Youth voice – A changing tune in education

So much has shifted over the past 20 years. We’ve survived a global pandemic, watched social media saturate our screens, witnessed Artificial Intelligence (AI) go from sci-fi dream to reality, and even said goodbye to video stores (who remembers Friday night DVD runs?). And now, education is getting a shake-up too. After more than two decades of NCEA, the government is proposing a whole new system. Times are changing, which requires yet another change for people like my parents, who still casually drop “School C” into conversation! 

I come from a family of teachers, but wouldn’t call myself an education expert, just someone who’s experienced NCEA’s credit crunching firsthand. Those endless credits are a memorable (and sometimes stressful) experience of school life. 

The proposed changes are significant. NCEA Level 1 would disappear. Year 11 students would all take English and Maths, plus a foundation test in literacy and numeracy. Years 12 and 13 would be replaced with two new qualifications: the New Zealand Certificate of Education and the New Zealand Advanced Certificate of Education. Students would study five subjects, needing to pass at least four. The current “Achieved, Merit, Excellence” system would be replaced with A-E grades out of 100, which lines up more closely with university grading. There’s even talk of AI marking, which could save teachers hours of paperwork.

There is still more to discover. But for now, there is the promise of a simpler, more consistent structure and the emphasis on aspiring for higher achievement. However, everyone must be brought on the journey. NCEA has provided the flexibility for students with different learning needs to get credits through practical subjects or alternative assessments. These students must not be left behind. The proposed inclusion of vocational education and training subjects into the qualification system could be the step in the right direction. But ultimately, change must be inclusive to work well. It must answer the questions: will it be fairer? Will it motivate students? 

Here on the Hibiscus Coast, we see every day how much our teachers and whānau invest in young people. Yes, certificates are important for pursuing higher education and employment opportunities. But we also must remember that education isn’t just about certificates, it’s about helping students discover themselves, prepare for life, develop character and grow into their potential. Whatever shape the system takes, that’s the goal worth holding onto. And in the meantime, a big shout-out to our teachers, who keep showing up, making sense of essays, and ultimately guiding the next generation, one credit at a time!