NCEA exams, portfolio submissions delayed

WELLINGTON: Endofyear exams will start 10 days later than planned this year because of the disruption caused by Covid19.

Education Minister Chris Hipkins has announced that the start of national certificate of educational achievement (NCEA) exams will be postponed from November 6 to November 16.

The last exam will now be on December 9 instead of the previously scheduled December 2.

The submission date for subjects which require students to submit a portfolio, such as design and visual communication, will be extended from October 28 to November 12.

A requirement for New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) verification of Levels 1 and 2 visual arts portfolios will be waived, meaning pupils will have more time to complete their portfolios and teachers will have more time for marking.

‘‘The Ministry of Education and NZQA will also work with my NCEA professional advisory group to consider how to address equity issues arising from the disruption,’’ Mr Hipkins said.

‘‘We need 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 affected by disruption to their teaching and learning caused by Covid19.’’

He has not taken up calls from some principals to reduce the credits required for NCEA this year because schools have been closed since March 25 except for online learning.

‘‘Any further changes will need to be carefully considered, so the credibility and reputation of the qualification are maintained and allow those who leave school after this year to continue with tertiary study, vocational education or employment.’’

He said NZQA was still consulting Universities New Zealand. — The New Zealand Herald