Identity & Connections Portfolio Rubric

Phase 2 (Years 4–6) · A mana-enhancing, privacy-first rubric

Phase 2 Years 4–6 Assessment Printable

Kaiako Planning Snapshot

Ngā Whāinga Akoranga — Learning Intentions

Assess ākonga identity portfolio work against clearly defined, mana-enhancing criteria
Recognise connection, values, and reflection as the core evidence dimensions
Apply consistent, fair assessment that protects privacy while honouring cultural identity

Paearu Angitu — Success Criteria

✓ Uses the rubric consistently across the class, with annotations explaining judgements
✓ Feedback honours the student's identity and does not require disclosure of private whakapapa
✓ Next steps are specific and actionable — "show how your value shapes a decision" not "add more detail"

Mātauranga Māori lens

This rubric is built on a kaupapa Māori principle: mana is not given by the assessor, it is recognised. The "choose-your-sharing" design honours mana motuhake — the right of ākonga to determine what of themselves they make public. Whanaungatanga is assessed through demonstrated connection, not required disclosure. Kaitiakitanga extends inward: we are also kaitiaki of our own stories.

Readiness and inclusion

Entry: Focus on "Ngā Hononga — Connections" criterion first; scaffold with sentence starters from the station activities
Extension: Ask ākonga at "Whakamana" level to help develop the next version of the rubric criteria
ESOL/ELL: Accept evidence in home language; use visual evidence (drawings, photos) as equivalent to written work — annotate alongside with kaiako support
Sensitivity: If a student's whakapapa situation is complex (adoption, estrangement, taura here), the roles/values path is always available — document this in your anecdotal notes, not in the rubric score

Purpose

This rubric assesses how well ākonga show connection, values in action, and reflection — without requiring private whakapapa detail. Use roles, initials, symbols, and “choose-your-sharing” options to protect mana.

Suggested evidence: Ngā Hononga template pages, station work, inquiry card reflections, and a short student kōrero.

Rubric

Criteria	Ka tīmata Beginning	E tipu ana Growing	Mārama Confident	Whakamana Strong
Ngā Hononga Connections	Shows 1–2 simple connections (people or place).	Shows several connections (people and place) with a short explanation.	Shows clear connections to people, place, and values with examples.	Shows deep connections and explains how they shape identity and choices.
Ngā Uara Values in action	Names a value but gives little example.	Names 1–2 values and gives a simple example.	Explains 2–3 values and shows how they look in real life.	Connects values to responsibilities and makes a personal commitment.
Whaiwhakaaro Reflection	Shares one thing learned.	Shares what was learned and one next step.	Explains learning with reasons (“because…”) and a clear next step.	Reflects thoughtfully, including how learning might help others or the environment.
Whakaatu Communication	Work is partly clear; needs support to organise ideas.	Work is mostly clear; ideas are organised with some detail.	Work is clear, well-organised, and easy to follow (words/drawings/oral).	Work is engaging and polished; strong voice and creative choices.
Tikanga Respect & safety	Needs reminders to keep stories safe and respectful.	Usually respectful; follows privacy choices with support.	Consistently respectful; protects privacy and shows care for others’ mana.	Leads by example; actively supports a safe, mana-enhancing class culture.

Student self-check (optional)

I showed my connections in a safe way (names/roles/symbols). I included 2–3 values and what they look like in action. I wrote or said what I learned and one next step. I kept my work respectful to myself and others.

Kaiako comments:

Curriculum alignment

Learning areas: Social Sciences + Te Reo Māori (Years 9–13)

Understand: How cultural identity and heritage shape people's lives and the way they interact with others — exploring whakapapa, tikanga, and mātauranga Māori as living frameworks for identity and knowledge.
Te Reo Māori: Understand and use te reo Māori in culturally appropriate contexts — engaging with tikanga and te ao Māori as part of Aotearoa New Zealand's bicultural heritage.
Achievement Objective: Understand how people's responses to economic, environmental, political, and social challenges reflect their values and viewpoints — applying Māori cultural frameworks to identity portfolio work.