NCEA+Level+1+Assessments



** CHANGES IN LEVEL 1 ASSESSMENT STANDARDS **

Beginning this year, 2011, Units standards are no longer used in level 1 assessments, both internal and external.

Instead all standards used are achievement standards and most of these are new and are being used for the first time this year. For more information on new and expired standards, click on this link: []

The **minimum number of credits** required to pass NCEA level 1 English is now **ten** instead of the usual eight. The programme for level 1 English (see course outline) this year allows students to gain a total of 8 credits through external assessments and 16 through internal assessments. This gives students a possible total of 24 credits to achieve if they pass all assessments set out this year.

 **What's the difference between internal and external assessments?**

 **Internal assessments** are conducted internally within the school. In English this may take the form of written assignments such as essays written in class, an oral presentation such as a formal speech etc.. These internal assessments are done within the framework of a specified assessment task which is aligned to the set achievement standard prescribed by NZQA. These standards are in turn aligned to the New Zealand curriculum.

 **External assessment**s take the form of examinations (as opposed to assigments) that are sat by students at the end of the school year, usually in mid November. Exam papers are sent from and are marked in New Zealand.