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Sequestering guidelines

2-way clash

Issue

Management of clashes

Sequestering arrangements

Two examinations timetabled for the same session

Candidates must sit examinations at the published time in the following order of priority:

New Zealand Scholarship
Digital examinations
Examinations with technology eg, those with a listening, speaking or video recording component
The higher NZQF level examination.

Review candidate entries, they may be able to sit all standards for both subjects in the one session - no sequestering required.

Hold over lunchtime and hand over to ECM at start of afternoon examination.

3-way clash

Issue

Management of clashes

Sequestering arrangements

3 examination sessions timetabled on the same day

Manage external entries to reduce number of standards to be sat in one or all sessions.

For three or fewer standards, the candidate sits all standards relating to a single subject in one session; the second examination is sat at the scheduled time.

Candidates sit examinations at the published time in the following order of priority:

New Zealand Scholarship
Digital examinations
Examinations with technology eg, those with a listening, speaking or video recording component
The higher NZQF level examination.

Arrange examination times to fit between 7.00 am and 5.30 pm. Allow a break of 30 minutes between each session.

Where doing the exams in three sessions, start examinations early (7.00 am) and finish late (5.30 pm) with supervised morning and afternoon breaks. If combining morning and afternoon sessions, supervise lunch as for a two-way clash.

No overnight sequestering for NCEA.

3-way clash (including NZ Scholarship)

Issue

Management of clashes

Sequestering arrangements

NZ Scholarship/NCEA Level 3 clashes

Discuss the NZ Scholarship entry with the candidate and teacher (Some candidates in this position elect to concentrate on Level 3 and sit only two examinations). Check number of standards for each subject and decide if three 3-hour sessions are warranted.

Manage external entries to reduce number of standards to be sat in one or all sessions.

Arrange examination times to fit between 7.00 am and 5.30 pm. Allow a break of 30 minutes between each session.

For NZ Scholarship candidates for whom sitting three examinations in a single day would be problematic, seek approval from the School Relationship Manager to consider overnight sequestering. NZ Scholarship examinations will be completed in the correct examination session. Inform the candidate that agreement will be given only if the school Principal or their delegate is prepared to sequester the candidate at the candidate's expense.

Start examinations early (7.00 am) and finish late (5.30 pm) with supervised morning and afternoon breaks, if doing the exams in three sessions. If combining sessions, supervise lunch as for a two-way clash.

For overnight sequestering, MOU to be established and signed by all parties.

No sequestering is possible for NZ Scholarship and NCEA Level 2 or Level 1 clashes.

Sitting an examination at a time other than that published

Issue

Management of clashes

Sequestering arrangements

Candidate has sporting or cultural commitments on the examination day.

Discuss situation, priorities and options with the School Relationship Manager. Manage external entries to reduce number of standards to be sat in the session(s).

Inform the candidate that agreement for a start time outside of published times will be given only if a trained supervisor approved by NZQA can be found to supervise the candidate. This may be at the candidate's expense. If sitting an afternoon exam in the morning session, lunchtime sequestering will be required.

NB: These arrangement are not to accommodate candidates' personal arrangements.

For an early start, ensure the candidate remains sequestered until the first 45 minutes of the scheduled exam have elapsed.

For a late start, ensure the candidate is sequestered from the scheduled start time of the examination.

MOU to be established and signed by all parties.

Associated costs

When a candidate has elected to sit an examination at other than the published time, and NZQA has agreed, any actual and reasonable costs associated with supervision, including sequestering, may be charged.