Sheer genius

If you were the principal of a school where less than fifty percent of the students pass level one NCEA what could you do to improve the situation, which clearly needs improved?

Easy, don't let the students sit the exams and rely on entirely internal assessment.

"The analysis of our data shows our students achieve a hell of a lot with internal standards compared to externals," Mr Foy said.

A lot of time went into preparing students for exams, in which many were under-achieving, and he believed the school could see their pass rate climb with a greater focus on in-class assessments – at the expense of formal exams.

Outstanding! This is a move that will do a lot to prepare their students for the cut and thrust of every day life - not!