Testing time for students
Years 12–13 students are officially on study leave. Their NCEA examinations start on 10 November, and we wish the boys all the best as they finish the year well. Teachers are available during the class periods they would normally teach until the start of the examinations. Thereafter, teachers will continue to be available to help, but students must arrange a specific time to meet.
Before leaving, all Year 12 and 13 students had an exam briefing and were issued with their exam admissions slip.
Key points from the briefing:
- If boys have any issues, such as illness or emergencies, on the day of their exams, they must contact Dr Craig Aitken, as the Principal’s Nominee, immediately. He will advise the student on the correct course of action.
- Boys must take their exam slip for every exam (Scholarship exams also require photo ID).
- Boys must have their NZQA login to access digital examinations and results.
- Boys need to read the NZQA rules and regulations provided – and available on Schoolbox – should they be unsure about anything, or reach out to a supervisor or Dr Aitken.
- Any students with SAC conditions can this year check via their NZQA login which provisions they have selected for each examination.
In finishing well, it is important that students prepare as thoroughly as possible and strive to attempt the examinations they are entered for. There are often very valid reasons why a student may not attempt an exam paper, or what is commonly referred to as an SNA (Standard Not Attempted). For example, they may have experienced illness, changed schools or missed important content. In these situations, an SNA can be a sensible and entirely appropriate decision.
However, there are times when students choose not to attempt an exam simply because they believe they have enough credits, are protecting an endorsement, or are reluctant to risk not achieving. This raises some important questions about how we view assessment and learning.
One of the strengths of education is the opportunity to develop knowledge, skills and understanding beyond what is needed to achieve a qualification. Assessment should be seen as a way to demonstrate learning, rather than simply a hurdle to collect credits. When students focus too heavily on credit counting, there is a risk that they miss valuable opportunities to consolidate and demonstrate what they know.
There is also real value in taking risks with learning. Trying your best does not guarantee success, and sometimes we will fall short of our expectations. But having the courage to give something a go, even when the outcome is uncertain, is an important part of learning and personal growth.
There is also a practical consideration. Every year, some students discover on results day that they are short of credits because an exam did not go as expected. Sometimes the opportunities were there, but they chose not to take them.
Ultimately, we want our boys to value learning beyond the credits it brings, to embrace challenges and to recognise that sometimes the greatest learning comes from having a go.
Year 11 Prep exam dates
Year 11 Prep exams will be held from Wednesday 18 November–Wednesday 25 November. From the end of day on Tuesday 17 November, Year 11 students will be on ‘study leave’ for six days while completing their exams. Just as it is important for the Year 12 and 13 students to prepare for NCEA, it is equally so for the Year 11 students so they can see the results of a year of hard work and focus, and achieve the best outcomes. It is also indicative of their readiness to move into NCEA and the challenges of the courses they will begin next year.
The exam timetable will be available through Houses and also on Schoolbox. All exams will be held in the Old Gym, with the exception of students with special assessment conditions who will meet in the Chapman Room.
To complete the week, Thursday 26 November will be a RYDA Driver Safety Day.
Finally, students will receive feedback on their exam results and have the opportunity to ask questions on Friday 27 November.
Dates
- Tuesday 17 November – Year 11 study leave begins
- Wednesday 18 November–Wednesday 25 November – Year 11 Prep exams
- Thursday 26 November – RYDA Driver Safety Day
- Friday 27 November – Exam feedback
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