Parents of high schoolers urged to ‘show them love’ as NCEA exams commence

More than 157,000 high school students are set to start their end-of-year exams tomorrow.

There are 127 NCEA and New Zealand Scholarship exam sessions taking place this year, concluding on December 4.

Students in Tokelau will also be sitting NCEA exams for the first time, alongside students in the Cook Islands and Niue.

“To every student sitting exams, we wish you well,” NZQA deputy chief executive of assessment Jann Marshall said.

“You have worked hard to get to this point, so give it your best and remember that these exams are the final step before a well-deserved summer break.”

Resources are available on the NZQA website to help students prepare, including a digital assessment checklist, practice assessments, study tips from fellow students and information about managing stress.

NZQA recommended students create and stick to a study plan, with 15-minute breaks after every 30 to 50 minutes of study.

“Exams can feel high-pressure, so it is important to look after yourself as well as preparing for your exams,” Marshall said.

“Take breaks, get outside or move your body, get enough rest and talk to someone you trust if you feel overwhelmed.”

Parents were urged to watch for signs their children were becoming overloaded and to “show them love”.

Students could reach out to their school if they needed support, or the following services if they need someone to talk to.

• Need to talk? 1737: Call or text 1737
• What’s Up: Call 0800 942 8787 (11am to 11pm) or webchat (11am to 10.30pm)
• Youthline: Call 0800 376 633 or text 234
• Samaritans Aotearoa: 0800 726 666 (available 24/7)
• The Lowdown: Free text 5626.

Kai Creighton is a journalism student at Waikato Institute of Technology.