Education Minister wishes high school students the best for exams after the year interrupted by Covid

Education Minister Chris Hipkins has acknowledged the “unprecedented disruption” and extraordinary challenges faced by students this year before the NCEA and New Zealand scholarship examinations begin on Monday.

Approximately 140,000 high school students will take the exams, which will be delayed 10 days due to the impact of Covid-19 on learning this year.

“I want to congratulate the students for their hard work during a year of unprecedented interruptions, and I wish them all the best as they begin the exams,” said Hipkins.

“Student well-being is one of the government’s top priorities. I encourage students to stick to a study plan, remember to include breaks to exercise and relax, and talk to someone if the pressure is too much.

“This is an important time of year, and whānau have vital roles to play in supporting and encouraging students to do their best.”

Despite the impact of the virus outbreak, Hipkins said students would have a fair chance to achieve the NCEA and continue their studies or work.

He said that the government had taken a series of measures to support the students.

“There is additional support for Auckland students who faced a second lockdown and for those in other areas who were unable to attend school due to the resurgence of Covid-19 in August,” Hipkins said.

“Exams end on December 9, by which time around 140,000 students will have participated in 120 exam sessions from the NCEA and New Zealand Scholarships.

“About 35,000 students from nearly 300 schools are registered to take some of the NCEA exams online. This year, 58 online exams will be available at NCEA levels 1, 2 and 3.”

The minister said the increase of about 20,000 students enrolled for digital exams last year reflects growth in online teaching and learning, which had accelerated this year.

The results of the NCEA will be published in late January and the results of the New Zealand scholarships in February.