As the eagerly anticipated NCEA results for 2023 are released, a concerning trend emerges – a third consecutive year of declining pass rates across the board. The New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) attributes this downturn to the persistent disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic over the last three years.

COVID-19 Impact on Academic Performances

The release of provisional results has brought to light a concerning trend – a significant decrease in Ncea Pass Rates for the third consecutive year in 2023. This revelation, disclosed by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA), underscores the profound impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic on the educational landscape. As the primary culprit, the pandemic has unleashed unprecedented disruptions, creating a challenging environment for students nationwide. The dip in NCEA pass rates emphasises the far-reaching consequences of the prolonged crisis, urging a closer examination of the measures needed to address and mitigate the adverse effects on the educational achievements of New Zealand students.

Historical Trends and Comparisons

Diving into historical trends and comparisons, an analysis of NZQA figures exposes a noteworthy pattern: the pinnacle of NCEA and University Entrance (UE) achievement rates occurred in 2020, followed by a discernible dip in 2021 and 2022. However, even amid these recent declines, the data reveals a remarkable resilience, as the achievement rates for NCEA Level Three and UE in both 2021 and 2022 surpass those recorded in 2019. This resilience suggests that, despite the multifaceted challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, students and the education system have demonstrated adaptability and perseverance, achieving higher levels of success in subsequent years.

Expert Insights and Advice for Students

Amidst the uncertainty, education experts provide valuable insights. Speaking on NewstalkZB, PPTA acting president, Chris Abercrombie urges students not to perceive disappointing results as the end of the world.

“It’s not the end of the world. As they always say one door closes another one opens and there’s always options,” says Abercrombie.

Various education, training, and employment options are available, and students are encouraged to plan for their future with optimism.

Coping Strategies for Students and Parents

Ara Te Pukenga’s student life team leader Meg Nelis, shares practical advice on NewstalkZB for students awaiting their results. She emphasises the importance of self-care, distraction, and parental support during this emotionally charged period.

“Keep them (the students) distracted, keep them busy and not have them hyper-focused on the time when results are going to come live and they’re going to dash to that computer.

“Not asking or not prying about things to much, can be really nice and reassuring to them.”

Nelis highlights alternative pathways for those unsatisfied with their results, reinforcing that university is not the only route to success.

“There are always options if they are disappointed to appeal the grades or to get different pathways where they hope and wish to go.”

Future Success

The release of the NCEA results is a reminder of the enduring challenges that arose due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. However, the setbacks revealed in the provisional results, showed it is crucial for students to recognise that these outcomes do not shape their future paths. Armed with supportive guidance, various amounts of alternative options, and a spirit of resilience, every student possesses the inherent potential to successfully navigate their educational journey. The message is clear: while the statistics may reflect a challenging period, they are by no means a definitive determinant of individual success. By embracing the available support systems, exploring diverse educational avenues, and having personal resilience, students can overcome the hurdles presented by the pandemic and forge ahead toward a future of limitless possibilities.