Hillary Challenge for primary and secondary schools
Education Minister Trevor Mallard today gave his support to a new learning adventure for school students known as The
Hillary Challenge – an on-line social study project that explores the life and adventures of New Zealand legend and icon
Sir Edmund Hillary.
“I’m very pleased Microsoft New Zealand and the Ministry of Education have taken up the challenge presented to them last
year by the Sir Edmund Hillary Trust, to partner and create an online resource for schools,” Trevor Mallard said.
“It’s an excellent way of involving students in this year’s 50th anniversary celebrations of Sir Edmund’s ascent of Mt
Everest on May 29.
“This project is a great opportunity for students to learn about the special characteristics and skills that made Sir
Edmund so successful. His determination, leadership, his belief in teamwork and attention to detail will be a great
inspiration to our young people.
“Students will be able to understand the contribution and significance of Sir Edmund’s achievements in a global and
national context. From those investigations they will be encouraged to work in teams on their own learning challenge and
then present it to their local communities,” Trevor Mallard said.
The Hillary Challenge will be available for primary to secondary schools from the second term in an on-line teaching and
learning resource and in CD format. Microsoft New Zealand is foundation sponsor and is currently developing the CD with
the assistance of UNITEC. The Ministry of Education funded website, Social Studies Online, will host the social studies
teaching and learning resources.
The Sir Edmund Hillary Trust was set up with support from Government to oversee activities to celebrate the 50th
Anniversary, and as an ongoing organisation, to fundraise and distribute these funds to a range of causes.