If you’re getting ready for NCEA Level 1 Maths and Statistics, one of the best things you can do is practise past papers. They’re like a sneak peek at the real exam – same style, same types of questions, and the same time pressure.
This guide will show you:
- Why past papers are so important
- What to expect in internal and external assessments
- Simple tips to get better marks in 2025
Why Past Papers Are a Game-Changer
- When you practise with past papers, you:
- Learn what kind of questions actually show up
- Get faster at solving problems under time pressure
- Spot your weak areas early
- Understand how maths is tested in real-life situations in New Zealand and the Pacific
Internal Assessment – AS 91945
This is the project-style part of Level 1 Maths, called:
Use mathematical methods to explore problems that relate to life in Aotearoa New Zealand or the Pacific.
In the NZQA example, a student designed a garden:
- Worked out the best shape for the biggest area
- Calculated how much soil was needed
- Adjusted for space taken by a water tank
- Compared timber prices with and without GST
What the grades mean:
- Achieved → You use the right maths methods and show your working.
- Merit → You link steps together logically (e.g., find the volume, then turn it into litres, then work out the cost).
- Excellence → You go deeper – thinking about assumptions, limitations, and making recommendations.
External Assessments – AS 91946 & 91947
These are the big end-of-year exams.
- AS 91946 – Number and algebra problems
- AS 91947 – Statistics problems
From past papers, here’s what often comes up:
- Algebra – Equations, simplifying expressions, solving word problems
- Geometry – Measurements, perimeters, areas, volumes
- Statistics – Reading graphs, interpreting data, making conclusions
Tip: In externals, you don’t just need the right answer – you also need to explain how you got it.
How to Use Past Papers Effectively
- Start slow – Use your notes and work through questions step-by-step.
- Go exam mode – Try a paper with no notes and a timer.
- Mark your work – Use NZQA’s marking schedules to see what you missed.
- Practise the hard stuff – Redo only the questions you got wrong until they’re easy.
Common Mistakes Students Make
- Forgetting units (m², litres, $, etc.)
- Rounding too soon and losing accuracy
- Not showing the link between steps
- Ignoring the real-life context of the question
Quick Tips for 2025
- Download both past papers and exemplars from NZQA website
- For internals, practise problems with a real-world context (like budgeting, building, or sports stats)
- For externals, do at least 3 past papers per standard before the exam
- Always double-check your working – sometimes a single step can cost you a whole grade
Bottom line:
Past papers are the most powerful revision tool for NCEA Level 1 Maths. Use them smartly, practise regularly, and you’ll walk into your exams feeling confident – and ready to get the best marks possible.