NCEA & the Whānau

The ‘NCEA and the Whānau’ information programme initiative is an education-sector collaboration between the Ministry of Education, NZQA and Careers New Zealand. The Education Review Office, Te Puni Kokiri and the Tertiary Education Commission have also contributed to the development of the programme.

The information programme focuses on whānau and helping whānau to understand NCEA. The Ministry of Education evidence tells us that Māori learners achieve education success when they have whānau support, have an aspiration and they have a plan to reach their aspirations.

How will this help my whānau?

NCEA is New Zealand's main secondary school qualification. This initiative provides an opportunity for whānau to learn more about NCEA in a context that is relevant to them, and to gain a better understanding of what choices and decisions to make so their child can succeed. 

NCEA can help all students, whether they aspire to university, other tertiary study, trade training or gaining the job of choice.

The information programme through to June 2012 aims to:

1. Identify, train and support a network of ‘champions’ for NCEA and whānau success to engage with whānau, hapū, iwi, and parents.
2. Ensure access to an information tool-kit and resources to enable champions and schools to facilitate engagements and help whānau and learners make subject choices and career decisions that lead to qualifications.
3. Support whānau decision-making through a combination of school and whānau workshops and meetings, both face to face and online.   

How does it work?

The ‘NCEA & the Whānau’ information programme includes a tool-kit of resources, including a structured model whānau workshop. The whānau workshop will help whānau and tamariki talk about aspirations, support and preparing a whānau plan.

The workshop includes showing a short DVD on the basics of NCEA and aims to simplify how NCEA works. It encourages whānau to take action, to engage with their child’s school, to get information and other resources.

These workshops, usually 1 ½ hours in duration, are practical, interactive and focus on whānau.