Our best wishes go to all our examination candidates. For Year 13 IB students the examinations have special significance as they are the culmination of two years of learning. For many of our NCEA students, these examinations determine whether they achieve their Level Certificate and influence its endorsement level.

External Examinations and Pandemic Alert Levels
Examinations will continue while we are at Alert levels numbered 1, 2 or 3. If the level changes from its current status (1) students will be advised of any changes in the conduct of the examinations required to ensure their health and safety, and the eligibility of those with elevated health risk factors for derived grades (NCEA).

Examination Dates

Yr 9 and 10 - Nov 11 & 12.
Some subjects have exams in the exam session, while others have in-class tests.

12IB - Nov 9-12
Study leave during this exam session

13IB -Oct 26 – Nov 13
Study leave begins Thur Oct 22

NCEA -Nov 16 – Dec 9
Study leave
Year 13 last day is Nov 6
Yr 12 last day is Nov 10
Yr 11 last day is Nov12

Year 13 International Baccalaureate Examinations
These occur in PC building. A generic timetable can be found at https://www.ibo.org/contentassets/7f6c7681e0b34fc8b0541c1229c7521d/dp-cp-november-2020-exam-schedule-en.pdf.

Start times vary depending on the subject. They are generally between 8:30 and 9:30 for morning sessions and 12:30 and 1:30 for afternoon sessions. If circumstances prevent attendance by a student the matter should be brought to the attention of Ms Beth Rouse, the IB Coordinator, who will advise the way forward.

NCEA Examination information
Study at school: In addition to revision in lessons there are scheduled study classes during study leave.
At home: This article has a good overview of strategies that make for effective study https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/2018619304/study-smart-top-tips-for-exam-revision

Admission Slip
In early November students receive the slip of paper they need to enter the exam room and a copy of the candidate information booklet which describes requirements and gives advice. Students need to be familiar with the examination rules it describes. This booklet can also be found at https://www.nzqa.govt.nz/ncea/ncea-exams-and-portfolios/external/

The Exam and Room timetable
The timetable with room allocation is sent to students via email early in November. Students use the code number on their admission slip to identify which room to go to. Most exams are in the PC building.

This year access to the building will begin 20 minutes before the exam starts. Before then students can wait outside or if it's cold or wet, in the atrium or other classroom blocks.

Students with an exam clash will receive a letter explaining how that will be managed.

Serious unforeseen event prevents a student from attending the examination or an illness leads to underperformance
If this happens students can apply for any derived grades they have using an NZQA form that comes back to Mr Belcher before December 10th. This will be emailed to students or can be requested from the DP Assessment or Reporting, or downloaded from the NZQA website. (https://www.nzqa.govt.nz/providers-partners/assessment-and-moderation-of-standards/managing-national-assessment-in-schools/derived-grades)

The best wishes of our teaching staff go to all examination candidates and we look forward to sharing the joy of their success.

Grant Belcher

DP Assessment and Reporting