Review of Achievement Standards (RAS) – Provisional NCEA Level 1 Subject List

Overview

The Ministry has placed on hold most of our sector engagement work through the NCEA Review and, in particular, the Review of Achievement Standards (RAS) to support the Government’s efforts to stem the spread of COVID-19.

The pandemic situation remains fluid and we recognise that this may require a review of the NCEA Change Programme’s implementation timelines. However, we are keen to continue engaging with the education sector and have extended the closing date for the public engagement on the NCEA Level 1 provisional subject list to 20 July 2020, from 20 April originally.

You are invited to respond to this questionnaire on the Ministry’s proposed subject list for NCEA Level 1 as part of the Review of Achievement Standards (RAS) project.

This is an opportunity to have your say on what Level 1 subjects will be supported by the Ministry. We would value feedback from any interested individuals, whānau and groups including: teachers, parents, students, subject associations, industry organisations, the Māori community and the Pacific community.  

The provisional Level 1 subject list has been developed based on what we heard from New Zealanders during our comprehensive engagement as part of the NCEA Review in 2018, and the direction outlined in the NCEA Change Package which was announced in May 2019.

Confirmation of NCEA changes and work underway

Since May 2019, we have hosted over 100 engagements and received feedback from New Zealanders that they agree with the changes. Following this engagement, the changes have recently been confirmed by the Government. Cabinet has agreed to retain NCEA Level 1, refocused to support a broad, foundational education that enables students to keep their pathway options open, while Levels 2 and 3 will promote greater opportunities for specialisation. (see February tab)

Quick link to the provisional subject list for NCEA Level 1

Following public engagement, the list of Level 1 subjects will be finalised with the Minister of Education’s approval. Development work is already underway for a number of subjects. Once there is a finalised subject list, all Level 1 subjects under development in 2020 will be confirmed.

The Ministry will then produce achievement standards and supporting resources for each subject alongside Subject Expert Groups (that comprise experts from the sector) so that the Level 1 subjects can be trialled in participating schools in 2021.

Your feedback will help us to identify whether there are any aspects of the provisional Level 1 subjects that require further attention. We will also be taking your feedback for Levels 2 and 3 – but please note our planned development process for those later NCEA levels is expected to occur in 2021 and 2022 respectively (and further provisional subject lists will be developed).    

Completing the questionnaire

The questionnaire should take approximately 5-10 minutes to complete. It includes background information and a copy of the provisional Level 1 subject list which we recommend you read before you start the questionnaire. All responses will remain confidential. No individual, school, or organisation will be identified in our reporting.

You can also save answers and return, so you don't need to complete the whole questionnaire in one session. When you click the ‘submit’ button at the end of the questionnaire, you will not be able to return to your answers at a later time.

Informing you about the changes and giving you the opportunity to tell us what you think are key objectives of the online questionnaire. Thank you for taking the time to provide feedback.