QUALITY AUDIT SUMMARY on Kapiti English Language Academy Audit Date: 16 August 2006 Web Report Date: 28 November 2006 Provider ID: 7344
1 Objectives The audit aimed to obtain reasonable assurance that the Kapiti English Language Academy (KELANZ) is a sound and stable provider, has effective quality management systems in place, and is substantially achieving its goals and objectives as required by Quality Assurance Standard for PTEs, GTEs and Wnanga (QA Standard One). The results of this audit will contribute to the decisions made by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (Qualifications Authority) to confirm ongoing registration and accreditation, and the length of time until the next audit. An audit is a snapshot of the organisation s performance at a particular time. As such, it is not a guarantee of ongoing compliance and effectiveness. An audit is based on sampling, and instances of non-compliance may remain undetected. 2 Scope The audit covered all elements of QA Standard One except 1.2.8, Research. Research was excluded because KELANZ does not offer degree courses. KELANZ offers courses to international students; this audit included an evaluation of KELANZ s compliance with the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students (Code of Practice). 3 Responsibilities KELANZ is responsible for meeting all requirements of QA Standard One by ensuring the quality of its management systems and the achievement of its goals and objectives. Under the Education Act 1989, the Qualifications Authority is responsible for registering private training establishments and granting accreditation to organisations offering approved courses. 4 Background This was a scheduled audit at Coastlands, Paraparaumu. KELANZ has accreditation to offer courses in English for speakers of other languages, the New Zealand Diploma in Business (NZDipBus) and the NZIM/ATTTO Diploma in Tourism Management. The Qualifications Authority had carried out an audit in July 2005. This was a focused audit and covered the following elements of QA Standard One: 1.2.2 Personnel. The provider recruits, manages and develops its people to achieve its goals and objectives. 1.2.6 Assessment and moderation. The provider has adequate and appropriate systems of assessment and moderation for assessing learners against the expected outcomes of programmes. KELANZ provided evidence of improved staff qualifications, professional development in moderation and improved systems for internal moderation. Page 2 of 5
The previous audit did not include an evaluation of the Code of Practice. 5 Summary At this audit (2006), KELANZ met all but one requirement of QA Standard One. This requirement related to 1.2.6 Assessment and moderation: complied with external moderation requirements of the Qualifications Authority and national standard-setting agencies. KELANZ had engaged with the Qualifications Authority s external moderation system for the NZDipBus. However, while KELANZ had improved its performance, it was not yet consistently meeting the external moderation standards. It was noted at the audit that KELANZ was continuing to provide staff with further professional development in moderation and assessment skills. Goals and objectives KELANZ s Charter for the Ministry of Education had been approved to 2010, and its Profile for 2006 2008. KELANZ s educational goals are for students to: acquire the qualifications that lead to further studies in tertiary institutions in New Zealand gain employment in order to contribute to the economy. KELANZ sets a target of 80% achievement for each of the above goals. Governance and management KELANZ is owned and operated by the shareholder/ director of the company registered at the New Zealand Companies Office. The organisation provided the Private Training Establishment Attestation and the Chartered Accountant Professional Attestation by the due date. It also provided a copy of its financial statements and an unqualified audit opinion, as is required by the Tertiary Education Commission. Student fee protection is provided by the Public Trust. The audit noted that KELANZ had reviewed its quality management system (QMS) and had made significant improvements to the documents supporting the system. Personnel Tutors have university degrees in relevant subject areas, and experience in tutoring tertiary courses. Administrative and managerial staff have appropriate qualifications and experience. Ongoing professional development has been and is being provided for tutors in assessment development and moderation. Page 3 of 5
Physical and learning resources Students and staff confirmed that resources were sufficient. KELANZ implements health and safety policies and procedures and meets the requirements of the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992. Learner information, entry and support KELANZ provides students with pre-course information by way of its website, brochure and student handbook (by way of its web site). Students interviewed confirmed that they received sufficient and correct information before enrolling, at enrolment and on the orientation programme. Students advised that they received help as and when needed. KELANZ met all of the requirements of the Code of Practice. Development, delivery and review of programmes The courses KELANZ offers are approved by the Qualifications Authority. Students complete course evaluations, which are used to improve the programmes. Students interviewed, both local and international, advised that the NZDipBus qualification met their educational requirements. Students also advised that having the delivery of an NZDipBus paper on one day a week met their personal needs, especially for those students who came from outside the immediate area or who were part-time students. Students spoke highly of the quality of teaching, and appreciated the one-to-one attention they received. Assessment and moderation KELANZ had identified the assignments within the course outlines provided to tutors, and implemented an internal moderation system. However, as noted above, while KELANZ had engaged in the Qualifications Authority s external moderation system, the organisation was not yet consistently meeting these requirements. The audit noted KELANZ s improved performance, and that KELANZ had provided, and was continuing to provide, staff with professional development in assessment and moderation skills. Notification and reporting on learner achievement Students advised that they received prompt and constructive feedback on completed assignments. They also advised that they appreciated the advice provided by tutors on any draft assignments submitted early. Student records are kept in hard copy initially and electronically for the long term. Achievement of goals and objectives KELANZ is achieving its educational goals and objectives. KELANZ s management has reviewed the organisation s QMS to ensure its continuing suitability, adequacy and effectiveness. Page 4 of 5
The review includes assessing opportunities for improvement and the need for changes to the QMS. This provides assurance that KELANZ offers an effective educational programme, with the focus clearly on student achievement and student outcomes. Closing statement KELANZ is meeting its goals and objectives, the Qualifications Authority s and legislative requirements. The QMS that is being implemented provides assurance that it will continue to do so. Page 5 of 5