John Paul College Year 11 student Ashleigh Robinson is preparing to sit national examinations.
Ashleigh said knowing exams were so close was "nerve-racking" and she had been revising since the last school holidays.
"In the last school holidays I started getting the basics done such as typing out my notes so during study week I could colour code and summarise all the main points."
Ashleigh will be sitting examinations for social studies, business studies, English, mathematics, and general science.
She said using a study plan had helped her divide her study time evenly between each subject.
Ashleigh used techniques such as colour coding, repetition, and mock questions to prepare for each subject.
"I put quite a bit of pressure on myself to achieve but I know it will be worth all the hard work in the end.
"I already have enough credits to pass NCEA Level 1 but I really want to get a merit endorsement."
Rotorua Lakes High School Year 13 dean Kirsty Trevor said students were starting to feel the pressure.
"I've had a lot of stressed out students come through my door worried about not having enough time to prepare for the exams. We've been telling the students to make sure they utilise the revision resources given to them and contact their teachers through the school intranet if they have any questions."
Ms Trevor said teachers were reminding students they were not on holiday.
"Even though the seniors have officially finished, many of the subjects are holding lunchtime and after-school tutorials for revision."
A free NCEA Guide App is available for parents, whanau and employers while www.nzqa.govt.nz also offers past examination papers.
Top 5 study tips
• Choose a place to study: You need a quiet, organised and well-lit space to study for NCEA exams. Set regular routines and study goals. Talk to your parents 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. They include past exam papers and examples of student work.
• Balance study with free time: It is important that you keep positive and relaxed. Make sure in addition to study you 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 exam.
• Know the exam timetable: Make sure you know where your exams are, and when. An exam timetable can be downloaded and printed from the NZQA website. You should try to get to exams at least 20 minutes before they begin so you can relax, and make last minute preparations.
• Get prepared: Make sure you know when and where your exams are being held, how you are going to get to the exams, what the exam room rules are at your school, and what you are allowed to take into the exams.
