CENZ Framework Qualifications

The CENZ Certificate Framework is a flexible programme which enables students to progress at their own pace. The Accelerated Christian Education (ACE) Curriculum has been in use at Tyndale Park Christian School for more than 10 years now and is one of the curricula recognised under the CENZ Certificate Framework. It was chosen for its Christian content and basis.

The ACE curriculum is recognised by NZ Universities as an excellent preparation for university study. All ACE subjects are accepted under the CENZ Certificate Framework used by our school to recognise students academic achievement. A copy of the official letter from Universities New Zealand can be found at the bottom of this page as a PDF download. 

The ACE Curriculum is based upon five key principles of learning. These principles are fundamental for learning success and are the essential ingredients in not only in the ACE programme but an underlying philosophy in all classes offered at Tyndale Park Christian School.

The Five Principles of Learning

Principle 1

A student must be working at a level of curriculum where they can perform.

Principle 2

A student must set reasonable goals that they can achieve in a specific period of time.

Principle 3

A student must be motivated and managed effectively.

Principle 4

A student's learning must be measurable.

Principle 5

A student's learning must be rewarded. 

The ACE Programme

The ACE programme covers six core subjects: Maths, English, Wordbuilding, Literature and Creative Writing, Science and Social Studies at primary level, plus Bible and over twenty elective subjects at secondary level.

Each subject is divided into bite-sized, achievable workbooks called PACEs (Package of Accelerated Christian Education).

Each subject consists of 12 PACEs at each level, from Year 1 to Year 13. [Tyndale incorporates ACE materials from Year 9.]

The PACE is a unit of work that takes two to three weeks to complete depending on the ability of the child.

"Time is the variable, learning is the constant"

Each PACE has specific learning, goals, objectives and intentions with a variety of learning activities and built in assessments, designed to ensure mastery of learning and to teach students effective learning strategies.  Some courses employ video sessions to enhance the learning process whilst others are supplemented with computer software programmes. At the end of each PACE a student is required to complete a PACE Test. The student must score a minimum of 80% before being allowed to continue to the next unit of work.  The PACE forms the basis of the student's learning, from which additional learning activities, projects, assignments, resources and enrichment activities can be built. While a set procedure for completing a PACE needs to be followed, it by no means limits or restricts the many ways in which this excellent resource can be used to cater for the specific learning style of each child.       

Four Distinctives of the ACE Programme

Individualisation

Each child receives a personal Academic Prescription that allows them to progress at their appropriate level and rate of learning. Diagnostic Testing determines the particular learning needs and requirements of each child while the ACE material allows the parent to give personal and precise assistance where necessary.

Mastery Learning

ACE provides each child with the opportunity to actually learn the material they are studying. Mastery learning is essential for educational success. A student does not move on to a new concept until they have demonstrated that they have adequately learned the immediate material.

Biblical World View

Biblical principles and concepts are interwoven into all aspects of the curriculum. Each student is taught from a biblical perspective developing critical thinking skills that will enable them to discern what is truly "...the good and acceptable and perfect will of God." (Romans 12:2)

Character Building

The ACE curriculum presents sixty character traits of Jesus into the curriculum and presents role modeling that promotespersonal integrity and character. This along with the practices and procedures, goal setting and routines, requires both parents and students to develop Godly character 24/7.

ACE and New Zealand Universities

The ACE curriculum has been successfully studied by thousands of students in New Zealand since its introduction in 1977, and today it is used by many thousands of Christian Schools and Home Educators throughout the world. ACE is the only Christian based curriculum that has been recognized by the New Zealand Vice-chancellor's Committee for it's academic excellence. All ACE subjects that Tyndale Park Christian School students complete at a suitable level are recognised under the CENZ Certificate Framework. The CENZ Level 3 Certifiate is recognised by ALL New Zealand Universities (check the attached PDF letter below). The New Zealand Vice-Chancellor’s Committee has recognised the CENZ Level 3 Certificate with the following statement:

“This is to certify that the Christian Education New Zealand Level 3 Certificate is accepted by the New Zealand universities for admission ad eundem statum at entrance level. This means that for the purposes of entrance to a university the qualification is deemed to be equivalent to the officially-established minimum common entrance standard in this country.”

Obviously, for entrance to popular courses, the individual's personal grades will be used to select successful candidates. This is the same for all candidates, regardless of the qualification. The CENZ Certificates of Academic Achievement provide entrance qualifications to all institutions throughout NZ. The CENZ Level 3 Certificate is one of a number of qualifications recognised for entry to NZ Universities. Other examples are: N.C.E.A. Level 3, Cambridge Y13, International Baccalaureate Y13.

CENZ CERTIFICATES OF ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT

CENZ offers three secondary school qualifications based on students gaining credits for work completed at various achievement levels. The following certificates currently available to students in New Zealand.

Academic Certificates:

Academic Certificates:

CENZ Certificate Level 3 (27 credits)

CENZ Certificate Level 3 With Honours (27 credits)

Notes:

1.     For a Level 3 Certificate, at least four (4) credits must be at Level 3 or higher in university-approved subjects.

2.     A Level 3 Certificate with Honours requires a minimum of five (5) credits at Level 3, with an average test score of at least 93% in each of those five courses or an excellence endorsement on any NCEA courses (if offered) or A* grade on any Cambridge courses (if offered).

Achievement Certificates:

Certificate of Achievement

Notes:

1.     This qualification suits students who cannot (or who do not wish to) obtain a Level 3 Certificate. It means that they can craft a dedicated qualification that meets the specific needs of the workplace or tertiary training sector of their choosing.

2.     Wherever possible, we recommend that students include English II and Algebra I (or their equivalents) in their qualification, as these meet the Literacy and Numeracy entrance requirements for New Zealand universities, thus giving students ongoing discretionary entrance (if so desired at a later stage).

NB: It should be noted that these certificates do not comment on the Christian character of the candidate.