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Guidance for school assessment

NZQA will help schools develop effective plans for NCEA assessment and qualifications for students affected by COVID-19.

This is an evolving situation and NZQA is working closely with the Ministry of Education. Advice to schools will be updated as necessary.

Minimise disruption to assessment

Our focus is to ensure our response is fair to all students.

We will support schools to manage their students’ assessment requirements should a student experience any disruption as a result of self-isolation, illness or school closure. Schools can tailor their programmes so that their students can be assessed against fewer standards than planned for in a normal school year, and still meet the requirements for NCEA.

Options available

The flexibility of the NCEA qualification enables a range of options:

Internal assessment

NZQA will support schools to provide credible ongoing assessment opportunities through remote learning should any disruption occur.

This will save valuable teaching and learning time by reducing the need for formal assessment events. It also ensures students are still able to access their qualifications pathways.

External Assessment

NZQA is working with schools to provide support to generate grades derived from a student’s learning programme, should they experience any disruption to their attendance. This could eliminate the need for practice examinations.

Communications and support

NZQA is using its regular communication channels to keep school leadership up to date. Students and parents should check this page or consult their Principal’s Nominee for the latest information from NZQA.