The Ministry of Education has recently unveiled a comprehensive suite of resources aimed at enhancing the understanding and implementation of the new NCEA (National Certificate of Educational Achievement) Level 1 Achievement Standards and Paerewa Paetae. These resources, available on the NCEA website, mark a significant step in educational support and resources for schools and kura across New Zealand.
The Ministry, in collaboration with various subject associations and experts, has developed a range of tools that reflect the collective input and nuances of these contributors. These resources are designed to assist teachers (kaiako) and educational institutions in navigating the updated NCEA Level 1 curriculum effectively.
The Subject Learning Outcomes (SLO) documents play a pivotal role in delineating the knowledge and skills that should be imparted for each Level 1 Achievement Standard. These documents are essential for educators to ensure comprehensive coverage of the curriculum.
For each wāhanga ako, which refers to a specific learning area or subject, the Ngā Putanga Ako document provides a detailed outline of the mātauranga (knowledge) and skills that students are expected to learn and demonstrate. These details are specifically linked to the Kaupae 1 Paerewa Paetae, which are the standards set for Level 1 NCEA. Understanding the content of the Ngā Putanga Ako is essential for educators and students alike, as it clearly defines the expectations and the criteria that will be used to assess student performance in each standard, ensuring transparency and clarity in the evaluation process.
A specially designed teacher guide is available to assist kaiako in leveraging all available resources for the effective implementation of the new NCEA Level 1. This guide serves as a roadmap for educators to navigate the suite of new tools and resources. The Ministry is also set to release additional resources and workshops to further aid educators.
Throughout February 2024, links to various subject associations will be made available. These associations provide resources developed by pilot teachers, offering practical insights and methodologies for the new curriculum.
Registration details for subject-specific workshops will be offered throughout Term 1. These workshops, primarily online and conducted after school hours, are designed to support kaiako in adapting to the new NCEA Level 1.
Workshops focusing on Te Marautanga o Aotearoa wāhanga ako will also be held in Term 1. Led by the Kura Māori Implementation Team, these workshops will concentrate on program planning and offer guidance on the new Level 1 standards and resources.
Developed by NZQA, exemplars for the NCEA Level 1 Achievement Standards and Paerewa Paetae will be made available, providing concrete examples of the standards in practice.
The Ministry of Education welcomes feedback on these new supports and remains committed to improving them in collaboration with subject associations, based on comments from schools and kura. The ultimate goal is to extend similar support for NCEA Levels 2 and 3. This initiative represents a significant advancement in New Zealand’s education system, aiming to equip educators with the tools and knowledge necessary to deliver a robust and comprehensive education to students. For more information visit, https://www.education.govt.nz/.
