SAC newsletters

October 2022
SAC#8 -

Topics in this SAC update

· Where to check your student exam list

· Exam SACs for recent SAC applications, late entries, amendments to entitlements

· Principal’s Nominee Instructions for PDFs (Special Papers) for exams  

· Audio files for exams for Candidates needing to listen in Separate Accommodation

· E-learning module for training readers and writers

· Sensitive issues

Where to check your student exam list

The ‘Special Assessment Candidate Exam Timetables’ link can be found on your school’s NZQA SAC webpage, and on your school’s Key Indicators list under ‘Exams’.

This will enable to you to print out the SAC entitlements attached to exams for each student or to export to an Excel spreadsheet (select format 2).

If a student is sitting their exams at another exam centre, then their SAC entitlements will appear on the list for that exam centre rather than for their home school.

Exam SACs for recent SAC applications, late entries, amendments to entitlements

You may still attach SAC to exams and edit them. However, it is very important to discuss any new SAC and proposed changes with the ECM first, as rooms and supervisors/ assistants may need to be allocated.

When you have previously chosen SNR (SAC Not Required) click on Remove to remove the SAC Not Required, and the options become available again, or email the SAC mailbox and we will do it.

To request a change or an addition to an existing SAC entitlement, open the SAC application and send a note under the Notes & Messages section detailing the request. Any reports can be uploaded. Edit the SAC attached to the exams once approved.

Before saving, a pop up will appear and you will need to confirm that you have taken the steps listed before you can save.

Email sac@nzqa.govt.nz for help if you have difficulty or if you need any non-standard changes. Remember to provide the student’s name and NSN.

Principal's Nominees Instructions for PDFs (Special Papers) for exams

For SAC students with an entitlement for Special Papers, PNs will need to access the PDF for each standard and make copies for your candidates on the day of the exam or download it on to their device for enlargement, as appropriate.

APPENDIX 2 2022 PN Access to Exam PDFs (PDF, 242KB)

If your school is not an exam centre, liaise with the PN at your host exam centre who will access PDFs.   

Audio files for exams for Candidates Needing to Listen and in Isolated Separate Accommodation or Small Group Accommodation

ECMs (Exam Centre Managers) download and play audio files for language and music paper exams.

· Audio files are uploaded to the ECM Homepage, and passwords to open the files are emailed to ECMs the week before the exam. You should liaise closely with the ECM to ensure candidates are set up appropriately.

· ECMs will load the audio file onto a laptop or USB for each isolated accommodation candidate or Small Group room.

· Schools must provide a previously tested computer/laptop and external speaker for use in each room.

· Please remember that audio files contain secure exam content and must be treated accordingly.

For digital language exams the audio will be embedded in the online exam and headphones must be used (they don’t have to be wired).

E-learning module for training readers and writers

The Ministry of Education hosts the link to this helpful module. Search for SAC on www.education.govt.nz to locate the page where it is hosted. It takes about 30 minutes and will remember where you left off if you don’t have time for it all at once.

Sensitive issues

If a traumatic or other sensitive incident occurs that impacts on one or more of your students during the examination period, please contact your School Relationship Manager as soon as possible.