National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA)

Rathkeale College embraces the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) as the primary New Zealand Secondary School qualification. Alternative examinations, particularly Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) are not provided as main stream assessment but may be considered as an academic extension for suitable candidates. Similarly, other assessments and competitions including ICAs and the Australian Mathematics Competition are sought to provide academic challenge.

 

Students at Rathkeale are expected to complete all assessments once a course of study has been agreed with their Dean and teacher/HOF.

Endorsements

The National Certification of Educational Achievement (NCEA) is currently in the midst of change and Rathkeale College endorses these changes that provide a greater degree of academic discrimination. We are particularly mindful of the need to recognise both the qualification and individual subject achievement with Merit and Excellence endorsements.

 

Assessment Information

Derived Grade Exams and External Assessment

Derived Grade exams (previously known as Trial Exams) take place at the beginning of Term 4.
Students are issued with a Revision Planner to help them in the lead up to the  Derived Grade Examinations.

Parent Information

NZQA Parent page

Policy on Provision of Extra assessment opportunities: Where a student finds that they do not have enough credits to enable them to continue with their chosen pathway immediately after school, they may approach the school to request help gaining additional credits. This request would be dependent on them having taken every academic opportunity during their final year, including making a genuine attempt at all of their external exams.

The NCEA Student Handbook outlines the policies of Rathkeale College and Senior College relating to NCEA. Of particular interest are sections on

  • Authenticity
  • Fees/Financial Assistance
  • University Entrance
  • Missed Assessments

The Curriculum Booklet for Years 11-13 provides an overview of how to go about making subject choices; information on national qualifications; policy on internal assessment; subject choices and careers. Individual subject information is also available.

Further information on the NCEA is obtainable from the NZQA website www.nzqa.govt.nz