NCEA Student FAQ

Got some questions about NCEA?

Senior students need to understand St John’s College’s assessment policy and procedures as they navigate the NCEA years. This FAQ will clarify some of the most important aspects of the assessment policy for them to understand.

How does NCEA Work?

We've got a whole page on explaining how NCEA works here.

How can I check how many credits I have?

Log on to the Kamar portal with your network username/password - select NCEA Summary from the results page. You can view your qualifications and record of learning via the NZQA portal.

I've missed an assessment/deadline

You must complete the Missed Assessment form within 3 days of missing the deadline/as soon as you know you will miss a deadline (eg sport/school trip). Missing a deadline or absence from an assessment will result in no credit being awarded for that standard. If you have already been given an adequate opportunity to achieve the standard, a Not Achieved grade will be awarded. However, if circumstances causing lateness/absence have been discussed with the appropriate HOD, are deemed legitimate, and supported by a doctor’s certificate in the case of illness, the following outcomes may be possible: 

  • provide a specified time extension to submit work for assessment (e.g. an assignment)
  • schedule the assessment at another agreed time
  • provide a further assessment opportunity
I want a resubmission to improve my grade

The school may offer a resubmission opportunity to you when a minor error prevents you from reaching an ‘Achieved’ grade. It is the schools decision as to whether to offer a resubmission or not, not yours. You cannot use resubmissions to improve on a grade eg. Achieved to Merit or Merit to Excellence.

I don't agree with the grade I've been awarded

For all reconsiderations, you must complete an Assessment Appeals Form within a week of receiving the grade and hand the completed form to the appropriate Head of Faulty to process. If the matter remains unresolved with the Head of Faculty, the Curriculum Deputy Principal (Mr Tester) may be involved in the decision if required. 

What happens if I breach the rules of an assessment

Breaches of the rules include plagiarism, impersonation, false declarations of authenticity, cheating and all forms of collusion in tests and exams. All work submitted for assessment purposes must be your own work. Your teacher will complete an NCEA Assessment Breach of Rules Report, there is a section on it that you will need to complete. The relevant Head of Faculty will make the final decision on whether you receive a Not Achieved. You have the right to appeal.

How many chances do I get to attempt a standard?

As a general rule there will be one assessment opportunity for each internal standard unless stated otherwise.

What do I need to do to withdraw from a standard?

If you are enrolled in a course you are expected to sit all the standards in the course. In certain circumstances, some students might request to be entered in a reduced number of standards within a course. When withdrawals do occur, these are to be made in consultation with the student and Head of Faculty. For externals, any final withdrawals must occur before 1 September, and for internals, prior to 1 December. Please note - If you have already been given an adequate opportunity to achieve the standard, a Not Achieved grade will be awarded and no withdrawal can take place.