Derived Grade Updates
February 2020
- 5 Feb 2020
Derived Grade Update 1
Derived Grade Updates are issued each term and are available in the Derived Grade section of your school’s Provider Login. They are designed to:
- update Principal’s Nominees on refinements to the derived grade process
- provide regular information and clarifications on the management of derived grades
- enable Principal’s Nominees to share information with staff involved in the derived grade process.
The Updates complement information on the NZQA website.
Topics in this Derived Grade update
Restricting access to derived grade information
Requests for application forms
Declines and appeals
Managing assessment programmes of unwell students
Restricting access to derived grade information and documents
The information contained in derived grade applications is considered private and sensitive. Please ensure:
- your 2019 application material is securely stored until November 2020
- you amend the online security access of staff, as appropriate, using your school’s Education Sector Login Delegated Authoriser.
Requests for derived grade application forms clarification
Derived grade decisions are based solely on the information provided by the school within the online application tool. Application forms are requested when key information is not provided (eg date of a medical visit(s), a diagnosis, or dates impacted) or where the summarised information is leading to a possible decline. In 2019, when just over 2,300 derived grade applications were received, application forms were requested for approximately 280 students to further inform the decision on whether to approve or decline applications. Fifty one (51) applications were declined as a result of this process. Requesting application forms will continue for 2020, where required, to ensure that the Derived Grade Team has all the information available to make an appropriate decision.
Declined applications and appeal outcomes
NZQA notifies candidates and the Principal’s Nominee only if an application is declined. All declined applications are peer reviewed. Where candidates appeal a decline decision, the outcome is notified to the candidate and the Principal’s Nominee. Appeals are made to the School Quality Assurance and Liaison Manager and are considered independently of the Derived Grade Team.
Managing assessment programmes of unwell students
Students returning to school will be determining their assessment programmes for the year. For those who are known to be unwell, including those with anxiety, please consider managing their assessment programme to support them to get well and reduce their anxiety.
In certain circumstances, in addition to a modified assessment programme, an application for special assessment conditions may be appropriate. Derived grades are for illness that occurs at examination time.
Special Assessment Conditions Information
Enquiries
Please refer any enquiries relating to this circular to your School Relationship Manager.
School Relationship Manager
School Quality Assurance and Liaison
Telephone: 04 463 3000
Email: firstname.lastname@nzqa.govt.nz