St Andrew's responds to New Zealand education changes

New Zealand education is undergoing some of its most significant transformations in decades, with the government’s planned reforms to both the national curriculum and the secondary school qualification system, signalling a clear shift in direction with greater emphasis on knowledge, academic rigour, and clearer standards of achievement, says Rector, Mark Wilson.

“At the heart of the reform is a move towards what is often described as a knowledge-rich curriculum. This marks a return to more explicit teaching approaches, including structured instruction with both literacy and mathematics,” explains Mark. “At St Andrew’s, much of this teaching has been in place for some time, with a focus on more structured sequences of learning, where ideas are introduced, practised, and revisited in a logical progression.”

Running alongside these curriculum changes is a major redevelopment of secondary school qualifications. The current NCEA system is being reshaped, with a new and more academically rigorous qualification framework emerging for Years 12–13 later this decade.

The first visible change for many families will occur at Year 11 in 2028, with NCEA Level 1 being removed and replaced by a new Foundational Award which will focus specifically on English and Mathematics, recognising the importance of literacy and numeracy as essential building blocks for all further learning.

In anticipation of these changes, St Andrew’s set up an internal staff Taskforce Group, which has identified the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), offered through Cambridge International Examinations (CIE), would be a valuable additional offering for our Year 11 students. This internationally respected qualification, undertaken by students across more than 150 countries, is known for its clarity, depth, and academic challenge, says Mark.

“The decision to offer IGCSE as an option for our Year 11 students is based on the benefits of the qualification to provide stronger academic preparation for the new Year 12–13 qualification, deliver an international benchmark on how our students are performing, and provide enhanced motivation for our students to achieve their very best through an internationally recognised qualification,” explains Mark.

From the beginning of 2028, Year 11 students will have the opportunity to undertake IGCSE courses across a range of subjects offering several important advantages, shares Mark.

“Perhaps most importantly, it will help foster a culture of aspiration, not simply through the qualification itself, but through the way it challenges students to engage with their learning. Working towards a recognised and respected international qualification can also be a powerful motivator, encouraging students to take pride in their work and to aim for excellence.”

As the national reforms continue to unfold over the coming years, St Andrew’s goal remains clear: to ensure every student is both challenged and supported, and that their education equips them for success in an increasingly complex and competitive world.

“For parents, this period of change may feel unfamiliar at times. Yet it also presents a valuable opportunity, a chance to strengthen the foundations of learning, raise expectations, and better prepare young people for the future that lies ahead,” adds Mark.