Theoretical Foundations of Literacy

All forms of cheating and dishonest practice are taken seriously and penalties will result. Students should refer to Regulation J of the General Course and Examination Regulations.

Grading Scale
Grade    GPA Value        Marks

A+              9            90 – 100
A                8            85 – 89.99
A-               7            80 – 84.99
B+              6            75 – 79.99
B                5            70 – 74.99
B-               4            65 – 69.99
C+              3            60 – 64.99
C                2            55 – 59.99
C-               1            50 – 54.99
D                0            40 – 49.99
E               -1             0 – 39.99

A Pass is 50 marks or over

Students must participate in the course sufficiently to meet the learning outcomes.

Formal and informal evaluation will take place in accordance with the relevant Course Evaluation Policy, to provide feedback to teaching staff about the relevance and validity of what has been learned as well as the quality of course delivery.

The Te Kaupeka Ako | Faculty of Education undertakes a process of internal and external moderation of assessment. This is to ensure that the assessment system is fair, equitable, consistent and manageable.

Lecturers reserve the right not to mark late work, and no work will be accepted after the assignments have been returned to students.

Under exceptional circumstances (e.9. illness, accident, bereavement or critical personal circumstances) individual students may be granted an extension of the due date for an assignment. There is, however, a limit to the length of time that an extension can be granted and this should be negotiated with the relevant lecturer in the first instance. Extensions will not normally be given for longer than one week from the due date, unless exceptional circumstances prevail. Extensions are not granted automatically to students.

Requests for extensions should be emailed to the Course Lecturer at least two days prior to the due date for the assignment. Relevant evidence such as a medical certificate or a letter from a counsellor may be required in order for the lecturer to make a decision about whether or not to grant an extension. A copy of the lecturer's email confirming the extension (if granted) and any supporting documentation must be attached to and submitted with the assignment.

Extensions will not normally be granted because of pressure of university study, e.g. several pieces of work being due at about the same time. Students are encouraged to plan their work in a realistic manner and in advance so that they can meet their assessment deadlines.

Where for reasons beyond their control, students are prevented from completing an assessment or suffer significant impairment, they may apply for what is known as “special consideration”. University of Canterbury Special Consideration provisions may apply to impaired performance, non-completion of assessment items, and to late discontinuation (withdrawal) from a course.

A detailed description of special consideration and materials to support the applications process are available at: Special Considerations Process.  


Generally speaking, applications for special considerations should be lodged within five working days of the due date of that assessment item. For more details on this, please refer to the Special Considerations Regulations.



This information replaces any previous references to special consideration, Aegrotat or Backdated (Late) Withdrawal in the Course Information System, Learn or Course Outlines. If you are unclear about the implications or process please discuss with your Course Coordinator or contact the Student Advice team for assistance.

As well as attending classes, it is essential that all students regularly access the course Learn site. All course information such as the course kaupapa, notices, assessment information, required and recommended readings, audio recordings of some lectures, and other teaching resources etc. will be available on this site

On Campus Assignments submitted in Hard Copy
On campus students assignments are to be submitted with a cover sheet to the Assignment Room, Level 2, Rehua building,  by 5.00pm, or time directed by course lecturer, on or before the due date.

Pick up Arrangements: It is your responsibility to pick each assignment up from the Academic Services Team. Lecturers will not follow up on resubmits and fails. This is your responsibility.

On Campus Assignments submitted via Learn
Students will be expected to submit their assessment via the online assessment system in the Learn class site by 5.00pm on or before the due date.  The lecturer may also ask students to submit assessment work through the software Turnitin, to check for plagiarism. If this option is available students will submit work through Turnitin and obtain a report, after submitting assignments for marking via the Learn site.

It is the responsibility of the students to check their Internet access and ability to submit their work via the online system.  Any technical difficulties should be notified well in advance of the due date so that assistance can be provided or alternative arrangements can be negotiated.

For ICT help call our free call number 0508 UC IT HELP (0508 824 843) or on 03 369 5000.  Monday to  Friday, 8am to 5pm (excluding public and university holidays).