“And I didn’t much like it when a few months after I started school a large Year 3 boy ambushed me on my way home and ordered me to drop my pants to clear up his confusion,” the text read.
A section of the 2025 NCEA Level 2 English exam has caused concern among students, parents and teachers. Photo / RNZ
A student and teacher spoken to by RNZ said the text made them feel uncomfortable.
One Year 12 student said they decided to pick a different option to write about because it did not feel appropriate.
One parent said it was particularly concerning that it might upset people in the exam who have a history of sexual abuse.
“For them to present this question in an exam setting, without knowing the triggers it raises in some children sitting that exam, it’s unbelievable. It’s throwing it in their faces, in one of the most stressful times they have in their schooling.
“Every kid I’ve asked so far has said they felt awkward so they skipped that one. Thinking of how many children skipped that question today, because they’ve been forced to pull their pants down, it absolutely breaks my heart.”
She said she understood you can’t protect children from everything, but NCEA should have done better than this.
“They’ve failed the kids on this one.”
Another was worried about what impact it might have on teenagers who were experiencing confusion around gender identity.
The prose is an excerpt from a memoir by Adam Dudding called My Father’s Island: A Memoir based on his father and their relationship.
NZQA, which administers the exams, has been approached for comment.
– RNZ