NZQA urges parents to help students prepare for exams

With NCEA exams beginning in a few weeks, the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) is encourages parents to help their children prepare.

Divisional manager Kristine Kilkelly says approximately 145,000 students will be preparing for the end-of-year examinations.

"Parents and whānau want to help, but sometimes they think they don't know enough about the subject matter or think they've been out of school too long to be able to give valuable advice," Kilkelly says. "But you don't need to be an NCEA expert to give support and guidance during exam season.

"There are a number of standard study principles that everyone can follow to ensure students are working hard to achieve their full potential," she explains.

Top five study tips for parents:

Speak to teachers: your child's teachers know what is happening at school and how your child is progressing. Ask for guidance when you need it - teachers know how NCEA works and understand it well.

Provide a suitable study environment: students need a quiet, organised and well-lit space to study for NCEA exams.

Balance study with free time: it is important that students remain in a positiveof mind and keep relaxed. In addition to studying ensure your child is sleeping well, taking regular breaks, eating well, getting fresh air, and staying in touch with their peers.

Double check students' preparation: make sure you and your child know how they are going to get to their exams, what the exam room rules are, and what students need to have with them. Remind them to bring their admission slips.

Allow plenty of time to get to exams early and plan for what you might do if something unforeseen happens – for example, alternative transport plans in case of bus or train delays.

Know the exam timetable: NCEA exams are national exams so students do the same exam at the same time no matter where they live. Make sure you know what exams your child is sitting, and when, so that you can support them beforehand and talk to them afterwards about how the exam went.

Kilkelly says that the free 'NCEA Guide' App is available for parents and whānau and provides quick and easy access to key information about NCEA.

She says students should also look at the range of apps available to them - like the 'NCEA Student' App – that provide study and goal setting advice options.

The NZQA website also offers past examination papers and more study advice.

NCEA and New Zealand Scholarship exams run from Friday 6 November through to Friday 4 December.