We hope the following information will help you answer questions that might be starting to be asked. We are mindful that schools and students will be affected by this lockdown in different ways; and would like to thank you and your team for stepping up again to meet the challenges of teaching and assessing remotely.
With the situation still developing rapidly, it is too early to make decisions on any changes to NCEA (or University Entrance). However, we are continuing to work with the Ministry of Education, the Minister’s Professional Advisory Group and schools to make sure any advice to Ministers on possible interventions - if they are required - would be fair and proportionate.
Mathematics Common Assessment Task (MCAT)
NZQA is reviewing the situation to see if the dates for MCAT (14 & 16 September) should be changed. We will let you know when we have more clarity.
Digital Technologies and Hangarau Matahiko Common Assessment Task (DigiCATs)
The dates for the DigiCATS are flexible, with schools able to select any day in the last two weeks of Term 3 or the first two weeks of Term 4. (20 September - 1 October or 18 October - 27 October).
If you need to change the dates you planned, you do this by:
- changing the date at the bottom of the Key Indicators page (Common Assessment Tasks (CATs) Date Nominations) within your school’s secure login, and
- sending an email to examinations@nzqa.govt.nz stating the changes (School name and number, which level DigiCATS, the original dates and the new dates).
More information is in these administrative guidelines:
Resources to support evidence-gathering and assessment
The resources and information NZQA has previously provided to support assessment and the gathering of valid, standard-specific evidence – including Evidence Gathering Templates – can be found on the Teacher Resources page through your school’s secure login, and on our NCEA Subject pages.
Go to the NCEA subject page (external link)
Evidence Gathering Templates can continue to be used, and schools can still credential learning and skills gained through students’ experiences during lockdown.
Go to Evidence Gathering Templates to credential lockdown learning against Unit Standards
Other information and resources
While face-to-face Best Practice Workshops and guest speakers have been suspended for now, our online assessor support programme is still available.
Go to Assessor Support - Assessment and Moderation (external link)
At this stage, we intend external moderation by NZQA to continue as normal. If you are unable to submit material, please let your School Relationship Manager know.
For schools with international students, the Pastoral Care of Students (the Codes) team can provide support or advice in relation to these students. Please do not hesitate to contact the Codes team at code.enquiries@nzqa.govt.nz or 0800 697 296.