NCEA exams delayed due to Covid-19

End-of-year exams will start 10 days later than planned this year because of the disruption caused by Covid-19.

Education Minister Chris Hipkins says 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 December 2.

The submission date for subjects which require students to submit a portfolio will be put back from October 28 to November 12.

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

“The well-being of students is a priority, and these changes recognise that disruption to learning and assessment may affect students’ ability to attain NCEA,” Hipkins said.

“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.

“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 Covid-19.”

However, Hipkins 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.

Hipkins said NZQA was also consulting with Universities New Zealand on whether there should be changes to the requirements for University Entrance this year, in light of Covid-19’s impact.

NZQA has also provided detailed guidance to support schools as they adapt to delivering valid distance teaching, learning and assessment amid the disruption.