Credits easing the NCEA stress for students in pandemic

A few relief credits means a lot less stress for NCEA student such as Ivy Rose struggling with online learning through lockdown

Students will get extra NCEA credits and more manageable university entrance requirements due to COVID-19 disruptions and last week’s government announcement.

Ms Rose, a senior student at Birkenhead College, says the extra credits will help her keep on track with her plans to study tourism after graduating.

“It helps a lot because of the fact that you don’t need as many credits.”

“It gives relief knowing you don’t have to try and catch up and get back into a normal routine when corona left a lot of things messed up,” says Ms Rose.

Education consultant Christina Ward says it's a good thing for young people to get support in their studies.

“Those of us who have been working in school environments know that the changes to schooling and students learning environments have been difficult and stressful for many over COVID-19”.

“Anything that supports [students], is on the surface, a good thing,” says Mrs Ward.

A teacher from an Auckland secondary school commends Senior Education for working out a way for students to move on.

“We can as teachers cut back the amounts of standards we do, and it’s not going to have an impact on whether students gain university entrance.”

“It’s important for the wellbeing of students to be able to get through to university without added pressure,” the teacher says.

It was announced last week by Education Minister Chris Hipkins.