WhangaparaoaCollege

ASSESSMENT FOR QUALIFICATIONS

HANDBOOK FOR LEARNERS

Assessment Procedures

NCEA Courses with NCEA standards

2016 Edition

Foreword . . .

You MUST share this information with your parents or caregivers.

The purpose of this handbook is to outline and explain assessment procedures that will affect you as a learner at WhangaparaoaCollege in all courses which involve assessment for qualifications. Also included are learner rights and responsibilities with regard to these procedures. This booklet is not intended as a guide for staff. Parents and learners can get further details and or explanations about assessment policy and procedures from staff who have a far more detailed Assessment for Qualifications Handbook for Staff or the NZQA web site (

We have adopted college wide procedures that encompass all departments to keep it simpler for learners. Where a variation is necessary you will be informed in writing as part of your course outline to keep up to date on all assessment information it is important that you and your family are regularly checking Moodle our (Learning management software) and NZQA. It is important that you read this booklet carefully and keep it in a safe place for further reference.

The main purpose of assessment at WhangaparaoaCollege is to improve learners’ learning and the quality of learning programmes.

Introduction . . .

  • Each class will follow a program of learning, called a course. It may be multi-level and include aspects from more than one learning area or domain. Learners will continue in that course unless their Year Level Dean approves a change.
  • You will be advised of any course entry requirements prior to making option selections. These are outlined on the Whangaparaoa website. The ultimate criterion for course entry is the best interests of the learner. Learners may be restricted from entering a course if they do not have a reasonable chance of success. The same applies to Level 2. Restrictions are decided in consultation with the learner, caregiver, HOD, Dean and/or Principal. Year level course promotion is not automatic for low achieving learners.
  • Whangaparaoa College primarily prepares learners for achieving all levels of NCEA, National Certificate of Educational Achievement. This is New Zealand's main national qualification for secondary school learners and part of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). Credits towards other national certificates are attainable. This makes all achievement in all learning areas at all levels still valuable for other qualifications.
  • Learners accumulate credits towards their national certificates. Each subject generally offers 18-24 credits in a full one-year course. Credits are gained by meeting national standards using both Achievement Standards and Unit Standards. All credits have the same value from either types of standard. Attainment at a higher level, such as merit or excellence, does not generate more credit but will influence a learners GPA (Grade point average, which maybe important for closed entry tertiary courses). Assessments are both internal assessed (nationally moderated to ensure that internal assessments are completed fairly and consistently across NZ colleges) and external assessed (national exams at each level). Credits may be accumulated over more than one year.

The NCEA . . .

To be awarded a national certificate at each level you will need to attain the following totals and combinations of credits

NCEA Level 1

  • 80 credits at level 1 or higher
  • Including 10 credits from approved standards for literacy skills
  • Including 10 credits from approved standards for numeracy skills

NCEA Level 2

  • 60 credits at level 2 or higher, and
  • 20 credits at any level*
  • Level 1 literacy and numeracy requirements must also be met

NCEA Level 3

  • 60 credits at level 3 or higher, and
  • 20 credits at level 2 or higher*
  • Level 1 literacy and numeracy requirements must also be met

*Note:These credits may include those already counted at another level.

University Entrance: a minimum of 42 credits at level 3 or higher, including:

  • 14+ credits at level 3 or higher in each of three approved subjects
  • 10+ literacy credits at level 2 or higher in English or Te Reo Māori.

(5 credits must be in Reading and 5 credits must be in Writing).

  • 10+ numeracy credits at level 1 or higher, made up of specified Achievement standards available through a range of subjects, orUnit standards – package of three numeracy standards (26623, 26626, 26627- all three required)

Once you have met the requirements for University Entrance it will appear on your Record of Achievement

For further information, including details of approved and additional subjects for University Entrance, please refer to

Getting more help and information . . .

Your teachers, tutors or academic counsellors are the first people that you should get help or direction from.

  • Classroom Teacher - details of assessment activities, feedback on marking and explanation of courses. Direction in career choices that follow on from this subject.
  • Head of Learning (HOL) or Head of Department (HOD) - concerns about courses or further details and learning opportunities.
  • NZQA Principals Nominee (located in Main admin offices) Assessment rules, exam entry, derived grade, misconduct
  • Deans - Course entry requirements, balanced course of study, course & class changes.
  • Careers Advisor - careers, tertiary study, work experience, transition to work, outside agencies.
  • NZQA – more information about rules, regulations, entries etc. You can download copies of standards and previous exams and answers: or phone 0800 NCEA HELP
  • TKI – samples of internal assessment activities and resources:
  • Studyit – online learning environment with lots of resources for all levels of learners participating in NCEA. www.studyit.org.nz/
  • MOODLE – Whangaparaoa College Learning Management System
  • Learners can select subjects from course statements that are published in course information booklets. Detailed course outlines will be given to each learner in each class at the start of each year. They set out details of course aims, objectives, structure, resources, department policy, types of assessment, when assessments occur and how much each is worth compared to other assessments etc. Special requirements of that subject will also be explained.
  • There are other certificates that you can achieve through the New Zealand Qualifications framework. At Whangaparaoa College you can work towards a National Certificate in construction.

Rights & Responsibilities . . .

NZQA website

The NZQA website is found at

You will be given a National Student Number (NSN). If you are not aware of your number see learner accounts at school. Then you will go onto the NZQA website and click on the login. Click on Student Login and enter your NSN if you have not been here before you will need to register to generate a password.

Privacy

The Privacy Act 1993 gives you the right to see and correct information that NZQA holds about you. If you want to access the information held about you by NZQA, or if you would like to correct any such information held, or if you have any privacy concerns, please contact the NZQA Privacy Officer.

ATTENDANCE:

  • Each learner needs to attend at least 80% of all classes in each course if they are to have a reasonable chance of success.
  • Failure to attend enough classes may result in not passing that course.

ASSESSMENT SCHEDULES:

  • Each course will provide a course outline at the start of each year which will include an assessment schedule. This will outline the standards you will be entered for in each course. This can be accessed on Moodle and will be promoted on your classroom wall where you participate in the specific subject.
  • It may be necessary to adjust assessment schedules by up to 20%. This means that some standards may be changed. This is unlikely but learners will be advised of any changes in advance.

SUBMISSION OF ASSIGNMENTS/PROJECTS:

  • It is important that all work for assessment is completed to a reasonable standard and handed in on time by you.
  • Failure to satisfactorily attempt or complete assessed work is called non-submission. This results in a ‘Not Submitted’ = ‘Not Achieved’ being awarded for that activity. It is better to hand in a partially completed piece of work than nothing at all.
  • Learners may need to arrange for someone else to submit work if they are absent.
  • Late work is usually not accepted unless the reason is beyond your control and it is fair to all other learners. If you hand in late work you must see your classroom teacher and Mr Williams for confirmation of acceptance
  • Learners may be entitled to a re-assessment or re-submission if identified previously that for this standard there would be an opportunity.

MEETING DEADLINES & EXTENSIONS:

  • If you are unable to submit an assignment or project on time you MUST complete a Condoned absence from OR Extension for Internal Assessmentdeclaration form (Condoned absence or Extension) to request an extension and submit it to your teacher at least TWO days in advance of the assessment date. These will only be given under exceptional circumstances and due to conditions beyond your control. They are not given if you run out of time or if you just have too many other commitments. Fairness for other learners MUST be considered.
  • Extensions are not given the day before something is due, the day something is due or after something is due.
  • Some assessments are due in by 8.40am to the main office on the day they are due. NOT TO YOUR CLASSROOM TEACHER

ASSESSMENT DATES & DEADLINES:

  • You should have no more than two and must not have more than three assessment activities due on one day. You MUST advise your teacher of any problems as soon as you are aware of conflicting deadlines and assessment dates. This may not apply to multi-level learners.
  • Learners must be given at least one week's notice of specific assessment date changes, with further fair reminders in advance.
  • If you have problems you must raise the matter with your classroom teacher before approaching the relevant HOL or HOD. As it may be difficult to alter assessment dates close to the time learners need to raise any concerns as soon as possible.

ASSESSMENT CONDITIONS:

  • Conditions of Assessment will be specified for each assessment activity.
  • Learners MUST NOT be able to share information or ideas during an assessment activity. For example using cell phones, talking, sharing calculators, e-mail, and file sharing on a network or passing pieces of paper. See Misconduct.

NOT ACHIEVED:

  • Learners will receive a ‘Not Achieved’ if they do not reach the criteria set out for appropriate standards
  • If a learner misses an assessment without a valid reason, a ‘Not submitted’ will be recorded and will appear on a record of achievement as a ‘Not Achieved’

FURTHER ASSESSMENT OPPORTUNITY:

  • If your absence is for medical reasons, you canget a medical certificate from a registered medical professional or bring a signed note from home explaining why you were absent.
  • If you are absent for an internal assessment you may be able to still sit the assessment on your return. This is only where practicable and manageable and for reasons of authenticity it may not be possible.

RE-SUBMISSION:

  • Involves fixing up minor errors on the same assessment activity. You may be granted up to one re-submission if the classroom teacher thinks that you are capable of making minor changes to attain the standard.

**The teacher cannot specifically give advice as to where/what is required to be changed.

REASSESSMENT:

  • Means sitting a new assessment activity at a later date. Learners will only be given an opportunity for re-assessment if it falls into the teaching and learning program of the course, where authenticity can be maintained and where practicable and manageable.
  • Learners will be informed prior to a standard starting whether there will be resubmission or reassessment opportunities available in the standard they are sitting.
  • There is no re-assessment or resubmission of external achievement standards (NZQA exams).

AUTHENTICITY:

  • The work you submit for internal assessments must be your own. You may be required to sign and authenticity statement or Learner Authenticity Statementdeclaration form (see Appendix A).
  • Other checks may be used to make sure that the work you submit is yours and not that of someone else or plagiarised (copied from other sources which are not acknowledged).
  • You may also be required to provide suitable evidence of authenticity.
  • A false declaration of authenticity is considered to be serious misconduct. See Misconduct.

APPEALS:

  • If you do not agree that an assessment decision is fair you can appeal. In the first instance you should discuss this with your classroom teacher.
  • If you are still not satisfied you can make a formal appeal. You MUST leave you assessment with the HoL of that subject and you MUST complete an Internal Assessment Appeal Form – see Appendix C, within three days of the assessment result being advised to you. You give this to your classroom teacher who passes it on to the relevant HOD or HOL. They arrange for another teacher to check the result is fair. You don’t have the right to make further appeals but you can make a formal complaint to the College if you are still not satisfied with the appeal result.

VERIFICATION:

  • Learners have the right to check that their grade has been recorded correctly both on the assessment activity and in the database before grades are transferred to NZQA. Your teacher will ask you to verify the result is correct by sign the results sheet.
  • If you disagree then you can appeal. See above.
  • Make sure you are always checking NZQA to ensure that accurate grades are being uploaded onto the website. This is the only 100% accurate way of following your progress in NCEA.

MISCONDUCT:

  • This includes, but is not limited to, the following:

copying other learners' work, e.g. working together and giving the same answers

cheating in an exam or test, e.g. notes taken into exam

giving a false declaration for authenticity, e.g. parents giving answers

not following instructions during a formal assessment activity, e.g. talking in a test

impersonating a candidate, e.g. writing someone else name on a test

dishonestly assisting or hindering others, e.g. letting others read your answers

other dishonest practice, e.g. concealing a mobile phone in an exam room or giving false or misleading information when requesting an extension

MISCONDUCT(Cont):

  • When reported by staff this will be investigated by the college's Principal’s Nominee. After the learner has been given the opportunity to explain the situation the Liaison teacher will decide on disciplinary action in accordance with the College and NZQA procedures.
  • Serious misconduct will be reported to NZQA and will result in a ‘Not Achieved’ results being record with NZQA.
  • If there is a question about authenticity eg. plagiarism, evidence that the work is not the student’s own, then the student will forfeit the credits for that standard and be awarded ‘Not Achieved’ and parents/caregivers will be notified. Where a student has compromised an assessment by having to be removed because of misconduct or has been caught cheating, they will not be awarded ‘Not Achieved’ and parents/caregivers will be notified.

SPECIAL ASSESSMENT CONDITIONS:

  • Learners will be given the opportunity to apply for special assessment conditions if they have any documented evidence of need from an independent assessor (level C) for disabilities that may affect their performance in examinations. Such consideration may be considered for things like a reader for the visually impaired or a writer if the learneris unable to write.
  • It will not be awarded if the learner is advantaged over others or if their results would not reflect their real abilities.
  • If you think that you are eligible for Special assessment conditions please see Mrs Brownlee in the main Admin office and she will explain the process.
  • Specifically excluded from special assessment conditions are:

Readers for learners who speak English as a second language (ESOL)

Readers for those who are just poor readers or

Writers for those who are just poor writers or spellers.

**A reader/writer will have been used throughout the year and cannot be used for external examinations only.

DERIVED GRADE APPLICATION:

  • Only applies to NZQA external exams and not internal assessments. (See pg6 Submissions)
  • Learners who, by exceptional circumstances beyond their control, have been prevented from sitting an external paper or who believe that their performance has been significantly impaired may apply for derived grade.

**Further details are given out closer to the exams. In most cases the learner is still expected to sit the exam.

  • Derived grades are usually standard specific evidence from a valid assessment eg. Term 3 school practice examinations or an end of topic test. This is why it is vital for all learners to achieve their best in all assessments.
  • Extended periods of absence or long term illness do not normally qualify for a Derived Grade Application. Learners are expected to catch up with their peers.
  • A Derived Grade Application does not lift your grades.This is not generous and marks awarded are generally well below anticipated grades because learners tend to do even better in their end of year exams.
  • Applications must be made by Monday 5 December 2016.

YEAR 10 LEARNERS:

  • Learners in Year 10 may be assessed against Internal Standards but they may not receive credit towards NCEA until the following year. These credits will be banked on Kamar and uploaded towards theirNCEA level 1.
  • If a yr10 Learner does an External Standard and wants it recognised a fee will be charged and needs to be paid in the year the standard was sat.

QUALIFICATIONS ENTRIES & FEES

  • Learners will be entered for all standards associated with the chosen subject.
  • Learners will continue in the same class and do the same class work as all other learners.
  • Unless otherwise stated in writing to the NZQA Principal’s Nominee it will be assumed that all learners undertaking a particular course will be entering for qualifications for all standards which apply to that course.
  • Entries may be made through the college and fees will be collected on behalf of NZQA and the college can not reduce or waiver the fee
  • Fees for entering for qualifications are published by NZQA at the start of each academic year. The entry fees for 2016 are as follows:

(Subject to change without notice)