Many Taieri parents may feel they have little to offer when it comes to helping their children study for the upcoming NCEA or New Zealand Scholarship examinations.
But the New Zealand Qualifications Authority says parents can help more than they think.
There are several study principles everyone can follow to ensure pupils are working hard to achieve their full potential, NZQA divisional manager Kristine Kilkelly says.
''Parents and whanau want to help, but sometimes they think they don't know enough about the subject matter or think they've been out of school too long to be able to give valuable advice.
''But you don't need to be an NCEA expert to give support and guidance during exam season.''
Ms Kilkelly gave several study tips for parents, which would help their children through examination preparations.
The first tip - speak to teachers.
''Ask for guidance when you need it. Teachers know how NCEA works and understand it well.''
Providing a suitable study environment was also important, she said.
Pupils needed a quiet, organised and well-lit space to study for NCEA exams.
She said it was important pupils remained in a positive frame of mind and kept relaxed.
That could be achieved by balancing study time with free time.
In addition to studying, parents needed to make sure their child was sleeping well, taking regular breaks, eating well, getting fresh air, and staying in touch with their peers.
Ms Kilkelly said it was also important to double-check pupils' preparation.
''Make sure you and your child know how they are going to get to their exams, what the exam room rules are, and what pupils need to have with them.
''Remind them to bring their admission slips. Allow plenty of time to get to exams early and plan for what you might do if something unforeseen happens - for example, alternative transport plans in case of bus or train delays.''
It was also important to know the exam timetable, she said.
''Make sure you know what exams your child is sitting, and when, so that you can support them beforehand and talk to them afterwards about how the exam went.''
Ms Kilkelly said a free NCEA Guide App was available for parents, which provided quick and easy access to key information about the NCEA; and pupils could also look at a range of available apps, including the NCEA Student App which provided study and goal-setting advice options.
Taieri College deputy principal Mike Newell agreed parents could play a major roll in improving their children's exam results.
''Parent influence can have a big impact. It's being interested in what your kids are doing and making sure you encourage them to study.''
Up to 350 pupils at Taieri College will sit NCEA and scholarship exams, beginning with scholarship drama on November 6, and NCEA level 1 mathematics and level 2 English on November 9.
Exams finish on December 4.
Study tips
Top five study tips for parents
1) Talk to your child's teachers about NCEA and what is expected of them.
2) Provide a suitable study environment for your child.
3) Keep your children relaxed and in a positive frame of mind by balancing study time with free time.
4) Make sure your child is sleeping well, taking regular breaks, eating well, getting fresh air, and staying in touch with their peers.
5) Make sure you and your child know how they are going to get to their exams, what the exam room rules are, and what pupils need to have with them.
