The Derived Grade Examinations will be taking place this term in week 6 from Monday 21st August to Thursday 24th August. Friday the 25th of August will be normal timetabled classes.

All senior students who are entered for external examinations will be participating in the DGEs. Students who take classes with a practical component Art, Technology, Music and Drama will also have workshop sessions during this time. 

Trades academy will take place as usual on Thursday 24th and Friday 25th August. Senior student work place experience will be suspended during Derived Grade Exam week. During this week students are not expected to attend normal timetabled class, however they must turn up for their examinations and must be in full school uniform. Regardless of whether your child has an examination or workshop - attendance is compulsory, and rolls are taken during this week. Students are expected to be using their time, while not in exams/workshops, to study.

All schools across Aoteaora New Zealand have a week of derived grade examinations. It is an New Zealand Qualificaitons Authority requirement.

If your child is unable to sit an end of year external examination for any of the reasons listed below - then they will be eligible to apply for a derived grade. This is why ‘sitting’ the derived grade examinations, is so important.

Here are some reasons why a student might need to apply for a derived grade:

• Passing of family/whanau member
• Hospitalisation
• COVID
• National representation in a sport, academic or cultural event (during the examinations)
• Unwell on the day of the examination (requires a medical cerfiticate)

In preparation for these examinations you will need to check:

• which external examinations you are entered in
• that there is a Derived Grade Exam for each of the external examinations you are entered in
• for possible clashes on the Derived Grade Exam schedule and notify Mrs Reeves straight away (via email)
• make sure that you have a fully functioning and charged device for the derived Grade Exam

Studying for the Derived Grade Examinations:

• Create a study plan - starting today
• Read over any work completed in class
• Check if there are any study guides (https://studyit.govt.nz/)
• Get a study buddy
• Make sure that after school work commitments allow time for study (change your rostered work hours if needed)
• Talk with your teachers or Senior APL if you need further support

Attached to this email you can find a copy of the Examination timetable

If a student needs to make an application for a derived grade (during the end of year examinations) they must communicate with the Principals’ nominee - Ms Philippa Mallinson. You can find out more about this and NCEA on the school website. NCEA Information.

This information will be shared again during the remainder of the year; but it is important that students, family and whanau understand, now why the Derived Grade examinations during week 6 are so important.

Good luck
Mrs Adrienne Reeves
Deputy Principal
Westland High School