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Outcomes of the 2023 biennial consultation on the New Zealand Scholarship subject list (the List)
Every two years, NZQA consults with the education sector and other interested groups about the subjects assessed in New Zealand Scholarship to ensure that the List is relevant and meets the sector’s expectation.
The last consultation was in 2021.
NZQA sought feedback from 8 May to 16 June 2023 on subjects to be included on or excluded from the current List from 2025. NZQA invited feedback on the possible inclusion of Psychology and Digital Technologies.
Note
The 2023 consultation did not include a proposal to add Lea Faka-Tonga to the List as this subject is already under active consideration and its potential inclusion will be re-evaluated in 2024.
NZQA received a total of 166 submissions. Digital Technologies had ninety submissions, all in favour of adding it to the subject list. Psychology had sixty submissions, with all in favour of adding it to the List. Agribusiness had fourteen submissions, all in favour adding it to the List. Dance and Drama had one submission each, both expressing the need to remove these subjects from the List.
Feedback received was considered and each subject was assessed against the criteria for a subject to be included on the List.
How we choose New Zealand Scholarship subjects
The following outcomes were endorsed by NZQA’s Technical Overview Group Assessment and agreed by the NZQA Board:
- Psychology is added to the List from 2025.
- Digital Technologies is added to the List from 2025.
- Agribusiness is not added to the List – it does not meet the criteria for inclusion at this time.
- Agribusiness is currently offered under Business Studies for NCEA Levels 1-3; it is not a stand-alone subject for NCEA.
- Agribusiness is on the Level 2 and 3 list of subjects for which new standards are being developed as part of the Review of Achievement Standards (RAS), with the new Level 3 achievement standards due for implementation in 2027. The sector can re-apply for Agribusiness to be considered for inclusion on the List at that time.
- Dance and Drama to remain on the List.
The next review is planned for 2025 for subjects to be included in the list from 2027.
Planned approach to address changes arising from the Review of Achievement Standards (RAS)
The List will progressively need to reflect the changes in subjects at NCEA Level 3 arising from the RAS. See the confirmed NCEA subject list for Te Marautanga o Aotearoa and the New Zealand Curriculum.
New NCEA subjects lists (external link) - ncea.education.govt.nz
In the next biennial review (2025), we plan to consider the status of:
- current subjects which have changed name or appear to be replaced by like subjects;
- subjects that are discontinued because of RAS changes;
- potential addition of new subjects to the List.
Our focus is on ensuring a smooth transition for the List as new NCEA Level 3 subjects are implemented from 2027.
NZQA has a focus on equity of access and supporting Māori and Pacific learners for NZ Scholarship. As more mātauranga Māori and other subjects for Pacific languages/culture meet the Subject List criteria, NZQA anticipates proposals to add to NZ Scholarship subjects.
Enquiries
Please refer any enquiries relating to this circular to your School Relationship Manager.
School Relationship Manager
School Quality Assurance and Liaison
Telephone: 04 463 3000