Minister of Education Erica Stanford announced the delay in April, which will allow time for a review of NCEA Level 1, as well as methods for external assessments, periods of study leave and moderation practices.
A revised version of NCEA Level 1 and NCEA Level 2 will be fully implemented by 2028, and NCEA Level 3 will follow by 2029.
“The current NCEA Change Programme, introduced by the last Government, is fundamentally flawed, in that it designs the assessments before writing the curriculum that details what students should be learning,” Stanford said in a statement.
“Principals and teachers around the country said the sector was not ready for the roll-out of NCEA Level 1 changes, but these changes went ahead anyway. As a result, some schools stopped offering Level 1 NCEA at all.”
Christ’s College, St Cuthburt’s College, Rangitoto College and Marlborough Girls’ College are some of the schools who have stopped offering Level 1.
Wellington’s Samuel Marsden Collegiate School has retained the Level 1 qualification, but in an enhanced format unique to the school, called NCEA+.
Deputy principal Jenny Caldwell tells EducationHQ the school is supportive of the revised timeline.
“Nationally, we believe it is better to slow down to be sure that we are all getting it right for our learners,” she said.
“The decision will provide confidence and assuredness for both education professionals and learners as MOE prepares the curriculum thoroughly before creating resources, assessment and learning outcomes for these levels.”
At a school level, Caldwell said Marsden is well placed to deliver on NCEA Level 1, including the NCEA+ innovation.
“We are currently investigating the ways in which we can innovate regardless of the refresh delay, given that NCEA was always intended to be flexible and personalised,” Caldwell added.
Kate Gainsford, chair of the Secondary Principals’ Council has called the delay a sensible move, but acknowledged it might be frustrating for some.
“Making sure curriculum development is ahead of the assessment changes is an important development,” she said in a statement.
“However, we also recognise that the delay will be a source of frustration for schools who have done a significant amount of work on subjects that were to be introduced for assessment at the new Level 2 next year.
“Nevertheless, NCEA remains a robust qualification and a better experience for students and teachers is on the way.”
Chris Abercrombie, president of PPTA Te Wehengarua, said secondary teachers are pleased the Education Minister had listened to teachers’ concerns.
“It is really important that now this decision has been made, the time is used effectively, so that when finally implemented the curriculum and assessments are aligned, and the necessary support materials are ready to go,” he said in a statement.
