The following is a message from the chief executive of NZQA announcing the following changes to NCEA:

Immediate changes

• External NCEA examinations and New Zealand Scholarship examinations will be delayed so they start on 16 November instead of 6 November, allowing further time for teaching, learning and internal assessment in Term Four. Examinations will now end on 9 December instead of 2 December, and an updated examination timetable is available on our website;

• The requirement for NZQA verification of Level 1 and 2 Visual Arts portfolios will be waived, giving students more time to complete their portfolios and teachers more time for marking; and

• The submission date for subjects which require students to submit a portfolio, such as Design and Visual Communication, is being extended from 28 October to 12 November 2020, giving students more time to prepare.

Additional actions

Equity

The Minister of Education has asked the Ministry of Education and NZQA to work with the Minister’s NCEA Professional Advisory Group to address equity issues arising from the disruption. The intention is to ensure that students who reach the level of the graduate profile described in the NCEAs will be awarded their qualification this year, without being adversely impacted by disruption to their teaching and learning caused by COVID-19.

University Entrance

NZQA is also consulting with Universities New Zealand on whether adjustments are needed to University Entrance, to recognise the disruption that has occurred.

NZQA operational processes

To recognise the additional workload teachers and school administration are facing through this period we have reviewed requirements for external moderation. Schools will not be required to submit samples for external moderation for the remainder of 2020. However, should schools wish to submit samples for feedback then they are welcome to do so.

Agencies realise that schools will continue to face challenges throughout the year. NZQA School Relationship Managers are available to provide advice as challenges around internal assessment are addressed.

As we head into Alert Level 2, there is a sense of optimism across the country. Like you, I’m hoping for the very best for the rest of 2020. If, however, we find ourselves back in Alert Levels 3 and/or 4 for an extended period of time later in the year, we will of course revisit all NCEA settings.

I wish you all the best for the exciting and challenging period of settling your students back into school life.

Nāku noa

Dr Grant Klinkum,

Chief Executive,

NZQA