You can apply for derived grades for some new Level 1 and Te Ao Haka Level 1 to 3 externally assessed achievement standards.
Different methods of external assessments have been introduced through the Review of Achievement Standards and NCEA Review Changes programme.
Check which assessments are eligible for derived grades
See below for an overview of when derived grades are available, with examples of standards.
For an externally assessed standard to be eligible for a derived grade, it must be a ‘point-in-time’ method of assessment:
- with the window or date of assessment defined by NZQA, and
- only have one assessment event during the year.
On this page
Method of external assessment and when derived grades are available
This applies to 2024 Level 1 and Te Ao Haka Level 1 to 3 achievement standards.
If:
- The window or date of assessment is defined (“point-in-time assessment”)
AND - Schools are required to collect evidence for derived grades.
Then:
If a student is unable to attempt the assessment in the defined window or date of assessment, a derived grade is available.
Examples
- Digital Technologies – 92006
- Te Ao Haka (TAPA) - 91978, 91979
If:
- Schools have flexibility to manage assessment over time and meet the prescribed submission date (“Over-time submission”)
OR - There are multiple assessment events (“Multiple assessment events with re-assessment opportunities”).
Then:
Schools have the opportunity to manage assessment or offer reassessment opportunities, so a derived grade is not available.
Examples
- Materials Technology – 92014
- Mathematics and Statistics - 91946
- Te Ao Haka (Kete Manarua) - 91978, 91979
- Literacy, Te Reo Matatini, Numeracy, Te Pāngarau - 32403, 32405, 32406, 32412, 32413, 32415
Evidence for derived grades
Teachers/kaiako need to:
- provide sufficient opportunities for the completion of assessments and
- ensure that students/ākonga know when a derived grade is not available.
Assessment Specifications provide details of the assessment timing and assessment method for each externally assessed achievement standard.
See Level 1 Agricultural and Horticultural Science as an example:
Level 1 Agricultural and Horticultural Science (external link)
Teachers/kaiako should check assessment specifications carefully and note any updates.
Related Rules
Schedule 2 of the Assessment Rules 2024 provides information on ‘Candidate Derived Grade Processes’.