Tertiary

Assessment and moderation of standards

Derived Grade Updates

May 2019
- 20 May 2019

Derived Grade Update 2

Derived Grade Updates were introduced in 2018. In 2019 they will be distributed from the Derived Grade Team Mailbox with copies available in the Derived Grade area of the school’s provider login. Updates will be published each term and complement online information.

Topics in this Derived Grade Update

Reminders from DG Update #1

To maintain the security of confidential information, only appropriate staff should have access to the online application process. The 2018 derived grade application material should be locked away securely.

Links to Derived Grade information

Derived Grade myths and facts- Mythbuster #9
Derived grade handbook- information for schools and Principal's Nominees
Derived Grade information for candidates
Derived Grade Assessment Rules
Derived Grade information for Principal’s Nominees -this includes information on;

the school quality assurance processes
a self-review tool for derived and emergency grades

Derived grade application forms have been updated

The derived grade application form for illness, trauma and misadventure, has been updated for 2019. Please update any copies available within your staff and student information, if appropriate.

The candidate’s application form and web information states that the completed form must be provided to Principal’s Nominees by 5pm on Wednesday 4 December 2019. The online application tool closes 5pm on Friday 6 December 2019. This time difference is to allow Principal’s Nominees to complete online applications.

Derived Grade application form for external examinations 2019 (DOC, 184KB)

Managing assessment programmes of unwell students

For students suffering from an on-going illness, condition or trauma, the primary focus should be on providing the best possible conditions for the student to get well or recover. Long-term and ongoing illnesses and conditions will include:

concussion symptoms, anxiety and depression, anorexia nervosa and other eating disorders;
chronic relapsing conditions e.g. glandular fever, Myalgic Encephalopathy;
ongoing personal trauma.

For example:

A candidate with an ongoing health issue that means their attendance at school is compromised may benefit from working on a more focussed internal assessment programme of individualised standards and timelines to assist them meet their qualification goal.
Reducing the external assessment pressure by modifying a candidate’s assessment programme to reduce assessment load and anxiety will support the candidate to recover and potentially not relapse at examination time.
The provision of Special Assessment Conditions, such as separate accommodation, can also assist in managing students ongoing health.

Derived grades for students selected for National Representation

National Representation requires the registered National Body to confirm the candidate has been selected to represent their country in a nationally selected team.

There is a pre-approval process for students selected for national representation in a sport or other approved activity that means they would miss some external examinations. Candidates should apply for pre-approval as soon as possible and before 1 November 2019. Pre-approval will confirm for the candidate:

that the activity involves national representation;
the specific dates approved for derived grades.

Please Note:

Invitational and application-based teams or activities do not meet the criteria for national selection;
Competition winners will only be eligible if they were subsequently selected by the Registered National Body to represent their country in a nationally selected team;
Applications need to be approved before the event has taken place.

Pre-approval form for a Derived Grade for National Representation 2019 (DOCX, 80KB)

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