Numeracy FAQ

The Assessment is currently scheduled for Week 4 of Term 2

There will be a second opportunity to take the assessment in Week 8 of Term 3

These dates are set by the NZQA board and we are not able to change the date unless they change it

You will have to turn up to sit the test during this week

There will not be another assessment in Term 4. 

It is essential that you turn up to sit this assessment to complete your Level 1 NCEA.

There are two ways for you to get Numeracy in 2024. 

You can either:

• Pass the Numeracy Test in Term 3 (which is worth 10 credits)

OR

• Pass two of the Mathematics standards (which are worth 5 credits each)

There are a handful of other standards which count towards numeracy which you MAY be able to complete through courses in Geography, Science or Commerce. Speak to your teachers for more information. 

No. In order to complete your NCEA certificate, you need to pass both Literacy and Numeracy. Without those co-requisites you will not be able to complete the NCEA certificate.

Even if you have 80 credits, it will not be enough if you don't have your literacy and numeracy. 

The numeracy test involves topics from across the maths curriculum. You could be asked topics on: 

• Number Skills (fractions, decimals, percentages, ratio)

• Measurement (metres, litres, grams, area, volume, perimeter, speed)

• Geometry (angles, maps, 2D and 3D shapes)

• Statistics (averages, graphs, tables, data displays)

• Algebra (linear equations, calculations, substitutions)

• Probability (chance, likelihood)

You will be asked to:

• Show and explain your workings

• Calculate the correct answers

• Make choices and justify them using the information provided

We don't know which topics will come up so you will need to be prepared for them all. 

What if I haven't got a calculator?
You can borrow a spare scientific or graphics calculator from the school library. This works the same way as when you borrow a school chromebook. If you do not take care of the calculator, you may be asked to replace it, if it is damaged or lost. 

Where can I buy one?
You can buy them at The Warehouse, from Mighty Ape or from PaperPlus

You need to be able to:

Show your workings and calculate the correct answers

Choose a stragety to solve a real life problem

Make a decision and explain why it is a reasonable choice, using the numbers and data to justify your answer

The numeracy assessment is not just about answering maths questions. It is also about looking at real life situations and deciding which maths topics you need to solve them. 

Congratulations on getting into the Trades Academy as a Year 11 student! These courses provide excellent preparation for your future career and Mrs Halls will fully support you attending, either on day release or as part of a Block Week programme.

And congratulations on being accepted to the Gateway programme. Not many Year 11 students are accepted onto that scheme, you must be exceptional!

If you are a Trades or Gateway student, please talk to Mrs Halls as soon as possible to discuss how your programme will be affected and what support you will need, and what maths you may need to prioritise for your future career.