Exams going well despite maths blunder

Students around the country are currently sitting NCEA exams. Photo/File.

Despite hitting trouble with the NCEA Level One maths exam for a second year, principals around the region believe the exams are going well.

Hawke's Bay Secondary Principals' Association chairman and Taradale High School principal Stephen Hensman said he was familiar with the concerns with the level one maths exam and that they were in agreeance with what was being said in the media.

"It was too long if students attempted to do all three standards, the level of sophistication required to answer some questions was at a level two or three standard and there was an element of unnecessary repetition in the Geometry section."

"It is a surprise that the same subject area has had problems in the past and I would have thought more care would have been taken," Mr Hensman said.

He said their experience at Taradale High School confirmed the reservations felt around the country.

"We are content with the job NZQA has done except for Level One. Regarding the other subject exams thus far, the questions and the format were expected. Students were coming out feeling like they had experienced what they expected to."

"With exception to Level One maths, our teachers have been able to prepare the students well in terms of anticipating the style and content of the exam. The last thing students need is for questions which their teachers haven't had the opportunity to prepare for."

He said "students often struggle with confidence in maths" and something like this would impact their decision to continue on in the subject.

St John's College principal, Paul Melloy was also in agreeance and said the "exams were going well apart from one blip".

"Students found the mathematics exam, particularly the Geometry part difficult but that was standard across the country."

"We are very happy. They worked hard and are doing well. The reflection from the exams has been good."

Mr Melloy said it was "a bit baffling it had been repeated again".

"Exams are "tracking well" for Havelock North High School, except for the Level One Maths exam.

Principal, Greg Fenton said "our students found it as disastrous as students in most other schools in New Zealand."

"NZQA needs to evaluate the exams and what they are trying to assess with the students," he said.

Mr Fenton said he was no mathematician, "but the maths department unanimously agreed that the Geometry paper was way beyond what was expected."

He said otherwise, "most students found the other papers to be fair and were well-prepared for the exam."

"I am looking forward to good outcome come February."