A study of the School Certificate examination in New Zealand with special reference to the findings and recommendations of recent committees concerning the examination

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine data concerning the School Certificate Examination in New Zealand. An empirical study of this nature and breadth has not previously been attempted in the history of the School Certificate in this country, although studies of examination data are not uncommon in other countries. For example, the International Institute's inquiries. The importance of such a scrutiny of data regarding School Certificate is particularly appropriate in view of recommendations and suggestions made by four recently-convened committees concerning the administration and content of the examination. This specific purpose is particularly important in that the reports of each of the four committees See section IV of this introduction for a description of the committees. contain little factual evidence. It has therefore been difficult to form any objective appraisal of their findings. In these circumstances, the present study provides the kind of data against which many of the findings and recommendations should be properly assessed.