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Literacy & Numeracy
What are CAAs?
What are CAAs?
Starting from 2024, all students who have not yet attained Foundational Literacy (also known as Level 1 Literacy) and Numeracy must pass either the Common Assessment Activities (CAAs) for Numeracy, Literacy (Reading) and Literacy (Writing) or gain these credits following an alternative pathway.
"Common Assessment Activity" is the name for the external assessment opportunities (exams) which are offered twice during the academic year. The CAAs are unit standards which are graded Not Achieved or Achieved. There are no Merit or Excellence grades available and these standards do not count towards any endorsement.
There are three CAAs: one for Numeracy, one for Literacy (Reading) and one for Literacy (Writing). These are online digital exams which will be sat at school.
Once you have passed a CAA, you do not need to sit it again. However, if you do not pass it, you will have future opportunities to do so.
Whanau LitNum Information 2025.mp4Year 10 information evening 2024.m4vAlternative ways to gain the co-requisite
Alternative ways to gain the co-requisite
Links
Links
NCEA LitNum Resource Guides Students and whānau_0.pdf
"Foundational literacy" means the ability to read and write to a level that allows you to access further learning, develop important life skills, and engage in the wider community.
"Foundational numeracy" is the ability to access, use, interpret, and communicate mathematical and statistical information and ideas.
"Foundational numeracy" is the ability to access, use, interpret, and communicate mathematical and statistical information and ideas.
FAQs
FAQs
NZQA often closes access to the online practice exams for the weeks when the CAAs are timetabled. In this time, you can continue to practise using the workbooks or our Google Classroom.
NZQA often closes access to the online practice exams for the weeks when the CAAs are timetabled. In this time, you can continue to practise using the workbooks or our Google Classroom.
What happens if I have achieved a CAA?
Congratulations! You no longer need to take this exam.
Check that you have been successful in all three CAA examinations.
When do the CAA exams take place?
There are two sessions in the year. In 2025, these are in May and in September. At Northcote College, we offer one CAA exam on one day.
Students are invited to attend either the morning (9.00 am) or the afternoon (12.45 pm) session. Students should arrive at the exam meeting point before 8.45am for the morning session and 12.30pm for the afternoon session.
What do the results tell you?
For each CAA, students receive a breakdown of their results which shows their level of success in one of three "Outcomes".
This gives unsuccessful students the chance to focus their practice on, and ask for help with, their weaker areas.
How can I use Pathways Awarua to get ready for the exams?
Check here for more information on Pathways Awarua.
The Literacy and Numeracy team at Northcote College
The Literacy and Numeracy team at Northcote College
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