Numeracy refers to the ability to apply mathematical and statistical concepts to solve problems in various real-life contexts. It's not just about performing calculations; it's about interpreting data, making informed decisions, and communicating findings effectively
Students at Wellington College should be able to use mathematical processes to successfully navigate the requirements seen on a daily basis. In Aotearoa New Zealand, this includes an understanding of how to participate in a society with bicultural foundations.
Evidence of each of the following is required to achieve the Numeracy Co-Requisite:
Formulate mathematical and statistical approaches to solve problems in a range of everyday situations. [problem solve and devise strategies]
Use mathematics and statistics to meet the numeracy demands of a range of everyday situations. [accurately calculate answers]
Explain mathematical and statistical responses to situations. [demonstrate reasoning]
Featured on this page is helpful resources for sitting the numeracy corequisite exams. Below that there is some general numeracy skills resources and study techniques.
The best way to get better is to practice. Watch this video of Subash Chandar K, a maths teacher, going through one of the past Numeracy papers and explaining his answers.
The full playlist of these walkthrough videos and other tutorials of skills needed for the numeracy corequisite is available here .
Subash Chandar K, aka @infinityplusone, is a teacher from Ormiston Junior College in Auckland who has been nominated for the GEMS Education Global Teacher Prize as well as the 2025 New Zealander of the Year Local Hero. Subash runs a YouTube channel and website containing hundreds of tutorial videos. Here is a link to his infinityplusone YouTube channel.
Below are past assessments and answer keys from NZQA .
(Both questions and answers are in the same PDF)
They can be used to practice the key skills needed in the numeracy corequisite.
The further back the assessment, the less of a reflection it is of the current standard.
Students can also access online versions of the Numeracy, Reading, and Writing CAAs through their MyNZQA login. If you do not yet have a MyNZQA login, you can do the following to view some digital versions of the assessments:
1. Go to this link.
2. Select Numeracy from the drop-down menu.
3. When prompted to enter NSN: View2024, Verification code: Tw3nty/24, Access Code: 0000.
Approaching a problem
Students should understand how to approach a maths problem, including word problems. One strategy is to read through the problem and use the UNPACK method as seen here
Fostering a Growth Mindset
Learning and growth take time, and it's okay not to succeed right away. By embracing the word "yet," you can adopt a growth mindset. With practice, effort, and perseverance, you can see challenges and setbacks as opportunities for growth rather than as insurmountable obstacles. Embracing continuous improvement and resilience through effort, strategy, and perseverance can foster a growth mentality.
Explaining Reasonableness
Students should be able to explain whether you agree, disagree, or can't tell for sure.
Sometimes more than one option could be correct so it all comes down to your explanation.
When answering these questions, where possible USE NUMBERS to support your answer.
When answering questions about calculations, USE WORDS in your explanations.
You must base your answer on the information given to you, NOT on your own experience.
Explaining Reasonableness
In some questions you'll be told what to calculate.
For these, the approach is just to solve.
Remember that maths isn't hard, it's a language so you may need to slowly work through the problem to avoid mistakes.