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New Zealand schools are modifying an overseas exam system to meet their own demands - contradicting claims the system is "for the colonies".
Specific courses including New Zealand history, drama and history of art have been devised here to bridge the gulf between the Cambridge exams and a New Zealand-focused education.
The exams are written and marked before being sent to the UK for moderation and accreditation by Cambridge International, a worldwide exam system developed by a branch of Cambridge University. And there could be more in the pipeline as more schools look to join the 38 already offering Cambridge as an alternative to the National Certificate of Educational Achievement.
Mark Vella, director of studies at Auckland Grammar School, helped create the New Zealand history exam.
He said it came from a desire to offer all the possibilities offered under the old bursary system.
"The numbers who study it don't justify the cost to the school, but we felt it was critical that it was available to students," said Mr Vella.
Simon Higgins, Cambridge regional manager for Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, said the courses were developed as the subjects were considered an "absolute staple" of the curriculum.
Avondale College, one of the country's largest schools, and NCEA poster school St Cuthbert's, are among those looking at the possibility of introducing Cambridge exams, citing demand from parents and a lack of confidence in NCEA.
It has put the Government under more pressure over standards-based assessment, despite this year's results being free from the controversy that has plagued the system since it was introduced.
Education Minister Steve Maharey told Radio New Zealand yesterday that Cambridge exams were "developed for the colonies" because those countries could not develop their own.
He later told the Herald that it was a school's choice if it wanted to develop New Zealand-specific Cambridge exams.
