Latest news with #NZQA
RNZ News
6 days ago
- General
- RNZ News
More students passing maths and reading, fewer in writing
Photo: 123RF Pass rates improved in crucial NCEA maths and reading tests held in May, but there was a slight slip in the number of teenagers passing the writing test. Students cannot receive any NCEA qualifications until they achieve the literacy and numeracy corequisite by passing all three online tests, or - until the end of 2027 - completing 20 alternative credits . The tests are offered twice a year, with the next round scheduled for the first two weeks of September. Education Minister Erica Stanford said the success rate for reading in the May tests was 61 percent, up from the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) reported figure of 59 percent for the same testing period last year. Stanford said the maths pass rate was 57 percent, a jump from the 46 percent NZQA reported for last year's May round of tests. She said 55 percent passed the writing test. Last year it was 56 percent. The pass rates would almost certainly increase after students attempted in the September round of tests the tests they failed in May. Last year , overall achievement rates after both rounds of testing were about 10 percentage points higher than the May pass rates. Erica Stanford speaking at a press conference on Wednesday. Photo: Samuel Rillstone / RNZ Stanford said the May results showed more than two-thirds of Year 10 students attempting the tests were successful. In addition, most Year 12s who sat the tests in May passed. "More than half of this year's Year 12 students who did not meet the co-requisite while in Year 11 last year have now achieved it - and around a third of these students will now be awarded NCEA level 1. This takes the pass rate for NCEA level 1 in 2024 from 71.5 percent to 79.6 percent." Stanford said results for students from low-decile schools improved a lot in numeracy and reading - 34 percent passed the numeracy assessment compared to 20 percent at the same time last year. In reading, 41 percent passed, compared to 34 percent last "The government's $2.2 million investment in 2024 to provide targeted support to students in 141 lower decile schools has resulted in more students achieving assessments," she said. "While these results are positive, there are still too many students who don't have the fundamental literacy and numeracy skills they need to thrive. That's why this government is unapologetically reforming the education system to prioritise improving student outcomes. "As our back-to-basics approach beds in, more children will be better equipped when taking these assessments in the future." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
08-07-2025
- Business
- RNZ News
Enrolments banned while international flight school fixes 'serious shortcomings'
A statutory clampdown requires Whanganui's beleaguered international pilot academy to stop enrolling new students or issuing new offers of place. Photo: Tuakana Te Tana Enrolments of new learners at Whanganui's international pilot academy have been halted until "serious shortcomings" are addressed. The New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) has placed statutory conditions on the troubled New Zealand International Commercial Pilot Academy (NZICPA) while an action plan is put in place. The council-owned academy's fleet has been grounded since May 23 because of a safety investigation by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). That probe followed safety concerns raised anonymously. Now the NZQA clampdown requires the academy to stop enrolling new students or issuing new offers of place. The academy must also develop and implement an action plan, to NZQA's satisfaction, to improve governance and management oversight of all training operations. It must improve quality management systems to comply with obligations under private training establishment rules, and ensure training is properly planned for and delivered. The ratio of instructors to learners must improve to 1:5, and individual training plans must be developed for learners, with scheduling to help ensure timely achievement of training milestones. Primary instructors must be assigned to ensure continuity for individual learners. "The statutory actions will be in place until we are satisfied that NZICPA has reduced the ratio of instructors to learners, improved planning and scheduling, and increased governance and management oversight of training operations," said NZQA deputy chief executive of quality assurance, Eve McMahon. "I would like to thank NZICPA's learners for raising their concerns, staff and management for supporting NZQA's investigation, and CAA for their advice and expertise in aircraft training best practice." McMahon said NZQA would stay "actively engaged" with the academy and continue to work closely with the CAA and other agencies. The investigation found that student accommodation and food broadly reflected their contracts with the academy, with NZICPA voluntarily taking action where improvements were needed, McMahon said. "NZQA will now be focusing on monitoring NZICPA's progress against the conditions and ensuring the necessary improvements are made." The flight school is owned by the Whanganui District Council, operating under its commercial arm Whanganui Council Holdings Limited (Holdings). It has been operating since 2017 and has its own board and management team. In 2023, it agreed a deal with Indian airline IndiGo to train 200 cadet pilots through to December 2026. Whanganui mayor Andrew Tripe said last month the council was working to ensure the best outcome for students and staff and to ensure the long-term interests of ratepayers were protected. He said the council aimed to minimise financial exposure and retain a safe and effective international flight training facility in Whanganui so that it could continue to provide economic benefits to the region. "The academy, at full strength, is estimated to inject more than $9.5 million annually into our economy," Tripe said. Former chief executive Gerard Glanville resigned in June. NZQA's statutory conditions have been imposed under Section 348 of the Education and Training Act 2020 and take effect today (Tuesday). "This gives NZICPA the opportunity to operate in a limited way, while addressing serious shortcomings in their management, planning and systems," said McMahon. The New Zealand International Commercial Pilot Academy in Whanganui has been grounded because of a safety investigation by the Civil Aviation Authority. Photo: The Whanganui council is expected to consider selling the flying school "in the next few weeks". A joint statement from the council and academy on Friday said sale negotiations were underway with five interested parties. Holdings chair Carolyn van Leuven said it had received offers from five different parties and was working through them. "Progress is promising at this stage, and we expect to go back to councillors for a decision in the next few weeks. "We are working very hard to ensure the best outcome for Whanganui ratepayers from a difficult situation. "A key focus is on continuation of a flight school in Whanganui, for the benefits it brings to the Whanganui airport and economy." Van Leuven said Holdings was also looking at what would provide the most efficient pathway to get students back on track with their training. Their food and accommodation was being covered by the academy while the fleet was grounded. Weekly costs were being monitored carefully, and the academy was operating from an existing council funding package of $10.3 million signed off in 2023. "Any interim support for students is being funded from this envelope," van Leuven said. NZICPA chair Matthew Doyle said the academy was continuing work to lift the suspension of its Part 141 certificate that enabled it to train aviation students. "Several assurance documents have been sent to CAA, and we await their response." Doyle said ground training was continuing at the school and its first aircraft, ZK-CTQ, had cleared inspection. "This is an important milestone. The supporting documentation will be submitted to the Civil Aviation Authority this week and we expect other aircraft to follow soon after." Academy director Craig Compain has stepped into an executive role to oversee the running of the academy. LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Scoop
17-06-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Making First Aid Training More Accessible: MediTrain Launches New Manual
MediTrain is proud to announce the release of its new First Aid Manual, Edition 5, part of a wider commitment to making first aid training accessible, engaging and effective for all learners across New Zealand. While a manual might not sound like front-page news, this release reflects something bigger. At MediTrain, we believe that first aid is too important to be treated as a box-ticking exercise. It should be practical, memorable, and inclusive. That's why we've put real investment into ensuring our course materials, including the manual and our suite of training videos, are designed with all kinds of learners in mind. Whether it's a high school student doing their first course or a workplace refresher for someone with English as a second language, our goal is to make sure every learner leaves with skills they can recall and use in a real emergency. The new manual features: A layout that matches the course flow for easier learning Step-by-step formatting with clear visual cues and practical examples Simplified language to support learners of all backgrounds Space to add course notes and emergency contact details "We've always believed in the power of good teaching, and that includes good materials," says MediTrain owner Adrian Brown. "If you want people to remember what to do under pressure, you need to teach in a way that sticks. That means using video, props, real scenarios and course materials that are visually strong and easy to follow." MediTrain is a nationwide provider of First Aid Courses in New Zealand, delivering practical, flexible training trusted by schools, businesses, community groups and individuals. MediTrain's investment in accessibility also extends beyond the classroom. The range of Mindray AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) includes models with language options, including te reo Māori a feature designed to help remove barriers in emergency situations. "First aid should be for everyone," says Adrian. "Whether it's the course itself or the tools we supply, we want to make sure they work for a wide range of people and communities." By combining practical delivery with flexible formats and strong learning resources, MediTrain continues to lead in first aid education that puts people first. Further Information NZQA accredited with over 30 years of experience in first aid training, MediTrain prides itself on being a leader in the field. Our nationwide presence, bolstered by a team of expert instructors and a customer-centric philosophy, ensures top-tier education standards.
Scoop
04-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Open Polytechnic Launches New Introduction To Generative AI Micro-Credential
Press Release: Open Polytechnic A new micro-credential developed by Open Polytechnic, New Zealand's specialist online learning provider, in conjunction with Spark, offers businesses and individuals the opportunity to understand and utilise Artificial Intelligence (AI). The Introduction to Generative AI micro-credential, now open for enrolment, provides ākonga (learners) with an introductory understanding of how generative artificial intelligence can drive efficiency and innovation in Aotearoa New Zealand. Topics covered in the micro-credential include practical guidelines for getting the most out of generative AI, the ethical use of AI, and Māori data sovereignty. 'Open Polytechnic is a world leader in online and distance education with significant expertise in educational technology,' says Open Polytechnic Executive Director Alan Cadwallader. 'We are pleased to be able to combine our expertise with a company like Spark NZ to provide opportunities for busy adult learners to upskill in AI and learn more about the latest advancements.' 'By completing this micro-credential, ākonga will learn how to integrate generative AI tools into their workflows, enhance communication, and leverage these technologies to streamline operations and enhance overall performance. This highly relevant micro-credential will also teach ākonga about the ethical implications and limitations of generative AI uniquely applied in an Aotearoa New Zealand context.' Once ākonga (learners) have completed this micro-credential, they will have a basic understanding of Generative Artificial Intelligence to support their productivity, in both personal and work contexts, and know how to assess the generated content for accuracy, quality, and relevance. This micro-credential is relevant for people in different industries including media and entertainment, advertising, education, healthcare, and finance. Open Polytechnic has been pleased to work with Spark in the development of this NZQA accredited micro-credential. Spark is on its own AI journey, with a focus on upskilling its people through Te Awe, a skills acceleration programme within Spark that is building the 'hard to access' specialist digital skills needed in today's world. "As the use of AI accelerates, we want to ensure that the skills shift we are experiencing does not further entrench existing inequities within the technology sector and our community. When we created Te Awe, our ambition was to eventually extend offering the digital skills and opportunities to learn them, to those groups who currently have low participation rates in the tech sector, to ensure we are intentionally growing a more inclusive high-tech workforce pipeline for the future,' says Heather Polglase, Spark People and Culture Director. "We are excited to build on Spark's Te Awe foundations and take that next step now with the creation of an NZQA accredited Generative AI micro-credential. We have taken our learnings from Te Awe and collaborated with Open Polytechnic, as a business division of Te Pūkenga, to create a nationally recognised micro-credential, that will equip more New Zealanders with the skills and knowledge to co-create and engage with AI meaningfully.' Spark will be sponsoring micro-credentials for 30 digi-coaches (digital teachers) from around the country, who are a part of a Ministry of Social Development (MSD) and Digital Inclusion Alliance Aotearoa programme to support digital literacy in local communities. These digi-coaches will work in public libraries and community venues to help upskill digital literacy skills for local citizens. 'We're excited to be one of the first to engage with this new GenAI micro-credential", said Laurence Zwimpfer, Operations Director for the Digital Inclusion Alliance Aotearoa. 'We have invited 30 jobseekers on our Digi-Coach programme to complete this course as part of their 13-week training, which includes work placements in libraries and other community organisations. We believe this will give them a real advantage in securing jobs and helping the communities and organisations that they work with to better understand and use GenAI tools." Ākonga who complete the micro-credential receive a digital badge that can then be shared on social media or mentioned on a work-related CV. The Level 3 micro-credential can be completed online in 40 learning hours, with two intakes each month, making it ideal for personal or professional development. If you are a business or individual that is interested in utilising AI technology, then go to the Open Polytechnic website. Terms and conditions apply. At a glance
NZ Herald
21-05-2025
- NZ Herald
Education sector grapples with AI in exams, student mental health issues
Newstalk ZB education reporter Jaime Cunningham told The Front Page NZQA investigated 876 reported breaches of external assessments last year - 738 were substantiated. 'Authenticity was the most common type of breach in 2024, with 209 reported cases. Use of AI was identified as a breach type by NZQA for the first time,' she said. Secondary Principals' Association president Vaughan Couillault believes some of the authenticity cases likely involved AI. 'It's easier to identify when a student has miraculously produced some piece of work that's so different from the rest of their work throughout the year. 'But it is hard to know when the AI is being used, and students use it in an exam when they possibly don't need to, but they're just relying on another tool to help them get a better grade,' Cunningham said. Cunningham said more students with mental health issues are turning to distance learning at correspondence school, Te Kura. 'They've just had exponential growth since 2018. They've had 32% more enrolments since then. So, from 21,000 to 31,000. 'Te Kura is pointing it towards more students with mental health issues and social anxiety really wanting a different type of education to help them and make sure they're still getting some kind of learning. 'They do reckon it's partly due to Covid. Possibly more students realised the benefits of learning online and really enjoyed it. That's why perhaps there have been more students, particularly in the year nine to 13 age group,' she said. Students need to meet the Ministry of Education's eligibility criteria to enrol. This includes students who have families living overseas, have been referred for their engagement and wellbeing, are pregnant or young parents, or elite athletes. Schools will be keeping a close eye on Budget 2025, which is set to be released later today. Already, Associate Education Minister David Seymour has earmarked $140 million over four years for lifting school attendance. Most of this funding – $123m – will go towards establishing a new attendance service, based on recommendations from a 2024 report from the Education Review Office (ERO). The remaining $17m will go towards strengthening existing frontline attendance services.
