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Aug 16, 20242 min read

3 ways to ease your NCEA exam anxiety. Advice from an NCEA expert.

Being someone who also struggles with anxiety, I have discovered that preparing for NCEA exams can help calm the mind.


6 reasons why NCEA students may experience anxiety when approaching NCEA exams:

  • They lack prior experience with NCEA exams

  • The format of NCEA exams differs from what they are accustomed to

  • Unexpected grades received in internal assessments

  • Pressure of passing the NCEA exam on the first attempt

  • Shorter time constraints for NCEA exams compared to internal assessments

  • Unclear topics or activities

  • Supervision by unfamiliar individuals during the NCEA exam process*

  • Assessment by unknown markers for the NCEA exam paper*

    *'Unfamiliar' and 'unknown' refers to someone not recognised as a teacher from their school


These factors can also contribute to a lack of motivation. So, how can students effectively alleviate their anxieties to perform their best in NCEA examinations?



3 simple steps to manage anxiety while preparing for NCEA exams:

  • Review the NCEA criteria

  • Practice with past exams

  • Receive encouragement 


Allow me to explore this topic further.



Tovah's Tutoring promotes NCEA students celebrating their goals
Celebrate the little and big steps you make towards accomplishing your NCEA goals

Recognise Accomplishments

It is important to recognise the strength it takes to navigate each day with anxiety and celebrate your accomplishments. At Tovah's Tutoring Company Ltd, our teachers provide support and encouragement to ease students' anxiety. We collaborate with students to build their confidence for NCEA exams at their own pace.


We value learning and celebrating our students' achievements.



Tovah's Tutoring supports anxious students
NZQA provides NCEA assessment and exam criteria for the public to view


Review the NCEA criteria

Our tutors assist anxious students by going through the NCEA criteria with them. The NZQA website provides detailed NCEA assessment and external exam criteria. Each criterion outlines the expected outcomes for Not Achieved, Achieved, Merit, and Excellence levels. Understanding specific NCEA exam criteria can enhance your comprehension of what markers seek and the skills you need to demonstrate in your NCEA exams.



Lastly,



Tovah's Tutoring encourages practising NCEA exam processes to get familiar with sitting NCEA exams
Make yourself familiar with NCEA exams and how they are structures. This will alleviate performance anxiety.


Practice with past exams

I always encourage my students to review an exam paper to familiarize themselves with the format. It makes the whole process less daunting when you can familiarise yourself with the process. We analyse the questions, discuss strategies for selecting the right ones, and practice effective answering techniques.

Repeated practice of this process can boost your confidence and comfort level during NCEA exams.


We are here to support you throughout your NCEA journey,


Tovah

Tovah's Tutoring Company Ltd ®



NCEA tutorials are currently available


Email


Phone

0274530411





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