QA News September 2010

Chief Executive's Foreword

The theme of this issue of QA News is about communication – websites, workshops and round-table discussions.

We are pleased with our new-look website. It looks great and the structure and searches make it easy to find the information you want. You can also access the New Zealand Qualification Framework, a unified online directory of all approved, quality assured qualifications.

We know how important the websites are for schools, providers and partners, students and employers. We’re adding information and functionality all the time. The online channel will assume increasing importance in communicating; and we’re well placed now to take advantage of that.

A number of business units have been holding workshops with clients. As part of the qualifications review, and to test how ‘outcome statements’ might work, we have held workshops with four sectors including hospitality, digital media, tourism and carpentry. Participants worked together to decide what graduates at various levels really need in terms of skills, knowledge and attributes.

We’ve held successful pilot workshops with whānau and kaiako to help them understand the ins and outs of NCEA; and how to make good decisions about study and qualifications.

We’re co-operating with partner agencies. Recently, we worked with the Education Review Office to share information we collect about student achievement.

One year since external evaluation and review began in the tertiary sector, we’ve held over 100 EER discussions. The team approach between the evaluators and the PTE is really paying dividends. PTE’s have appreciated the chance to sit around a table and discuss their progress, coming up with ideas for improvement. Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics working with ITP Quality have found likewise.

We get great value out of our dialogue with the sector. We hope you do to and we’re always happy to hear your views.

Karen Poutasi
Chief Executive