Changes that were made in 2020
Please note this page contains information relevant to the 2020 school year.
The changes noted below (including changes to thresholds and requirements, and the earning of Learning Recognition Credits) do not apply for study undertaken in the current school year.
Earlier this year NZQA made changes to NCEA and University Entrance for 2020 for all students, recognising the disruption caused to teaching, learning and assessment as a result of COVID-19.
COVID-19 related changes to NCEA and University Entrance
Additional changes were made for Auckland students because of the extra disruption in Auckland caused by the return to COVID Alert Level 3 in August.
Changes to NCEA in 2020 for students in Auckland
Students outside of Auckland may be eligible
Some students outside Auckland may also be eligible for the additional adjustments.
These students may have experienced a disruption similar to that experienced by students in Auckland, even though their school did not have to close.
Students outside of Auckland could be eligible for the additional adjustments if, between 12 August and 1 November:
- face-to-face schooling was disrupted for 10 or more school days; or
- schools were unable to maintain continuity of teaching and learning because students couldn’t attend, or couldn’t continue work on required assessment activities.
If you are a parent, guardian or whānau member, and think either of these situations applies to your student, please speak to your school.
What if your student is unable to sit the exams at the end of the year?
Exams will go ahead at COVID Alert Levels 1, 2 and 3.
Students can apply for a Derived Grade if they will be unable to sit their external exams or their performance has been impaired at any time from 1 October because they:
- have a relevant medical condition or compromised immunity as per Ministry of Education guidelines or
- are in self isolation following Ministry of Health guidelines or public health orders.
COVID-19 guidance (external link) - Ministry of Education
People at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 (external link) - Unite against COVID-19
Make sure your school is aware if your student will be unable to sit their examination under Alert Levels 2 or 3. They will make an application to NZQA on your student’s behalf. They may require evidence to support your application.