Throughout Week 6 and 7 our senior students sat their practice examinations for NCEA Levels 1 - 3 and NZ Scholarship. These assessments were a 'dry run' of the formal external examinations which run from Monday 6 November - Thursday 30 November.

Preparation for these tests was already well underway across the school from early in Term 3. All students were encouraged to begin a programme of diligent revision in the lead up to these exams and their external assessments thereafter. Time and again it is shown that successfully navigating practice exams has a strong correlation to the level of success achieved in NZQA external assessments.

For a good number of our seniors, these examinations may be used to ascertain if they have achieved entry to their desired tertiary level courses for 2024. A number of subject areas may use these grades to distinguish prize winners for end of year awards. Additionally, if for some reason a student cannot make a November examination due to unforeseen circumstances, practice grades will be utilised in confirming an appropriate derived grade.

With the grades from practice exams having come in, all students are encouraged to carefully reflect on their results. There will be work-ons but also successes to celebrate and consolidate ahead of November's assessments when grades count for NCEA credits. It is also important to be frank about the quality of preparation. Take pride in what worked well. However, if preparation could have been improved, make sure that suitable changes are made now and that the right amount of study and the best approach to preparing is undertaken.

For sound advice on how to be good about preparing for exams go to our school website and in the 'publications' section our 'Study for Success' document provides comprehensive guidance. A commitment to preparing well will ease any pre-exam nerves and enable you to achieve at your best in November.

Kia kaha.