During a post-assessment moderation in late 2024, Muka Tangata identified a gap in the assessment process in the Queen Charlotte College Aquaculture programme.  

To resolve this, we collaborated with the college to implement pre-assessment moderation for their Aquaculture programme assessment. 

During pre-assessment moderation, our moderators check that the assessment asks relevant questions in a way that will capture sufficient evidence of ākonga (learner) competence. 

This proactive step ensured that all Queen Charlotte College’s Aquaculture assessments met national standards before being used with ākonga. 

The changes provided the school with the “assurance that the students are being given materials at the required level,” says Michael Garbes, Queen Charlotte College teaching and learning coordinator for aquaculture.  

Additionally, the process has been cost effective for the college: “the fact that this service is free means that funding remains directed towards the programme – it’s great not having that financial burden,” says Garbes. 

Six assessments have now been successfully moderated and meet the national standard, directly supporting the success of ākonga in the programme.