Contact Us
Phone: +64 9 534 4492
General Enquiries:
Office Hours:
Monday to Friday, 8:00am - 3.45pm
Contact a Staff Member:
Contact Us
Phone: +64 9 534 4492
General Enquiries:
Office Hours:
Monday to Friday, 8:00am - 3.45pm
Contact a Staff Member:
Exams
Progressive Achievement Tests (PATs)
PATs are multiple-choice tests designed to help teachers determine students’ achievement levels in Mathematics and Reading Comprehension. The test results help teachers decide which teaching materials are needed and which methods or programmes are most suitable for their students. PATs identify the progress a student is making from year to year.
At Howick College, students will complete PAT tests at the start and end of Year 9 and Year 10 to help track their learning progress.
These are stand-alone tests in numeracy, reading, and writing that students must pass to be awarded NCEA at any level. They ensure all students have the literacy and numeracy skills required to successfully achieve NCEA. At Howick College, the majority of students will be offered and achieve the co-requisites in year 10.
Unlike NCEA external exams that assess subject knowledge and contribute credits, co-requisite exams assess foundational skills. Passing these is a requirement for receiving your NCEA certificate - even if you've earned enough credits.
You cannot be awarded NCEA Level 1, 2, or 3 without passing both literacy and numeracy co-requisites. These are essential prerequisites for certification.
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Offered twice yearly (May and September)
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Held at school and marked by NZQA
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Once passed, students don't retake them
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Students who don't pass the first time have two opportunities annually until they leave school
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Students who passed co-requisites under the previous system (pre-2024) don't need to retake them. Check your status in the NCEA section of the Portal.
Literacy and Numeracy Co-requisite Exams
Literacy and Numeracy
Co-requisite Exams
These are the official end-of-year exams set and marked by NZQA. Results from these exams contribute credits toward NCEA qualifications.
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NCEA Level 1
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NCEA Level 2
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NCEA Level 3
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University Entrance (completed as part of NCEA Level 3)
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All students must familiarize themselves with NZQA Rules and Instructions when sitting external examinations. Key requirements include:
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No mobile phones or smart devices
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Follow exam supervisor instructions
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Wear full school uniform when onsite
Violating exam rules can result in serious consequences, including disqualification or cancellation of results.
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NCEA External Exams
NCEA (National Certificate of Educational Achievement) is New Zealand's main secondary school qualification for Years 11-13, recognised internationally by top universities worldwide.
These are practice exams held during the school year that all senior students (Years 11-13) must sit. While they don't directly contribute credits to NCEA, they serve three purposes:
1. Backup Assessment (Derived Grade Applications)
If a student cannot sit their NCEA external exam due to legitimate reasons - such as serious illness, family bereavement, significant injury or trauma, or natural disaster - they can apply for a derived grade. The derived grade exam results form the basis of this application, providing NZQA with evidence of the student's ability.
2. Exam Preparation and Feedback
These exams help students:
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Experience formal exam conditions
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Receive feedback on their learning
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Identify areas to prioritise before final NCEA exams
3. Authenticity Verification
We use tools and procedures to ensure the work submitted is genuinely the student's own.-
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All senior students must sit derived grade exams
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Students must wear normal school uniform
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NZQA exam rules and conditions apply
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Some practical subjects offer workshops for project completion. If a workshop clashes with an exam, students must attend the exam. Alternative workshop arrangements will be made where possible. Individual subject teachers will communicate venue details.
Students or their whānau must apply for a derived grade within 14 days after the last affected exam by submitting a completed application to Ms Nelson, who will upload it to NZQA for consideration.
In natural disaster situations, derived grades are applied automatically - no application needed.
For questions about specific assessments, contact your child's subject teacher.
Derived Grade Exams
Scholarship Exams
New Zealand Scholarship is an award that recognises top secondary school students. At Howick College, top students in each subject are given the opportunity to take NZ Scholarship assessments to achieve this award.
Typically, students in Year 12 and 13 have the opportunity to enrol in NZ Scholarship assessments; however if students are ready, they can attempt Scholarship assessments in any year level. Scholarship assessments are designed to be challenging for the most able students in each subject.
Students who achieve NZ Scholarship receive a monetary award, and students who receive multiple NZ Scholarships may also be recognised through NZQA’s Top Scholar Award ceremony.
