the section each result belongs to before downloading.

Choosing between the routes

Your situation Best route Why
You know your subject Curriculum area browse Groups all related resources in one place
You teach one class across subjects Audience or year level browse Matches planning by stage
You want a specific topic or resource type Site search Fastest for known keywords
You are unsure what exists Homepage browse, then search Builds awareness before narrowing

Practical tips

  • Bookmark the subject or level page you use most; it saves repeat navigation.
  • Check the live site for current category names, since TKI's structure and section labels are updated over time.
  • If a link leads to a separate community site, treat that site's own navigation as the next step.
  • Note the date of any guidance or resource you rely on, as curriculum content is refreshed periodically.

The reliable approach is to start from the homepage, pick the browse route that matches what you already know, and use search to close the gap. Verify the exact menu labels and categories on tki.org.nz when you visit, as these are the details most likely to differ from any written guide.