Myth 1: The number of credits assessed

Myths and facts about NCEA credits

Myths

All students within a course must be assessed against the same standards.
All students should be assessed against every standard offered in a course."
"A course must contain no more than 24 credits and no less than 14 credits.

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Facts

Students need a total of 80 credits for each NCEA qualification: 60 credits plus the 20 credit NCEA co-requisite requirement.
Assessment programmes can be personalised to meet individual student needs. Some students may undertake less assessment, while others undertake more according to their abilities, needs and goals.
Not everything needs to be assessed.

The National Curriculum details what may be taught, but not everything needs to be assessed. Too much assessment can get in the way of learning.
Schools should work with students and whānau to decide on the number of credits assessed in a year, by a student or group of students.

Teaching and learning programmes should allow sudents to be assessed when they are ready.

Assessment programmes should give students the opportunity to demonstrate their learning

More information

NCEA levels and certificates (external link)

Factors that might determine the amount of assessment

Your school's assessment policy.
Student and staff workload and wellbeing.
The ways evidence of achievement can be gathered.
The number of credits needed to gain a qualification, course endorsement, Vocational Pathways Award, University Entrance or other tertiary entrance requirements.

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