Get Ready for School Exams!
By Richard Harvey | Posted: Wednesday September 3, 2025
School exams are just around the corner, running from September 10th to 19th.
These exams are a crucial step in preparing for the final NCEA examinations in November. They're designed to give you a feel for the real thing, helping you practise time management and get familiar with the exam format.
Attending Exams
For most courses, external exams are an expectation of the course. Opting to not attend exams, or not complete papers, may put awards such as Centurion status at risk and may result in a student being called back to school on the last Friday of term to complete the exam in the make-up slot. We always encourage our students to try their best and they should aim for recognition of the learning they have completed throughout the year. Teachers will have given guidance on how many external papers students are expected to complete in their subject.
Key Information and Reminders
Timetable: The full exam timetable is available [here]. Students will be sent the rooming information on Monday next week. If you notice a clash, you must email or see Mr Harvey in Room 217 to arrange an alternative time. Students are expected to arrive at the exam room 15 minutes before the start time. If a student is sick on the day it is important to let the school office attendance email ([email protected]) know as early as possible. We will be calling home on all absent students from exams.
Phones should be switched off and in bags, which can be left in the library. Alternatively, they can be placed in a plastic bag under the chair in the exam room.
Internal Assessments: Art, Metal, Wood, and DVC students have dedicated slots to work on internal assessments. Morning sessions are from 8:45 AM to 11:30 AM, and afternoon sessions run from 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM. Check the class lists linked to each session to find your allocated time.
All expectations around exam conduct will be shared with the boys by Mr Zani in the Week 9 senior assembly.
Why These Exams Matter
These exams are your chance to get a comprehensive understanding of the NCEA exam format and the types of questions you can expect. This experience will help you identify areas where you need to focus your revision, clarify any doubts, and refine your exam-taking strategies.
They are also incredibly important for derived grades. If you miss a final NCEA exam for an approved reason (like illness or bereavement), your school exam results can be used to apply for a derived grade. Without a school exam grade, an application cannot be made.
Important Points to Note
Preparation: Treat these exams as seriously as you would the final NCEA exams. The more effort you put in now, the more accurate an assessment you'll get of your progress.
Feedback: You'll receive detailed feedback to help you understand your performance. Use this feedback to strengthen your weaker areas.
Attendance: Participation is compulsory. If you are ill and cannot attend an exam, you need to inform the school on the morning of the exam.
Queries: If you have any questions, please reach out to your subject teacher.
Resources to Help You Succeed
To help you prepare, check out the OBHS Study Guide
We wish you all the best in your studies! Your hard work and dedication will definitely pay off!
