Timeframe for planned UE standard review

8 December 2004

NZQA releases timeframe for planned UE standard review

The New Zealand Qualifications Authority has announced details of the planned review of the university entrance award.

To achieve the university entrance award candidates must have a minimum of 42 credits at level 3 or higher on the National Qualifications Framework. This must include a minimum of 14 credits at level 3 or higher in each of two subjects from an approved subject list with a further 14 credits at level 3 or higher taken from no more than two additional domains on the National Qualifications Framework or approved subjects Candidates must also satisfy the requirement of achieving eight credits in literacy at level 2 or higher - four in reading and four in writing and 14 credits in mathematics at level one or higher.

The university entrance award was agreed by a working party made up of the New Zealand Vice-Chancellors’ Committee, secondary principals, the Ministry of Education and the Qualifications Authority.

Authority Chief Executive Karen Van Rooyen says achievement of the university entrance award is a good indication of success at a university level and was established as part of the introduction of NCEA.

“When the standard was set NZQA was aware of concerns that the literacy level of students was a barrier to them succeeding at university,” she said.

“The standard was put in place for a period of two years and commencing a review now is timely to ensure the standard continues to be indicative of probable success at university and internationally comparable,” Karen Van Rooyen said.

“The review will involve gathering and analysing information from stakeholders throughout next year which will then be used to assess the appropriateness of the award standard.”

A reference group, made up of wide representation from interested parties within the secondary and tertiary sector, will guide the working group that will undertake the review. The working group will be made up of NZQA and university representatives and will report back to the Board of the Authority in October next year.

“The working group will have access to high quality data about next year’s students and will also consult widely,” said Karen Van Rooyen.

ENDS

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