NZQA Exams, Information and Organisation

Exam Admission Slips:

These will be distributed to students during October. Students must have their exam admission slip with them to enter an exam room. If a student loses or forgets their Admission Slip they can print a new copy from their NZQA login and get it signed by Mr Waterworth or another member of SLT or their Dean; or go to the main office to collect a copy.

When students receive their exam admission slip they need to check it very carefully, making sure it has all of their exam standards listed on it. Late entries won't be on it and late withdrawals will still show. They must communicate with Mr Waterworth if there are any problems.

Learner Information Sheet:

All students will be given and emailed a copy of the Learner Information Sheet. This is information, rules and instructions from NZQA. Students should read through this.

Exam Reporting Time and Procedure:

1. Morning exams start at 9:30am and afternoon exams start at 2:00pm.

2. Students should arrive at school 30 minutes prior to their exam starting time - 9:00am for a morning exam and 1:30pm for an afternoon exam.

3. Student's must have their Exam Admission Slip with them.

4. Students need to check the whiteboard outside the Science Block (to the left of the Science Block doors) to find out what room they are in and should be waiting outside the correct room by 9:10am (morning exam) or 1:40pm (afternoon exam).

5. Students who have Special Assessment Conditions need to meet outside the door of D25 by 9:10am (morning exam) or 1:40pm (afternoon exam).

6. If students arrive more than 30 minutes after the official start time they cannot be admitted to an exam room.

Digital Exams:

If a student is attempting an exam using the digital platform, they must have checked and confirmed that they are able to login to their NZQA learner profile prior to the day of the exam.

Uniform:

Students are allowed to wear mufti.

Exam Rules:

• Students must follow the instructions of any supervisor.

• Bags are not allowed at the exam desks - they can be left in the corridor or at the back of the exam room.

• Pens (blue and black only) and other stationary must be in a clear plastic bag.

• Only approved calculators are allowed - memories will be checked and cleared before the exam starts.

• Students are not allowed any paper or notes in any form at their desk.

• Students are not allowed to borrow any equipment off someone else or communicate with another candidate during the exam.

• Students are allowed an 'emergency pack' which is a clear plastic bag containing items such as a phone, keys, money etc. This must be in a clear plastic bag and stored under the the chair and must not be touched or opened during the exam.

Watches and phones:

• No watches (digital or analog) are allowed to be worn or be in a pocket etc.

• Phones must be in bags or the emergency pack and must be turned off. Students are not allowed to have a phone on their body including in a pocket even if it is turned off.

Food and Drink:

Drink bottles (water only) must be clear with no stickers etc.

Food is discouraged except for those with medical conditions that may require it - this is with approval only.

Students who are sitting one exam paper are not allowed to bring food into the exam room.

Students who are sitting two or three exam papers (or a scholarship paper) are allowed to bring a small amount of food ie. a few lollies, with the following restrictions:

• Small amounts only

• Must be able to be consumed silently

• Packed in a clear plastic bag

• Nothing hot

Derived Grades:

In some cases there may be a legitimate reason why a student can not sit an exam, or a situation where they may sit the exam but their performance is impaired for a particular reason.

Reasons may include acute illness at the time of the exam; significant conditions diagnosed or a traumatic event; a current and significant change to a long term illness; trauma; misadventure or exceptional circumstance.

In these situations a student may be able to apply for a derived grade. They will need to meet NZQA's criteria for the awarding of a derived grade.

Any student in this situation needs to contact Mr Waterworth as soon as possible, preferably before the exam.

If an application is for medical or trauma it must be supported by an independent registered professional. There is a form that needs to be completed by the professional - a medical certificate by itself isn't sufficient.

If an application is for an event or misadventure it must be supported with relevant documentary evidence.

If a derived grade is approved by NZQA it will come from an authentic school result for that standard - usually from school exams.

If there are any questions related to NZQA exams please make contact with Mr Waterworth - mwaterworth@trinity.school.nz