Examiner defends tough maths test

The examiner who set a calculus exam for which a quarter of students scored zero has defended the test and says the low marks were expected.

The Qualifications Authority confirmed students needed only 18 per cent to pass last year's calculus Scholarship exam, and that 227 out of the 995 who sat the exam scored zero.

Earlier reports said the head of maths at a top school had taken more than five hours to complete the exam and teachers with honours degrees in mathematics had not managed to finish it.

Professor John Hattie - one of three experts enlisted by NZQA after widespread problems were experienced with results in 2004 - told the Dominion Post that he had spoken yesterday to the examiner, who was "perfectly happy" with the level of difficulty.

The examiner had predicted that few students would score highly and stood by the test, Professor Hattie said.

"I think it's too hard and would like to see it a little bit easier next year. But he is contesting it and saying yes, he got it right."

NZQA acting chief executive Karen Sewell acknowledged the exam was too hard and said the authority would work with the examiner for next year's exam. NZQA was forced to make widespread changes to the way scholarships were handed out last year after hundreds missed out following inconsistencies.

- NZPA