Rotorua students share thoughts on NCEA proposals

Students at John Paul College have mixed thoughts on some of the proposed changes to the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA).

Year 13 students spoke to the Rotorua Daily Post about the proposal which would see 20 credits achieved through a "pathway" course, fees removed and special assessment conditions extended.

Year 13 John Paul College student Fisher Wang, 17, was happy with the pathway proposal.

"People need to realise that it isn't just bookwork, there are hands on careers as well, it doesn't all depend on those books."

Fisher was happy to hear about the proposal to scrap fees.

"With some families it's hard to get by. Removing that fee would benefit those families a lot."

Ashleigh Hart, 17, wasn't sure about proposals to "reduce barriers to passing NCEA".

Year 13 students Ashleigh Hart (left) Carmela Espellarga and Fisher Wang. Photo/Ben Fraser

"They already do make it quite easy. I don't think there are many barriers in place," she said.

Year 13 Carmela Espellarga, 17, said the instructions on standards were often described in a complicated way and needed to be easier to understand.

The proposal also includes reducing the huge number of small chunks of learning that now earn credits to a smaller number of larger chunks.

Fisher said he preferred it as it was.

"I personally like more assessments worth fewer credits because it gives you more chances. If it's all in one huge assessment, if you fail, you fail."

Education Minister Chris Hipkins will take recommendations to Cabinet next February.