Over this time NCEA has continued to open students’ pathways after school to further training and employment including universities both here and overseas.
The current qualification framework was introduced to replace an exam-based system with an aim to broaden educational success and has evolved to reflect the changing world young people lived in. These changes were made to respond to the diverse needs of learners so they can engage effectively in schools and develop the skills they need for further education and employment (see the history of NCEA).
The Government is proposing changes to our current NCEA system. The main reason for these changes is to reduce NCEA flexibility and increase consistency.
In a nutshell the proposal is from 2028 to 2030 that:
NCEA Level 1 will be replaced by a 'Foundation Skills Award,' with compulsory English and Maths,
followed by a rollout of the 'New Zealand Certificate of Education' (NZCE) at Year 12, where students must take 5 subjects and pass 4,
then the 'New Zealand Advanced Certificate of Education' (NZACE) at Year 13, where students must take 5 subjects and pass 4.
Replacing the individual standards-based assessment system with a subject-based approach.
Not achieved, Achieved, Merit and Excellence levels of achievement will now be replaced by A, B, C, D, E, F.
Vocational pathways packages of learning linked to industry.
Retaining both internal and external assessments that will be externally marked.
The proposal details are currently quite light. For example, who can offer vocational training and whether local contexts for learning will be supported. The proposed system may reduce the subjects and vocational pathway opportunities currently available to students. This narrowing has the potential to create a disengaging curriculum that is not inclusive.
There is concern from the sector at the fast-pace of these changes. The rationale given for these changes could be satisfied by improving the current system. There is a view amongst a number of educators about the importance of continuing to review and improve NCEA, rather than replace everything.
As you will appreciate, there are a range of different perspectives on this proposal that are worth engaging with to give you a deeper understanding of both the positives and negatives associated with these changes. Ultimately, we all want a system that better serves the future aspirations of our young people.
To have your say follow the link below:
Online survey for parents, whaanau and students
If you have further questions please email: [email protected]
The consultation will remain open until 15 September.
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