Mock exams could be the real thing for NCEA students

Mock exams could be do-or-die for NCEA students this year, if  their final exams are halted by a further lockdown.

If external exams are unable to proceed, the grades from their practice or mock exams, scheduled for mid-October, will stand.

Mock exams are based on past papers that replicate what students will encounter on the big day.

They are different from internal credits students may have gained during the year, that assess other parts of their learning.

Auckland teacher Laura Bakker said that while mock exams are typically a fallback for unforeseen medical events or bereavements, this year is different.

“The chance of a kid breaking their leg is quite small but the chance of another lockdown is quite big,” she said.

Emma Turner, a year 11 student at Lynfield College, is sitting NCEA for the first time this year.

She said that keeping motivation up has been difficult, especially in the second lockdown.

“During the first lockdown I was struggling a bit but then I got used to it and I kept doing it. Now I find myself being a bit more lazy during this time.”

Miss Turner said after teachers explained the concepts in science and mathematics, feeling motivated to practice in her own time was difficult.

She enjoyed subjects like art during lockdown, as being in her home environment promoted creativity.

“You can have your own little space and listen to music and have more time than you would in the classroom.”

Like all students around the country, Miss Turner will be returning to school on Monday to focus on preparation for the mock exams.

“They’re not too far away, I’m pretty nervous about it,” she said.

Final examinations for NCEA and New Zealand Scholarship have been delayed by 10 days and will take place from November 16 till December 9.