"Parents and whanau [family] want to help, but sometimes worry they do not know enough about particular school subjects or that they have been out of the classroom too long to give valuable advice," she said.
"You do not need to be an expert in NCEA or the subjects your child is taking to be able to support them to achieve."
External assessment through examinations was a key element of NCEA and complements the internal assessment that takes place in schools throughout the year. Examinations were set at the same level as internally assessed standards.
The NZQA website at www.nzqa.govt.nz has more information and resources, including tips for students and rules for what students can and cannot take into their examinations.
NZQA's free NCEA Guide App for parents and whanau provides quick and easy access to key information about NCEA, including an online timetable of all examinations.
Results will be released mid-January 2018. The exact date will be announced when examinations are finished.
HOW YOU CAN HELP:
- Consult the experts: Teachers understand how NCEA works and know how your child is progressing. Many schools also have useful information on their website or parent portal.
- Provide a suitable study environment: Students need a quiet, organised and well-lit space to study for NCEA examinations.
- Balance study with free time: It is important that students remain in a positive frame of mind and stay relaxed. In addition to studying, encourage your child to get enough sleep, take regular breaks, eat well, get fresh air, and stay in touch with their peers.
- Prepare, prepare, prepare: Make sure you and your child know how they are going to get to their examinations, what the examination room rules are, and what they need to take with them (as well as what they cannot). Remind them to carry their admission slips. Ensure they allow plenty of time to get to their examinations early and plan for what they might do if something unforeseen happens - for example, alternative transport plans in case of bus or train delays.
- Know the examination timetable: NCEA examinations are national examinations so students do the same examination at the same time no matter where they live. Make sure you know what examinations your child is sitting, and when, so that you can support them beforehand and talk to them afterwards about how it went.
- Know where to go for information: If an event such as an earthquake occurs during the examination period, you will need to know whether or not your child's school or examination centre is open. Visit the school's website, or keep an eye out for text messages from your school. You can also check the NZQA website or the official NZQA pages on Facebook and Twitter for information about examinations.
END-OF-YEAR EXAMINATIONS:
When: November 9 to December 1
How many taking part:
- Just over 146,000 as October 15
- About 60,400 students - Level 1
- About 55,800 students - Level 2
- About 42,400 students - Level 3
- About 9,770 students - New Zealand Scholarship
How many exams: 119 exams held at 411 examination centres
