SecQual

Implementation of an Approved Calculators List for External Assessments in 2014
S2011/054 - 15 Nov 2011

Implementation of an Approved Calculators List for External Assessments in 2014

Following consultation with schools (SecQual circular S2011/027 – 05 July 2011), NZQA has decided to produce an “Approved Calculators” list. This list will be not be implemented until 2014. The lead-in time before implementation will ensure there will be no effect on students currently in Y11 or above, and give Y9 and Y10 students adequate warning of the models of calculator that they should purchase for their NCEA assessments.

For the 2011, 2012 and 2013 NCEA and Scholarship examinations, the present “Prohibited Calculators” list will continue to apply. These are calculators whose use is not permitted in external assessments.

Approving calculators for inclusion in the Approved Calculators list from 2014

The list will be updated and republished each year. Recommendations for new models to be introduced each year must be submitted to NZQA by 30 June for possible approval and inclusion in the following year’s list. The list will be notified by circular at the beginning of term 3 of the year prior to its implementation.

The specifications for an approved calculator are that it must:

• be silent, hand-held, non-printing, and contain its own power source

• not be able to transmit or receive information to/from other calculators or external sources

• not be able to be used as a dictionary or translator, or store and retrieve information that cannot be cleared prior to the examination

• not be capable of high level algebraic manipulation or have computer algebraic system (CAS) capability, including any with the ability to install software that enables them to operate as a symbolic manipulator (exceptions are the calculator requirements for level 3 Statistics and Modelling, Scholarship Statistics and Modelling, and Scholarship Mathematics with Calculus). All models need to be able to be reset either by the screen display or by pressing a reset button to remove all additional files/applets not in the machine’s initial setting.

Approved Calculators List for 2014:

The Approved Calculators list presently comprises the following calculators:

In addition to calculators from the above list, candidates entering level 3 Statistics and Modelling, Scholarship Statistics and Modelling, and Scholarship Mathematics with Calculus examinations may use approved CAS-capable calculators. CAS calculators that are approved for these subjects are:

Enquiries

Please refer any enquiries relating to this circular to:

Lyall Prestidge
National Assessment Facilitator
Secondary Examinations
Telephone: 04 463 4392
Fax: 04 463 3113
Email: lyall.prestidge@nzqa.govt.nz