QCAA Ancient History exam-day guide
QCAA Ancient History · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Admission documentation and photo ID
Bring the identification and any admission slip your school or the supervising authority has issued. Exactly which documents are mandatory for external QCAA assessments is set by the QCAA and your school, so confirm the required list with your teacher or the provider well before the exam.
Confirmed exam timetable, room and start time
Double-check the session time, venue and reporting time on your school's official schedule rather than relying on memory or a friend's message. Arrive early enough to settle in; confirm the late-arrival and reporting-time rules with the provider.
Approved writing equipment
Pack several black or blue pens, pencils, an eraser and a sharpener. If you use a clear pencil case, check whether it is permitted. Confirm any equipment restrictions with the provider.
Permitted calculator (if applicable)
Ancient History papers generally do not require a calculator, but if your particular syllabus or school permits one, bring only an approved model. Confirm the permitted-device rules with the provider.
Clear water bottle with labels removed
A plain, transparent bottle is usually acceptable. Check the provider's rules on drinks and food in the exam room before the day.
No notes, phones or smart devices in the exam room
Leave phones, smart watches and any study notes outside the room or in the designated storage area. Unauthorised materials can lead to a breach of assessment rules, so confirm the exact device policy with the provider.
Prepared source-analysis approach
You will not be allowed to bring notes, so memorise a reliable routine for analysing unseen sources: identify the type and origin, state the content, consider purpose, audience and context, and evaluate usefulness and reliability.
A memorised bank of key terms and evidence
Revise names, dates, places and terms for each topic you have studied so you can cite specific evidence from memory. Aim for accurate, well-chosen evidence rather than a long list of vague facts.
A plan for essay and extended-response structure
Practise a quick planning routine: unpack the question, write a thesis or contention, order two or three arguments with evidence, and reserve time for a conclusion. Confirm the paper's structure and weighting with your teacher.
Watch or timing strategy
If a watch is permitted, bring a simple non-smart one and confirm with the provider. Otherwise plan to use the room clock; allocate time per section and leave minutes for checking.
Rest, food and transport plan
Eat a normal breakfast, sleep well the night before, and plan transport with a buffer for delays. Have a contact number for your school in case of an emergency.
Special provisions confirmed in advance
If you have approved adjustments such as extra time or a separate room, confirm the arrangements with your school before the exam. Do not assume they will be applied automatically.
Plan the day
Finish active revision rather than starting new content. Rework summaries of each topic, practise analysing unseen sources under time, and write at least one timed extended response. Check the official timetable, venue and equipment rules, and confirm any special provisions with your school.
Do a light review of key terms, dates and evidence, then stop early. Pack your bag with ID, pens, pencils and any approved items, lay out clothes, and plan your route and wake-up time. Avoid cramming new material late at night and prioritise sleep.
Eat breakfast, hydrate and arrive at the venue with time to spare. Avoid last-minute group discussions that can increase anxiety. Once seated, read the instructions and check the paper's structure, marks and suggested times before writing.
Read the whole paper or section requirements, note the marks per question and plan your time. For source questions, read the source carefully and identify its type, origin and context before writing.
Work through questions in a sensible order, keeping to your time allocation. Use specific evidence and explain how it supports your point. If a question stalls you, leave space and move on, then return if time allows.
Check that every question has been attempted and that essay responses have a clear line of argument and conclusion. Proofread for clarity and legible handwriting, and make sure your name and details are correct as instructed.
Rules to check
Follow all instructions from supervisors and the QCAA's assessment rules. If you are unsure about any rule, confirm with the provider or your school before the exam rather than guessing.
Bring and present the identification and admission documents required by the provider. The exact ID requirements for external assessments are set by the QCAA and your school, so verify them in advance.
Do not bring unauthorised materials, phones, smart watches or notes into the exam room. Confirm what counts as permitted equipment, including pencil cases and water bottles, with the provider.
Breaks and toilet access during the exam are managed by supervisors and may be limited or accompanied. Ask a supervisor if you need to leave the room, and confirm the specific arrangements with the provider.
Late arrival, absence and misadventure procedures are governed by QCAA and school policy. If something goes wrong, notify your school immediately and confirm the required process with the provider.
Marks are awarded for the quality of your response, including accurate use of evidence, source analysis and a sustained argument. Read the marks available and tailor the length and depth of each answer accordingly.
Academic integrity applies throughout. Do not communicate with other candidates during the exam or attempt to access unauthorised information, and report any concerns to a supervisor.
If you believe an exam condition or question is problematic, raise it with a supervisor or your school afterwards. Confirm the correct channel and deadline for any query with the provider.