NCEA Change Programme – Comprehensive Study Notes

Introduction: Context & Purpose

  • Recording is part of TEACH 421/521 paper “Connecting the Curriculum”.

  • Aims of the session:
    • Update teachers/learners on National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) changes.
    • Demonstrate how to navigate three key websites (legacy NZQA, new NZQA beta, and ncea.education.govt.nz) where resources, standards and exemplars are held.

  • Three short embedded videos used to illustrate changes and show students/educators describing their experience.

Legacy NZQA Site (nzqa.govt.nz → NCEA)

  • Online since 2001; still live for current standards until end of 2023.

  • Key sections to locate:
    • “How NCEA works”, FAQ, subject resources.
    • Each subject page → matrices of available Level 1–3 Achievement Standards plus Scholarship info.
    • Internal exemplars, moderator reports, assessment specifications (externals), & wider resources (e.g.
    “Key Historical Ideas” in History).

  • Retains multilingual 6-min student video (English, Te Reo Māori, Cook Island Māori, Samoan, Tongan, Niuean) explaining credits, endorsement, vocational pathways.
    NOTE: Two elements are now outdated:
    • Video states students need 80 credits → NEW requirement is 60 credits + literacy/ numeracy co-requisite.
    • Video claims 20 credits can carry forward between levels—THIS IS BEING REMOVED.

New NZQA Beta Site (www2.nzqa.govt.nz)

  • Still “in development”.

  • Houses Te Tāumata Mātauranga Motu, NCEA section—strong Māori & Pacific navigation strands.

  • Sub-site “Te Aka” (means climbing/strengthening vine) hosts information about current NCEA Review, assessment timetables, FAQs, and pilot updates.

  • Intended primary audience: students, but also useful to teachers for quick-change summaries.

NCEA Change Programme: Genesis & Drivers

  • NCEA introduced 2002; public review began 2018; Cabinet confirmed changes 2020; Education & Training Act 2019 aligns legislation.

  • Multi-year Change Programme managed by Ministry of Education.

  • Seven “mantra” changes (always listed same order):

    1. Make NCEA more accessible – remove financial, disability, learning-support barriers.

    2. Parity for Mātauranga Māori – equal status & pathways, teacher capability building, resourcing.

    3. Strengthen literacy & numeracy – introduce functional skills co-requisite.

    4. Fewer, larger standards – each Level 1 subject gets 4 standards (2 internal, 2 external).

    5. Simplify structure – 60-credit certificates; no credit carry-over; limited resubmissions (NA→A only).

    6. Clearer pathways – align credits with tertiary/work expectations; reduce “random” credit picking.

    7. Level 1 optionality – schools may choose whether Year 11 students sit Level 1.

Implementation Timeline (Minister Jan Tinetti, Apr 2023)

Year

Change

2024

• Full implementation of new Level 1 standards.

• Literacy & Numeracy / Te Reo Matatini & Pāngarau co-requisite becomes mandatory.

2025

Pilot continues for Level 2 standards.

2026

Full implementation of new Level 2 standards.

2027

Full implementation of new Level 3 standards.

Credit Structure, Endorsements & Resubmissions

  • Each certificate requires 60 credits plus co-requisite 20 = 10 literacy +10 numeracy (sits “outside” but must be met once).

  • Unit Standards and Achievement Standards can contribute to 60-credit total.

  • Endorsements (unchanged):
    • Course: 14 credits at Ach/Merit/Excellence incl
    3 external +3 internal.
    • Certificate: 50+ Merit/Excellence credits across year.

  • Resubmission rules: only offered where student is “on the cusp” of Achieved; no M→E upgrades.

  • Credits never expire; no time-limit to finish a level.

Literacy & Numeracy / Te Reo Matatini & Pāngarau Co-requisite

  • Purpose: guarantee functional communication in languages and mathematics/statistics for life/work/tertiary.

  • Assessed via new common-assessment standards (externally set & marked computer-based tests) or via small approved list of literacy/numeracy-rich standards in:
    • English, Maths & Stats, Te Reo Māori, Pāngarau.

  • Students may attempt from Year 9 onward; can resit until passed.

  • Credits gained do not count toward the 60, but are mandatory gate for certificate release.

Fewer, Larger Standards: Pedagogical Implications

  • Shift from “teaching the standard” to teaching the subject; assessment becomes a snapshot of rich learning.

  • Each subject’s 4 Level 1 standards align with big ideas and significant learning in new curriculum refresh.

  • Teachers must:
    • Integrate content across wider contexts.
    • Design programmes that naturally evidence the outcomes.
    • Balance 2 internals vs 2 externals for workload & wellbeing.

  • Example Resubmission Change: reduces assessment anxiety & over-assessment.

Key Ethical, Philosophical, Well-being Claims

  • Review aspires to lift well-being, equity, coherence, credibility—raises question:
    “Can an assessment system alone achieve these?”

  • Equality of esteem for Mātauranga Māori reflects Treaty obligations & decolonising curriculum.

  • Emphasis on quality over quantity aims to curb credit-shopping and assessment fatigue.

Website 3: ncea.education.govt.nz – Your Teacher Toolkit

  • Landing page → “NZ Curriculum – Exploring subject materials”.

  • For each Learning Area / Subject you’ll find:

    1. Subject overview: purpose, big ideas, competencies, real-world links.

    2. Learning Matrix (draft 2023) for Levels 6–8 (≈ NCEA L1–3).

    3. Assessment tab with the 4 Level 1 standards (IDs, titles, credits, internal/external).

    4. Supporting resources: pedagogical guides, sample contexts, glossaries, short teacher videos.

  • Matrices & standards are currently pilot drafts; final versions due late 2023.

Example: Physical Education Level 1

  • Big ideas: Movement as cultural practice, Biophysical understanding, Societal impact, Hauora.

  • Four standards (2 int / 2 ext) assess: inquiry findings, movement analysis, societal decision-making, personal action.

Example: Social Studies within Social Sciences

  • Level 1 Standards:

    1. Internal – “Understand findings of a Social Studies inquiry.”

    2. Internal – “Describe a social action undertaken…”.

    3. External – “Demonstrate understanding of perspectives on a contemporary social issue.”

    4. External – “Demonstrate understanding of decisions made regarding a contemporary social issue.”

Designing Multidisciplinary Courses

  • New rules permit weaving standards from two or more subjects into one course (e.g.
    Psychology + Economics; Chemistry + Environmental Science).

  • Encourages authentic, inquiry-driven learning and clearer vocational/tertiary pathways.

Pacific Learners & Cultural Responsiveness (Video Highlights)

  • Many Pacific students treat English as L2; home identity & culture vital context.

  • All secondary teachers now “teachers of literacy & numeracy” — must create bespoke programmes.

  • Suggested strategies:
    • Incorporate home languages, song, dance.
    • Share resources between schools with similar demographics.
    • Engage parents/whānau; primary–secondary hui for alignment.

  • Track evidence along the journey; curate artefacts before final assessment.

Teacher & Principal Voices on Change

  • NCEA is “well-respected” but needs upgrade for rigour, clarity, robustness.

  • Fewer standards reduce over-assessment, support wellbeing.

  • Quality > quantity: students focus on depth and endorsements.

  • Accessibility extends beyond fees—also adjustments for diverse needs.

  • Implement gradually to “get it right”; heavy piloting before rollout.

Practical To-Do List for Teachers (2023 → 2024)

  1. Locate your subject page on ncea.education.govt.nz; download Learning Matrix & draft standards.

  2. Map existing teaching units to big ideas; redesign where necessary.

  3. Identify where literacy/numeracy teaching is explicit; embed functional tasks.

  4. Plan balance of internals/externals to protect student workload.

  5. Discuss Level 1 optionality with senior leadership; ensure Year 11 programmes still build skills for Level 2/3.

  6. Build cultural responsiveness: Mātauranga Māori integration, Pacific contexts, inclusive pedagogy.

  7. Familiarise with resubmission policy & quality assurance.

  8. Keep abreast of final published standards late 2023; adjust course outlines accordingly.

Key URLs & Navigation Cheatsheet

  • Legacy resource & results: https://www.nzqa.govt.nz/ncea

  • NZQA beta / Te Aka: https://www2.nzqa.govt.nz/te-aka

  • Main teacher portal (subject materials): https://ncea.education.govt.nz

  • Policy updates & timelines: https://ncea.education.govt.nz/changes-and-timeline

Numerical Summary (Quick Reference)

  • Certificate size: 60 credits per level.

  • Co-requisite: 10 literacy +10 numeracy = 20 credits (must be gained once).

  • Standards per Level 1 subject: 4 ( 2 internal +2 external).

  • Course endorsement: 14 credits (≥3 ext, ≥3 int).

  • Certificate endorsement: 50 Merit/Excellence credits.

  • Old carry-over: 20 credits → REMOVED.

  • Introduction years: 2024 (L1), 2026 (L2), 2027 (L3).

Closing Reflection

The NCEA refresh is more than a reshuffle of credits—it re-anchors assessment in deep learning, equity, cultural responsiveness, and functional capabilities. Teachers are pivotal interpreters of the new matrices; their readiness will determine whether the promised benefits—well-being, rigour, clearer pathways—are realised.

Introduction: Context & Purpose

  • This recording is part of the TEACH 421/521 paper, specifically for an assignment called “Connecting the Curriculum”. Its primary purpose is to inform and support educators and learners regarding the significant transformations within the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) system.

  • Aims of the session:

    • To provide a comprehensive update to teachers and learners on the latest NCEA changes, detailing the scope and implications of these reforms.

    • To thoroughly demonstrate how to efficiently navigate three crucial online platforms: the legacy NZQA website, the newer NZQA beta site, and the ncea.education.govt.nz portal, crucial for accessing resources, understanding standards, and finding exemplars.

  • Three short, embedded videos are utilized throughout the session to visually illustrate the changes and feature direct testimonials from students and educators describing their personal experiences with the new system, offering various perspectives.

Legacy NZQA Site (nzqa.govt.nz → NCEA)

  • The legacy NZQA website has been fully operational online since 2001 and remains live and accessible for all current standards and resources until the end of 2023, serving as a crucial archive during the transition phase.

  • Key sections to locate for historical and current information include:

    • “How NCEA works”, a comprehensive FAQ section, and subject-specific resources, providing foundational knowledge.

    • Each subject page features detailed matrices outlining available Level 1–3 Achievement Standards, alongside essential Scholarship information, providing a clear overview of qualifications.

    • Resources such as internal exemplars, detailed moderator reports, assessment specifications for external examinations, and broader subject-specific materials (e.g., “Key Historical Ideas” in History) are invaluable for teachers and students.

  • This site also retains a highly informative multilingual 6-minute student video available in English, Te Reo Māori, Cook Island Māori, Samoan, Tongan, and Niuean, which explains concepts like credits, endorsement, and vocational pathways.

  • NOTE: Two elements presented in this video are now outdated due to NCEA reforms:

    • The video states students need 80 credits to achieve a certificate; however, the NEW requirement is 60 credits complemented by a mandatory literacy/numeracy co-requisite.

    • The video claims that 20 credits can be carried forward between levels from previous years—this provision IS BEING REMOVED under the new NCEA structure to streamline credit accumulation.

New NZQA Beta Site (www2.nzqa.govt.nz)

  • This site is currently “in development”, signifying an ongoing process of refinement and content integration. It is designed to be the future primary portal for NCEA information.

  • It prominently houses the Te Tāumata Mātauranga Motu, NCEA section, which is specifically designed with strong Māori and Pacific navigation strands and culturally responsive content, reflecting a commitment to equitable access.

  • A significant sub-site named “Te Aka” (meaning climbing/strengthening vine—symbolizing growth and support) specifically hosts up-to-the-minute information about the ongoing NCEA Review, detailed assessment timetables, frequently asked questions (FAQs), and updates on pilot programmes.

  • While primarily intended for students, offering easily digestible summaries and rapid updates, this site is also highly valuable for teachers seeking quick overviews of changes and official directives.

NCEA Change Programme: Genesis & Drivers

  • NCEA was initially introduced in 2002. A major public review commenced in 2018 to address identified issues and challenges, with Cabinet confirming a comprehensive set of changes in 2020. The Education & Training Act of 2019 provides the legislative framework aligning with these reforms, ensuring their legal foundation.

  • This multi-year Change Programme is strategically managed and overseen by the Ministry of Education, coordinating all aspects of the reform.

  • The reform is guided by seven fundamental “mantra” changes, consistently listed in the same order to emphasize their strategic importance:

    1. Make NCEA more accessible: This involves actively working to remove systemic barriers, including financial costs, accessibility challenges for students with disabilities, and inadequate learning-support provisions, ensuring equitable opportunities for all learners.

    2. Parity for Mātauranga Māori: This commitment ensures equal status and viable pathways for Māori knowledge, cultures, and identities within the curriculum. It also emphasizes building teacher capability in Mātauranga Māori and allocating appropriate resources.

    3. Strengthen literacy & numeracy: A critical reform is the introduction of a functional skills co-requisite, ensuring that all students possess essential communication and mathematical abilities necessary for life, work, and further education.

    4. Fewer, larger standards: This change streamlines the assessment process, with each Level 1 subject now featuring only 4 standards (typically 2 internal assessments and 2 external examinations). This aims to reduce assessment burden and encourage deeper learning.

    5. Simplify structure: The new structure emphasizes 60-credit certificates, eliminates credit carry-over between levels, and limits resubmissions to only improve a 'Not Achieved' grade to an 'Achieved' (NA→A only), preventing upgrades from Merit to Excellence.

    6. Clearer pathways: The reforms aim to align earned credits more closely with the expectations of tertiary education and the demands of the workforce, reducing arbitrary