For families relocating to New Zealand with teenagers, deciding which qualification your child will study is an important decision. The majority of Kiwi kids study for the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA), New Zealand’s national qualification, yet some relocating families opt for the Cambridge International Examinations (CIE).
This blog examines CIE as an option for secondary school students within the New Zealand education system, then explores the recent experience of one family following their relocation from the UK to NZ.
How Does CIE Relate to What Families Know from Home?
CIE has been developed by a department of the University of Cambridge to provide high-quality qualifications that meet the demands of employers and educators around the world. CIE has been offered internationally for almost two decades and CIE programmes are currently taught in more than 160 countries.
CIE is the international version of the Cambridge Assessment qualification (GCSE and A Levels) used in British secondary schools.
Families familiar with CIE in other countries may appreciate the consistency it provides when transitioning to New Zealand. This is particularly relevant for families who are on expat assignments in NZ and intend to return to their previous education system or for students wanting to study at tertiary level in the UK.
CIE and NCEA
Both NCEA and CIE enable students to attain University Entrance. Some schools allow a mix of CIE and NCEA courses in Year 11, but students must meet University Entrance requirements through one qualification system. In Years 12 and 13, students typically choose between CIE and NCEA.
Structure and Assessment
CIE: Students follow a linear curriculum with external exams at the end of the academic year, providing a cumulative assessment of their knowledge.
NCEA: A modular system that includes internal assessments, assignments, and external exams spread throughout the year. This offers more flexibility in subject combinations and accommodates different learning paces within a classroom.
Global Recognition
Both NCEA and CIE qualifications are recognised by universities worldwide.
Catering to Different Learning Styles and Abilities
CIE offers tiered entry levels. At the IGCSE stage, students can choose between Core and Extended levels based on their abilities. This flexibility ensures that students are appropriately challenged without being overwhelmed.
NCEA, on the other hand, allows students to work at different levels across subjects. For example, a student may take Level 1 Mathematics while studying Level 2 Science. This personalised approach can be beneficial for students with varied strengths.
Differences in Teaching and Assessment.
A student’s preferred learning and assessment style is highly relevant when choosing between the qualifications. Students can reflect on their Year 9 and Year 10 subject assessments to determine which qualification aligns best with their strengths:
CIE: Assessment is largely exam-based, requiring strong preparation for final examinations.
NCEA: A combination of internal and external assessments, allowing students to demonstrate understanding throughout the year.
Teaching methods also differ. CIE schools tend to follow a traditional, content-focused approach designed to prepare students for final exams. NCEA schools often adopt more inquiry-based and collaborative teaching methods.
How Widely Available Is CIE in New Zealand?
While NCEA is the standard qualification in New Zealand, some secondary schools, particularly private and independent institutions, offer CIE. Availability varies by region, with most CIE schools concentrated in cities such as Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. Details of schools offering CIE can be found on the Cambridge International website.
One family’s experience Choosing the CIE Over NCEA
Mobile Operations Manager, Jo Johnson, moved from the UK to New Zealand with a child entering Year 11, and opted for the CIE Pathway at a private school in Auckland. Jo shares her perspective below:
Why We Chose the CIE pathway:
Consistency with the UK system: The CIE curriculum closely aligned with what our child had studied in the UK, ensuring continuity in subject content
Academic rigor: In our view CIE is a more structured and academically challenging pathway compared to NCEA
University applications: CIE qualifications made it easier to apply to UK universities, as they are directly recognised
What we didn’t know or consider:
IGCSE, AS, A Levels vs. UK GCSE and A Levels : While both share a common foundation, IGCSE and AS is designed for an international audience, leading to differences in curriculum structure, subject availability, and assessment methods
Friendship dynamics: In New Zealand, the majority of students follow the NCEA pathway. In schools offering both options, it’s important to consider the social aspect—choosing CIE may limit friendship opportunities, particularly for a new student trying to integrate
Classroom environment: Students in the CIE pathway tend to be more academically focused, which can lead to fewer classroom distractions and a more structured learning experience
Global recognition of NCEA: While CIE is internationally recognised, NCEA is also accepted by many universities worldwide, including in the UK, Australia, and the US
Cost differences: NCEA is government-subsidised, making it the more affordable option. In contrast, CIE requires additional fees
CIE exams start in October before term 4 starts in NZ , so children only have 3 terms to learn the content for the year. This also means children are sitting exams during their holidays and the school year finishes well before the NCEA school year
The Right Choice for Your Family?
Selecting the best education pathway depends on a student’s learning style, future aspirations, and preferred assessment method. It's also important to consider the social aspect—choosing a different pathway from the majority of like-minded students may impact friendships, particularly for those new to the school. Knowing your child is key to selecting the pathway that will work best for them. Ultimately, both qualifications offer strong university preparation and can support students in achieving their academic goals.
Kia ora and welcome to New Zealand!
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Bridget is a New Zealander who has lived and worked as a diplomat in Singapore and India. After experiencing all facets of the relocation experience, she founded Mobile to work with private individuals moving to NZ and leading local and international businesses bringing in offshore talent.
Source: www.mobile-relocation.com