College NCEA exams about to start

The NCEA Level 1 English exam is always the largest examination. Photo/file

The countdown is on for senior college students who will be starting their NCEA exams in nine days.

New Zealand Qualifications Authority deputy chief executive Kristine Kilkelly said it was important students were well prepared.

"For the vast majority of students, doing well in examinations is key to achieving NCEA, so they should be focused on making sure they know their subject matter, when and where their examinations are, and what they need to do to achieve their goals."

The first examination is New Zealand Scholarship Drama on the morning of November 9. NCEA Level 1 English, the examination with the largest number of entries at 47,000 students, is on the morning of November 13.

This year, more than 5100 students are entered to sit their examinations digitally. Fifty-five schools are planning to participate in digital examinations, which are available in English, media studies and classical studies at NCEA Levels 1 and 2.

The authority's goal is to have NCEA examinations available online, where appropriate, by 2020.

Top study tips for students:

Have a place to study: You need a quiet, organised and well-lit space to study for your examinations. Set regular routines and study goals. Talk to your family or whānau if you need more quiet time, or a different place to prepare.

Revision: You need to know what is required to achieve each standard. Make sure you have up-to-date notes from classes. Practice - there are resource pages for all subjects on the NZQA website that include previous years' examination papers and past examples of student work.

Be prepared: Make sure you know where your examinations are, and when. You can view the examination timetable on your mobile phone or get it from the NZQA website. You should try to get to your examinations at least 20 minutes before they begin so you can relax and make last minute preparations.

Balance study with free time: It is important that you stay positive and relaxed. While study is important, you should take regular breaks, eat well, get fresh air, stay in touch with friends and study groups, and get plenty of sleep - especially the night before an examination.

NCEA and New Zealand Scholarship examinations run from November 9 through to December 1. More details are available on the NZQA website at www.nzqa.govt.nz.