New School Cert grading system

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 4, Issue 26, 25 November 1986, Page 4

New School Cert grading system

The age-old hang-up of sitting examinations still exists in school curricula, but it is only recently that changes have been sought. The concept of either passing or failing an exam is being revised to show instead a student's overall performance. This system has taken effect this year at the 5th Form level of study at secondary schools, and in the beginning met with resistance from some 7th Form pupils who found the concept hard to accept. Principal of Hamilton Girl's High School, Mrs* Lynn Scott, who was "seconded by the Education Department" has travelled extensively around New Zealand visiting secondary schools to discuss the new grading system. Mrs Scott is extremely optimistic about the new system. "Instead of receiving a mark, the candidate receives one of seven grades. This removes the concept of pass-

ing and failing and instead looks at the level attained ranked alongside other candidates,*' she said. The new system operates on the following criteria: •no pass mark. •all candidates receive grades. •there are seven grades: AI (4%), A2 (13%). B1 (22%), B2 (26%), C1 (22%). C2 (11%), D (2%). The new concept has met with favourable public reaction and general acceptance by employers, who realise that they are still able to make comparisons between potential employees and also encourages employers to review the candidate's individual skills. The results of School Certificate examinations will continue to be released midJanuary and schools will be advising returning students as to their appropriate level of study. Parents or members of the public who have any queries can contact Ruapehu Col-

lege Principal, Mr Ian Meredith. No changes have been made in the examining, marking and scaling of the examination and re-counts will still be available on request as will access to the paper. The differences lie in the attitude surrounding the current marking system and the end to the finality of the pass/fail syndrome. "We have to educate and re-educate ourselves to keep up with technology and job opportunities," said Mrs Scott. This is significant. Instead of a large number of students failing as in 1984, when 14,000 pupils who sat School Certificate failed the exam, it means that candidates receive some recognition as to how well they performed. This in turn encourages students to think positively about themselves in light of furthering their education. "It's an utter tragedy — there are hundreds and

thousands of jobs available but not for unskilled people," said Mrs Scott. "Unskilled school dropouts are at the bottom of the heap as far as employment opportunities, but job opportunities are enhanced if the student chooses to stay at school longer." Mrs Scott said she has found wide misunderstanding of the way School Certificate operates, from employers and the public. There is a wide-spread feeling that the curriculum for the 5th Form year should change so that assessment is on-going and descriptive rather than based solely on the three R's. The present system of School Certificate operates on the following criteria: •only those who achieve a 50% plus mark, pass. •only those who pass receive a School Certificate grade. •all candidates receive their marks. •there are three grades: A (4% of total), B (17%), C (33%), Fail (46%).