NCEA puts students to the test

Kelston Boys' High students (from left) Sione Robertson, Vishesh Prasad and Francis Paongo. Photo / Greg Bowker

National exams kick off today with scholarship drama, with level 1 maths on Monday.

Secondary school students around the country will be putting their learning to the test from today, as NCEA exams kick off.

About 145,000 students will sit an exam this year, with the first being scholarship drama this morning. The first major exam is level 1 mathematics on Monday, which will test about 40,000 students.

But those feeling the strain might want to spare a thought for the kid who is preparing to sit a staggering 12 examinations.

Kelston Boys' High student Vishesh Prasad will sit five NCEA level 3 exams - biology, English, chemistry, calculus and physical education - and seven scholarship exams: English, statistics, physics, biology, calculus, chemistry and PE.

The 17-year-old, in Year 13, achieved his level 3 credentials last year and is hoping to achieve high scores in this year's externals in order to get a top placement at university.

"I'm hoping to do first-year biomedicine and then hopefully go into medicine after that. I want to be a neurosurgeon."

His mates, deputy head boy Sione Robertson and prefect Francis Paongo, both 18, are quick to point out that their mate is special.

"He's a potential dux," they say.

Asked what his big study secret was, Vishesh said he took meticulous notes throughout the year and then read over exam papers from previous years to understand what questions may come up.

"You've got to get a good night's sleep before the exam too, because pulling all-nighters is going to mess you up," he says seriously.

"And one hour before the exam - don't do anything."

Francis is hoping to do a conjoint degree in economics and law at the University of Auckland next year, while Sione is juggling between Auckland and Waikato to start a degree in PE and education.

All three say they had learned to study smartly over the years; by setting aside not only time for revision, but for fun as well.

"You've got to set your time well," Sione says.

"I always try to break it up into little chunks," Francis says.

"I do a little of one chapter for about 20 minutes and then take a break. Then after that I study again."

Things to remember

1. Your admission slip and student photo ID. You cannot enter and sit an exam without them.

2. A water bottle and two extra pens.

3. Turn your cellphone off and leave it in your school bag.

4. Read the question twice to make sure you understand what it's asking of you and ensure you answer all parts of the question.