We are running a catch up common testing session for our 2026 Year 9 students on Friday 17th October from 10.15am - 12.30pm.

This catch up session is for students who could not make the first date and all students who have enrolled after 12th September 2025.

Purpose:

This is one of the opportunities we use to capture learning information about our students prior to class placement and to inform their teachers next year. We also will be holding a Year 8 Parent Evening on Tuesday 4th November where parents will have the opportunity to provide information about their children if needed. We also request specific information from your child/s current teachers at their contributing schools to form a full picture about each student starting school with us here at Burnside High School. More information about the Year 8 parents evening will be coming out shortly.

Format:
All students are given three tests. Maths, Reasoning and English. ESOL students will sit a Maths, Reading, Listening and Writing test. 

Students not requiring the ESOL test will finish at 12.30.

Please note: If your child requires ESOL testing this will take 45mins longer. 

This will be completed by 1.15pm.

Please drop your child/children off outside the Aurora Centre by 10:15am. They need to come inside and be seated. 

• At the completion of the testing, students will be returned to the front of the Aurora Centre for you to collect. Please note: ESOL student testing takes 45 minutes longer so please organise a safe way for them to return to school/home afterwards. 
  

• There is no access to drive onto school grounds, please park away from the school and allow time to walk in.
  

• Students should bring two pens - a blue or black pen is fine. Calculators are not permitted. Rulers are not required.
  

ESOL students 

If your child is an ESOL student please contact Lizzy Harrison to ensure we have their name and student number so they sit the correct tests on the day. Please also direct any other ESOL related questions to Lizzy directly.hz@burnside.school.nz 

If your child has special assessment conditions

Please notify Anna Randall on rna@burnside.school.nz if you have a child/children requiring either a:

• Reader/writer Or Reader only OR Writer only

• Separate accommodation - small group or if they need their own space

• Extra time

Please let Anna know the student/s name, SAC requirement and the name of the school supervisor being sent to support them on the testing day. 

If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact Rachaelle Stidder (Head of Faculty Student Support) on str@burnside.school.nz or (03)358 8383 extn: 488