NCEA results and developing a learning culture

As you will read, our 2023 NCEA results are very disappointing. As we continue to improve all aspects of our school life, the learning culture of our students is one of the main priorities for the year.

To be absolutely transparent and open with the community, I have provided the raw data directly from NZQA. There is no spin or manipulation, as the saying goes, it is what it is.

As you can see our Level 1 and Level 3 results are below our expectations with Level 2 in line with the students previous year results (as Year 11 students). I am well aware of my accountability and feel a very deep sense of responsibility.

In addition the success of our Māori students is also a major priority for us as well. I can assure you an honest and thorough review has taken place of what has contributed to these results. We, as school leaders and teachers, have discussed the teaching practices and approaches to learning that will develop a far more robust learning culture at Te Aroha College in 2024.

These results will improve over the next three weeks as we are able to provide students who are very close to passing additional assessments that help gain their NCEA.

Of course, these results cannot be considered in isolation. There is a strong correlation between attendance and academic success. Students have to be at school, every day, all year to have the best possible chance of making progress and ultimately being successful. Each day missed decreases that outcome. There are also other factors such as student engagement and commitment to their learning, aspirations of the students and their families, looking beyond the first job, and the level of support from parents that all contribute to the magic of learning.

Some areas of success.

● Our current Year 13 students have performed at about the same level as in 2022.

● Our Endorsement levels are very high and compare very well to national and Equity Index (schools of a similar type). Endorsements indicate the level at which students have passed their NCEA assessments.

○ At Level 1 - 55% of those students that passed gained either a Merit or Excellence endorsement. This is amazing, the highest result for the last five years.

○ At Level 2, again our endorsements at Merit level are every high 23.7%, the highest percentage in the last five years. Our Excellence endorsement level is also very high in Year 12.

There is a general sense that if a student can pass NCEA their is a distinct chance that they will get a Merit or Excellence endorsement.  

There is a general sense that if a student can pass NCEA their is a distinct chance that they will get a Merit or Excellence endorsement.  

What are we doing to address these results and improve our learning culture?

1) We have changed our timetable structure to five 60 minute periods each day. This will ensure there is a greater frequency of lessons throughout the week. Teachers can plan for more intense targeted lessons.

2) At Year 9 and 10 there will be greater planning to cater for the range of students in each class. In each lesson there will be must do, should do and could do activities. These activities may be framed slightly differently in each subject however there is a clear expectation of what must be completed each lesson along with more challenging work for those students that need challenge and extension.

3) Additional Teacher Aides at Year 9 and 10. We are in the process of appointing two teacher aides at Year 9 and 10 to support students and allow teachers to work with students that need the greatest support.

4) Engagement Reports. Approximately three times per term, you will receive an Engagement Report for your child. The number system is a quick guide to how things are going in class for your child. A “3” is the expectation, the norm, all things going as they should be. If your child gets a “4” or “5” then things are going really well and something exceptional may have happened in that time frame. Conversely if your child gets a “2” then there is some level of concern. Please make contact with your respective Dean and teacher to discuss further. If your child receives a “1”, a conversation should have happened already either from the teacher or Dean. This will indicate a serious concern regarding your child's learning or the learning of other students in the class.

This system is based on observations by the teachers and will take into account general effort, work completed, attitude to learning, contribution to class discussions, use of manners and use of respectful language. While some data may be available that could lead to further discussions, I have asked staff to make these judgments based on an overall impression rather than an onerous collection of multiple pieces of evidence.