Sunday, November 11, 2012


Dear Parents, Caregivers and Friends of St Mary’s School,


Week four of the last term of 2012 already and those of us with secondary aged pupils will be only too aware that for some the academic year is over and they are moving into exams.


The NCEA assessment criteria has often been much maligned but having gone through a year of working with the system I am very happy with it.


Under the old system (school certificate) pupils had in most subjects, one chance, through a three hour end of year exam to succeed.  Work throughout the year to a large degree counted for nothing.


With NCEA each credit at whatever standard is known and accounted for.  If you get a merit you usually have the opportunity to up grade to excellence.  Many students will already have passed before they sit their external exams and those who haven’t know what they need to do to succeed.


A very similar system of internal and external examinations now exists in most tertiary institutions and this more transparent system ensures that pupils know where they are and what more they need to do to pass.


 


Work at our new school site is progressing smoothly and the new school is taking shape rapidly.


I have no doubt that there will be more challenges to face before we get to February 5th but we are now well on the way to moving into our new school.


 


Have a great week


Mike Brosnahan


 

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