Christchurch Boys’ High School was very fortunate to host NZQA Chair, Sue Suckling on Wednesday evening. Approximately 150 people were in attendance for the presentation, which was held in the newly refurbished Big Room. It was great to see such a large turnout from the Boys’ High community, as well as Principals and teaching Staff from Christchurch Girls’, Burnside High, Cathedral Grammar and other schools from around the region.

Sue Suckling covered the future of qualifications in New Zealand, but focussed on the changing of ‘mind-sets’ and adapting to the ‘digital age’ we live in. With 885,000 jobs expected to be at risk worldwide in the next two decades, NZQA are currently conducting plenty of research into how they can effectively introduce cutting-edge technology into the curriculum, to prepare us for future careers.

An image, similar to the one below was used as an example in the presentation, and Sue Suckling noted how the exam layout above has been used for generations. Discussion then began around the future of external exams, and whether every individual can do their best in this sort of situation. The need for exams to be digitalised was a ‘must’ for Sue, and pilot exams undertaken in the past couple of years prove a change from paper to screen is near.

At the conclusion of the presentation, Sue spoke about her aspirations for NZQA and the New Zealand Education System.

• To remove the ‘handbrake’ on our old paradigms, and support momentum for change

• To look at education beyond the existing bricks and mortar

• To move the emphasis from subject and teaching, to impart 21st century skills

• To invest in upskilling

After the presentation, it was clear that the board of NZQA are doing their best to ensure a bright future for the next generation of New Zealanders, where we can continue to thrive academically on the world stage. It looks certain that in the coming years, our classrooms will be significantly different, and we can expect different styles of teaching to benefit the individual, not the entire class. New Education Minster Nicky Kaye recently said she wants Kiwis to finish their studies and be “digitally fluent, healthy and well rounded” individuals, something that Christchurch Boys’ High School will aim to keep doing.

We would like to thank Sue Suckling for taking time out of her busy schedule, to come and speak to the wider Christchurch Boys’ High community. The presentation was greatly received, and many talking-points were raised which will continue to be discussed.

“…we must change our mind-sets from how we might, to how we will.” – Sue Suckling