Kia ora all

Yesterday, the Minister of Education, Erica Stanford, announced changes to the qualifications system for Years 11-13. Although we are still processing and working our way through this announcement, the basics are as follows:

• Replace NCEA with a new qualifications system with two levels across Years 12 and 13

• Introduce subject based assessment, with students assessed across whole curriculum subjects to support students to have access to coherent, sequenced learning

• Integrate industry led subjects into the senior curriculum within a single qualification pathway

• Remove NCEA Level 1 and refocus Year 11 on deeper, curriculum driven learning

• Introduce a Foundational Award, at Year 11 curriculum level, recognising literacy and numeracy

• Require all Year 11 students to study English or Te Reo Rangatira and Mathematics or Pāngarau from 2028

The new system will be phased in:

• 2026: Finalise senior secondary curriculum and qualification design, and develop assessment exemplars

• 2027: Preparatory year of professional learning and development

• 2028: NCEA Level 1 removed, Year 11 curriculum only, Foundational Award introduced superseding the current co-requisite

• 2029: New Year 12 qualification begins

• 2030: New Year 13 qualification begins

We will keep you informed of any developments but for now, things remain the same until 2028.

Congratulations to all of our sports coaches, managers, parents and helpers for a fabulous Sports Week. Rowing at Maadi Cup continues today and tomorrow. Last evening our water polo team, fresh from Christchurch and swimming meets put on a great performance to win the Otago competition. Well done to everyone involved in sport over these two weeks.

Ngā mihi nui