An open letter to New Zealand students - you are bigger than any exam!
Kia ora lovely students of New Zealand, Well, today marks the day that many of you will have experienced the first high stakes external exam of the 2018 NCEA exam season and whilst I do wish you all the best, I also want you to know that you are bigger than any NCEA exam. An exam is defined by the Collins Dictionary as a formal test that you take to show your knowledge or ability in a particular subject, or to obtain a qualification. I would rather focus on what an exam is not: It is not a measure of if you are bright. It is not a measure of your potential. It is not a measure of your worth, either now or in the future. It is not a measure of your ability to learn, unlearn and relearn. It is not a measure of your ability to communicate. It is not a measure of your ability to collaborate. It is not a measure of your ability to research. It is not a measure of your creativity. It is not a measure of your curiosity. It is not a measure of your willing