Curriculum context

The English learning area assessments were administered in Term 3 of 2023. The assessments were informed by the relevant learning area statements from the 2023 draft version of the New Zealand Curriculum. At the time of the assessments, schools were not required to use the draft learning area statements. Although not aligned with the current gazetted version of the learning area, these reports provide insights into student engagement, teaching practices, and learning experiences during a period of curriculum transition.

About the assessment

Students completed a range of assessment tasks and filled in a questionnaire as part of the English learning area study.

The tasks assessed students’ skills in locating and recalling information, interpreting meaning and critically analysing content. Critical analysis included evaluating text construction, addressing inclusion and representation, and understanding how texts influence and position readers.

Students were also required to consider how the nuanced meanings, themes, and messages within the texts were conveyed through various literary techniques and devices. The tasks included both selected-response questions and questions requiring short written answers.

Explore the data window with detailed results by year level.

More information is available on the website of the Curriculum Insights and Progress Study.