NZQA: Request for Feedback from Subject Associations

 NZQA: Request for Feedback from Subject Associations

The External Assessment team at NZQA is looking to improve its engagement with the subject associations and this email is, hopefully, the start of a useful and worthwhile relationship with you. 

NZQA reviews each examination in late January/February with the aim of informing the development of the next year’s examinations. 

To assist us in developing the 2026 examinations, NZQA is seeking feedback from the sector regarding the examinations that have just been completed.  As part of that sector feedback, we are writing to all subject associations to provide them with the opportunity to provide subject specific feedback that can be used to inform the development of the 2026 examinations.

NZQA is seeking feedback through a general survey which has already been sent to schools and this process of working through you to obtain some subject specific feedback is in addition to the general survey.

NZQA is particularly interested in responses to the following questions and, where relevant, a reason or explanation for the perspective.

• Was the content of the examination an appropriate external assessment activity for the standard? 
• Were the questions/tasks in the examination pitched at the appropriate curriculum level? NCEA level?
• Was the time allocation sufficient for students to complete the examination?
• Were the resources in the examination appropriate for the questions/tasks?
• Can the teacher identify any questions/tasks they felt were a good assessment activity for the subject/standard.

And for submissions

• Were the submission instructions sufficient for the teacher to understand what was required of them to submit the student material?
• What issues did you experience with your submissions?
• If there was task associated with the subject – did you believe it provided sufficient detail regarding what students were required to do?
• Did you feel you had sufficient knowledge and understanding of the external assessment to be able to adequately prepare your students?  What more information would you need?

While NZQA will accept feedback at any time, to have an impact on the 2026 examinations we would need the feedback on the 2025 examinations before the end of January if possible.

To submit your response, simply reply to this email with your comments added in.  In the third week of January BEANZ will collate all responses and forward them to NZQA on your behalf.