NZ schools canvassed on new elite qualification

Some New Zealand schools are being consulted over a new international qualification, designed to extend brighter students.

The qualification is being developed by University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE).

Forty-four New Zealand schools offer the CIE International AS and A-Level qualifications.

The CIE New Zealand regional representative, Simon Higgins, said the proposed Cambridge baccalaureate was an alternative to those on offer, not a replacement.

"It's to add extra flexibility and an extra qualification for the bright students."

Auckland Grammar School principal John Morris said the school was taking part in consultation over the proposal.

"We are happy with the Cambridge exams we have but this will be in addition and we will have a look at it.

"It may be of interest to a few of our boys ... doing something a bit more advanced.

"There is the proposed special study where you do your critical thinking analysis and extended essays and you do choose from a narrower range of subjects than is normally the case."

Kings College principal John Kelley said the proposal would allow a choice of a baccalaureate-style qualification or the A-level bursary-style examination.

CIE was looking to develop a diploma model similar to the International Baccalaureate, which had spread from continental Europe.

The CIE proposal was a more prescriptive curriculum, said Mr Kelley.

"Instead of students having the choice of all sorts of subjects and, for example, to not do mathematics, should they wish, there would be some core units which everyone must do.

"That would be of benefit to some students, but it won't be for all."

A spokesman for Education Minister Steve Maharey said New Zealand schools had always been able to offer alternative qualifications, but the Government was committed to the NCEA as the official qualification.

British state schools cannot take CIE programmes and the CIE board says on its website that pressure for change has come from British universities, schools and employers who were dissatisfied with the existing system.

The Independent newspaper in Britain said the proposal showed the strong support among schools for Continental-style diploma qualifications, which many educators regarded as more challenging than exams such as the A-levels of most English schools.

The CIE board says a goal of the new qualification is to develop "thinking, well-informed and independent-minded individuals, capable of applying their skills to meet the demands of the modern world".

If the qualification goes ahead, it could be awarded from June 2009.