Marking passes halfway point

15 December, 2006

Marking of senior secondary school NCEA and Scholarship examinations has passed the halfway point, with 53 percent of around 1.9 million papers from 136,000 candidates marked to date.

A further standard is being re-marked following adjustment of the marking schedule for Level 1 History (90212 - Examine the perspectives of people in an historical setting). The purpose is to improve the consistency of marking in one of the nine topics candidates could choose from.

This brings the total number of re-marks so far to three. As announced last week, one of eight questions in a Level 3 English examination, and a question in a Level 1 Information Management examination are being re-marked.

Results of marking are monitored each day. If they differ significantly from forecast performance, the reasons are investigated to ensure achievement is being appropriately recognised through the marking schedule.

Re-marking cannot be used to turn an incorrect answer into a correct answer or vice versa.

Qualifications Authority Deputy Chief Executive, Qualifications, Bali Haque said enhanced benchmarking by markers had contributed to the low number of re-marks required.

"Benchmarking by marking panels is a vital part of ensuring marking schedules reflect candidate achievement and the marking process is fair and robust," he said.

Before marking begins, the leaders of each of the marking panels work through the marking schedule prepared by the examiner, using a sample of candidate papers.

The schedule is fine-tuned to reflect how students have responded to questions. Panel members - the markers - then gather to collectively discuss a trial group of papers.

The next step is for panel members to mark their first batch of up to 100 papers that are then assessed by the panel leader before authority is given for marking to begin.

"Marking is a huge job and I'd like to pay tribute to the markers involved in the process," Mr Haque said.

Marking is due to be completed by Christmas, with NCEA results scheduled to be available between 17 and 24 January, and Scholarship results due in mid-February.

For more information contact:

Steve Rendle
Senior Media Adviser
NZQA
04 463 4240
0274 57 57 83