Provisional results for the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) have surfaced, revealing a concerning trend of declining pass rates for the third year in a row. This latest data, indicative of the academic year 2023, underscores the persistent challenges faced by New Zealand’s secondary students, with the blame placed squarely on the enduring disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Accessed since early Wednesday morning, the NCEA results have been a source of anticipation and, for some, disappointment. Approximately 28,000 of the 160,000 eligible students had checked their results by 10:30 am. The provisional figures, released by the Qualifications Authority, suggest an overall decrease in achievement levels, especially notable for Year 11 students completing a full NCEA Level 1 assessment program and Year 12 students progressing towards NCEA Level 2.
Jann Marshall, Deputy Chief Executive for Assessment at NZQA, highlighted that the provisional attainment rate in 2023 is lower compared to the preceding year across different NCEA levels. The impact seems to be most pronounced for Year 13 students pursuing NCEA Level 3 and University Entrance, with a slight dip in attainment compared to 2022.
The cumulative effect of three years of COVID-19 disruption is considered the primary culprit behind these concerning trends. Despite this, Marshall emphasized that no adjustments were made to the qualification or award requirements in 2023 due to the pandemic.
The provisional nature of these results stems from the potential for reviews or reconsiderations of exam papers, additional results from summer school programs, and the submission of corrected or late-reported results from internal assessments by schools. National results are expected to be finalized in April, incorporating these potential adjustments.
Previous NZQA figures revealed that NCEA and University Entrance achievement rates peaked in 2020, with subsequent declines in 2021 and 2022 as the availability of extra credits diminished, rendering fewer students eligible for them.
Interestingly, despite the recent drops, the achievement rates for Level 3 and University Entrance in 2021 and 2022 remained higher than those recorded in 2019, before the pandemic’s onset. The challenges posed by the pandemic were further evident in the administration of last year’s NCEA and scholarship exams, conducted across 138 sessions in 469 centers, including unique locations like the Cook Islands, Niue, and prisons.
Kate Gainsford, Chairperson of the Post Primary Teachers Association’s Principals’ Council, asserted that the pandemic’s lingering effects, reflected in attendance rates, continue to impact NCEA results. Gainsford cautioned against surprise at the time required for young people’s education to recover from the extended disruption caused by COVID-19.
Rather than comparing recent results to those affected by the pandemic, Gainsford suggests a critical comparison with NCEA achievement rates before the pandemic began. She acknowledged the withdrawal of extra credits offered in previous years to compensate for COVID-related disruptions but emphasized the need to support students requiring additional credits for NCEA qualification, especially those intending to enter tertiary education this year.
NCEA’s Plan for 2024 and 2025: Adapting to a New Academic Landscape
NCEA, the cornerstone of New Zealand’s secondary education, is undergoing significant changes in 2024 and 2025. The primary shift involves a heightened emphasis on Literacy and Numeracy (te reo Matatini and Pāngarau). These alterations extend to the assessment methods, with a notable increase in online assessments or submissions through the NZQA website.
To succeed in NCEA during 2024 and 2025, students must aim for 60 credits at or above their targeted qualification level. Literacy or Te Reo Matatini and Numeracy or Pāngarau requirements, each requiring 10 credits, form an integral part of the new framework. Importantly, these requirements need fulfillment only once, eliminating the need for repetition across different NCEA levels.
In addition to altered credit requirements, schools are incorporating new standards for developing courses in NCEA Levels 1, 2, and 3. While year-end exams remain, there’s a paradigm shift towards completing external assessments throughout the year, ranging from reports and portfolios to Common Assessment Activities for key subjects.
With the integration of technology, more external assessments will transition to an online format or be uploaded directly to NZQA via their website. Importantly, Literacy, Numeracy, Te Reo Matatini, and Pāngarau assessments may now be offered from Year 9, reflecting a broader and more inclusive educational approach.
In discussion with StudentsHerald founder, Mr. Jayaraj Arul Samji, it is apparent that there is a recognized need for reform within the NCEA curriculum. While initiatives for change are on the horizon, Mr. Samji remains optimistic, drawing inspiration from the statements previously made by the former National Party leader, Mr. Christopher Luxon, who currently serves as the Prime Minister. Mr. Luxon’s expressed commitment to narrowing the gap between different year bands and his emphasis on refreshing the curriculum serve as encouraging indications for the potential transformation ahead.
Despite these changes, some aspects remain constant. Existing credits will seamlessly transition into the new NCEA framework, allowing students to build on prior achievements. The flexibility to study at different NCEA levels within the same year persists. Endorsement requirements, unit standards, and achievement standards all remain unchanged, providing a sense of continuity for students navigating these shifts.
Crucially, for those who met the literacy and numeracy requirements in 2023 or earlier, there’s no need for a reassessment. The absence of a time limit on completing NCEA further emphasizes the flexibility, encouraging students to return to their studies at any point, ensuring a supportive and adaptable learning environment.
FAQ:
What is NCEA?
NCEA, or the National Certificate of Educational Achievement, stands as the primary qualification for New Zealand’s secondary school students. Recognized by employers and utilized by universities, NCEA plays a pivotal role in tertiary education and career pathways. This overview explains the structure: students earn credits by achieving standards, ultimately accumulating the required number for NCEA at three levels. The system also includes endorsements for achievements. The article outlines changes aimed at enhancing accessibility and equity in NCEA. Furthermore, it explores the connection between NCEA levels, University Entrance, and opportunities for tertiary study or employment. Additionally, it touches on New Zealand Scholarship, an esteemed award for outstanding students.
