Qualifications Tau 11, 12 & 13The National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) is the main qualification for all senior secondary school students. In Years 11, 12 and 13, students are aiming to obtain sufficient credits to be awarded certificates at Levels 1, 2 and 3. Students are able to achieve NCEA from a wide range of studies, within and beyond the school curriculum.
How are students assessed?
In most subjects there is a mix of internal and external assessment using Achievement Standards and/or Unit Standards. A mix of internal and external assessments ensures that all students have an opportunity to demonstrate their abilities. External assessments include written examinations and other assessments such as portfolios of student work.
Year 11
It is important at this level to keep future options as wide open as possible and students at Year 11 are encouraged to take a broad range of subjects. All students take subjects, and these will be assessed against Achievement Standards or Unit Standards.
Year 12
All students take English and four other subjects from the Year 11 and 12 lists plus a study line. Students may apply to study six subjects based on a strong Level 1 performance.
Alternative Pathways
Gateway is a Year 12 and 13 programme offered to students wishing to combine school and workplace study. Students choose their careers and work towards gaining relevant qualifications. Students can study at all levels of NCEA using an individual programme. Students must take one line of Gateway.
Year 13
All Year 13 students will take five (occasionally six) subjects. There are no compulsory subjects at this level. Entry to Year 13 subjects is not automatic.
Students are normally required to first gain credits at Level 2 before continuing with a subject at Level 3.
Academic Focus
High performing students are encouraged to enter Scholarship and are given extra assistance in preparation for this exam.
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