NCEA Exams, Information and Organisation

By Mike Waterworth | Posted: Sunday October 15, 2023

NZQA exams start on Monday 6 November and run until Thursday 30 November. A copy of the exam timetable has been emailed to all students, is available on the NZQA website, and is attached.

Exam Admission Slips:

These will be distributed to students during October. Students must have their exam admission slip with them to enter an exam. If a student loses their Admission Slip they can print a new copy from their NZQA login and get it signed by Mr Waterworth or Mr Read. If they can’t do this they will need to go to the main office to collect a copy and then get it signed by Mr Waterworth or Mr Read.

Students need to check their exam admission slip carefully and see Mr Read if there are any mistakes on it. Late entries won’t be showing on the exam admission slip and late withdrawals will still show on it.

Candidate Information Sheet:

All students will also be given a copy of the Candidate Information Sheet. This is information, rules and instructions from NZQA. Students should read through this information - a copy is attached.

Exam Reporting Times/Procedure:

Morning exams start at 9:30am and afternoon exams at 2:00pm.

Students should arrive at school 30 minutes prior to their exam starting time – 9:00am for a morning exam or 1:30pm for an afternoon exam.

Students need to check the whiteboard outside the Science Block (to the left of the Science Block doors) to find out what room they are in and should be waiting outside the correct room by 9:10am (morning exam) or 1:40pm (afternoon exam).

Students who have Special Assessment Conditions need to meet outside the door of D25 by 9:10am (morning exam) or 1:40pm (afternoon exam).

If students arrive more than 30 minutes after the official start time they cannot be admitted to an exam room.

Uniform:

Students are allowed to wear mufti.

Watches:

No watches (digital or analog) are allowed inside the exam room.

Exam rules:

Students must follow the instructions of any supervisor.

Bags are not allowed at the desks – the exam supervisors will instruct students to leave them outside or at the front/back of the room.

Pens (blue and black only) and other stationery must be in a clear plastic bag.

Only approved calculators are allowed – memories will be checked and cleared before the exam starts.

Students are not allowed to have any paper, any notes in any form, or a watch of any type, at their desk.

Students are not allowed to borrow any equipment from someone else during the exam.

Students are allowed an ‘emergency pack’ which is a clear plastic bag containing items such as a phone, keys, money etc. This must be in a clear plastic bag and stored under the chair and must not be touched or opened during the exam.

Phones must be in bags or the emergency pack and must be turned off. Students are not allowed to have a phone on their body even if it is turned off.

Food and Drink:

Food is discouraged but allowed with the following restrictions:

Small amounts of food only, packed in a clear plastic bag.

Food must be able to be eaten silently.

Lollies etc must be unwrapped before entering the exam room.

Clear plastic drink bottles only with no stickers.

No hot drinks or hot food.

Derived Grades:

In some cases, there may be a legitimate reason why a student can not sit an exam – acute illness at the time of the exam; significant conditions diagnosed or a traumatic event; a current or sudden and significant change to a long term illness; trauma, misadventure or exceptional circumstances.

In these situations a student may be able to apply for a derived grade. They will need to meet NZQA’s criteria for the awarding of a derived grade.

Any student in this situation needs to contact Ms Waterworth or Mr Read as soon as possible – preferably before the exam.

If your application is for medical or trauma it must be supported by an independent registered professional. If it is for an event or misadventure it must be supported with relevant documentary evidence.

If a derived grade is approved and awarded it will come from an authentic school result for that standard – usually from school exams.

If there are any questions etc please make contact with Mr Waterworth mwaterworth@trinity.school.nz or Mr Read sread@trinity.school.nz

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