NCEA gains greater confidence and optimism – NZSTA

NCEA gains greater confidence and optimism – NZSTA

The New Zealand School Trustees Association says NCEA is well on its way to reach its full potential, with the final stages of the implementation of the new qualification at a close.

The comments follow students receiving their results, including those for level three which has now been successfully implemented.

NZSTA President Chris Haines says the switch to the new system was a huge undertaking and those involved should be congratulated for their efforts.

“It was clear the former system had long outlived its usefulness as a fair measure of student learning. What we have now is a system which more fairly recognises student achievement.

“This change was huge by any world standard, and the fact it was achieved in a tight timeframe is a credit to all those concerned, especially secondary teachers, stakeholder groups and NZQA. Their hard work has made the introduction a success.”

Chris Haines says over the next few months boards of trustees, principals and teachers will be looking closely at the effect of NCEA and what has been achieved by their students.

“With any new system there will always be some fine-tuning. However there is very little doubt that there is now a greater level of optimism and confidence in the new scheme.”

He says there is always risk associated with change of this size, particularly when it is carried out under public scrutiny with tight deadlines. However, the hard work has been validated with level three now implemented and student receiving their results.

“This is about encouraging greater student achievement, and what we have now is a fairer system for students. Improving student achievement is not only good for the students themselves, it also has benefits for New Zealand as a whole. We are confident that NCEA will go on to reach its full potential,” he says.

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