Term Four is all about examinations!

In this newsletter I wish to reinforce three key pieces of information for you to be aware of:

• NZQA’s derived grade process

• Admission slips

• .Coping with the stress of examinations

Derived Grade Applications 2024

A derived grade may be awarded to a student who:

• is unable to sit examinations or submit materials for external assessment, or

• who considers that their performance in an external assessment has been impaired by exceptional circumstances beyond their control.  (This includes a natural disaster, the death of a family member or close acquaintance, and national representative duties which have prevented them from sitting examinations or otherwise presenting materials for external assessment). 

• who has a significant illness on the day of the examination. See application form for criteria.

A grade awarded by the school, based on standard-specific evidence, is submitted to NZQA for processing.  A derived grade is NOT available for Scholarship.  Derived Grade applications must be made through the Principal's Nominee (Miss Martin).

Candidates should contact Miss Martin as soon as possible if an application is likely. Candidates must collect or download an application form from the school website under the latest news or the NZQA website. Please read this carefully to check your eligibility and then take it with you to see your medical practitioner who will fill in their section. Applications cannot be processed without this documentation and a normal medical certificate may not be sufficient, as it may not cover all requirements. In some circumstances our school nurse may be able to fill in the doctor's section on the derived grade application.

Derived Grade application forms must be returned to Miss Martin by the 5th of December at 12 noon.

National Representation

For students who have been selected for National representation during the examination period, pre-approval for a derived grade is necessary. Derived grade applications for national representatives can be collected from the Principal's Nominee.

Admission Slips

Students have or will receive their examination admission slips from form teachers. These are extremely important as students will not be allowed to enter examinations without this slip.

Students need to check that all the examinations appear on the slip. If there are any missing, they must see Miss Martin as soon as possible so a late entry can be processed.

We always have students that forget their slip so in the event of a lost slip, please go directly to the school office and ask for assistance.  A new one will be printed.

Coping with the stress 

Most students experience some anxiety and tension at the thought of sitting exams. This is normal. Some students will experience a degree of stress and anxiety that can be difficult to cope with.

Before the examination:

• Check the date and time – students may feel calmer getting there earlier.

• Arrange your equipment the night before for a morning exam.

• Try and avoid last minute discussions before the exam about what will be examined and after the exam about what was. It’s all too late!
  

I know it is a stressful time for parents as well as students. If you need to talk to someone, don’t hesitate to contact the school.

Laura Martin

Principal’s Nominee

mil@cashmere.school.nz