To some, it may seem like an odd way to celebrate the end of NCEA exams, but for Logan Park High School pupil Harriet Love (15), it was perfectly natural.
The 2010 NCEA and scholarship examination season concluded around the country yesterday with music, Latin, Te Reo Rangatira, economics, science, French and agriculture and horticultural science.
Harriet emerged from the NCEA level 1 music exam hungry for chocolate cake and intent on a visit to the library to read some NCEA level 2 study booklets.
"I read a lot. But the good thing about exams finishing, is that I get to read and study what I want to read and study now."
While pupils around Otago were celebrating the end of exams, the work was just beginning for the team of 2020 markers around the country who will mark all the papers by Christmas.
So far, 338,235 examination papers have been marked, almost 20% of the NCEA and scholarship examination answer booklets and portfolios.
All NCEA results will be available in January, and for the first time, pupils will be able to access their results online several days before receiving them in the mail.
Scholarship results are due to be delivered in mid-February.
New Zealand Qualifications Authority deputy chief executive, qualifications, Bali Haque said he was pleased the examination season had run so smoothly this year.
"Every year, NZQA has worked to streamline the processes around the running of examinations and we are delighted that only a handful of minor issues have arisen," he said.
Elsewhere in Otago pupils were evidently relieved the exams were over.
Mt Aspiring College pupils felt shellshocked after their last NCEA exam yesterday and were keen for any kind of distraction, except a postmortem of their papers.
Several headed immediately to music practices for the school prizegivings, which were scheduled for last night and tomorrow night.
