Senior Course Handbook

= General Information =

This booklet will provide you with information about the courses available in the senior school.

To choose your courses you must:


 * Talk to your subject teachers, Careers Staff or Heads of Departments about what subject and level is best suited for you.
 * Keep your options open if you are unsure of career options.
 * Talk to the course tutor.

Ask yourself:


 * 1) Do I have the ability to study this subject?
 * 2) Do I need pre-requisites to study this subject?
 * 3) Do I enjoy this subject?
 * 4) Is this subject going to be useful to me?

All subjects will:


 * provide you with new skills and knowledge
 * increase your qualifications
 * give you the opportunity to use the skills you already have

Achievement and Unit Standards both count towards NCEA (National Certificates).

International Students MUST check with the Course Tutor or Careers Staff about entry to Tertiary Institutions in New Zealand if that is where they are planning to go.

Entry to Universities in New Zealand is under review and ALL students must check current regulations with Careers staff.

= Subject Choice and National Qualifications =

YEAR 11

NCEA Level 1: National Certificate of Educational Achievement


 * All Year 11 students do five subjects (6 only by invitation - to be advised).
 * Consult your teachers, Careers staff and Course Tutor for suggestions on your choice and level of subjects.
 * Classes will be set for English, Mathematics and Science - based on ability.
 * Several subjects offer alternative courses. Consult your subject teachers as to which courses are suitable for you.
 * 80 credits = NCEA Level 1 of which 10 must be numeracy and 10 must be literacy.
 * External and internal assessment will apply.
 * Unit Standards and Achievement Standards both apply to NCEA Level 1.
 * You will receive a Record of Learning from the Ministry of Education in March and ongoing notification of units passed.

YEAR 12

NCEA Level 2: National Certificate of Educational Achievement


 * All Year 12 students do five subjects (6 only by invitation - to be advised).
 * Pre-requisites may apply for entry to Level 2 courses.
 * Consult Subject Teachers, Careers staff and Course Tutor when deciding your course.
 * Both Unit Standards and Achievement Standards apply.
 * Courses may be full year or 1 semester.
 * Level 2 courses are often pre-requisites for Level 3 courses.
 * NCEA Level 2 = 80 credits: 20 Level 1 from NCEA Level 1 plus 60 Level 2.

YEAR 13

NCEA Level 3: National Certificate of Educational Achievement


 * All Year 13 students take five subjects
 * All Year 13 students may take subject courses from Level 1 to Level 3.

The requirements for gaining entry to University in 2012 are:


 * A minimum of 10 credits at Level 1 or higher in Mathematics or Pangarau
 * A Minimum 5 approved credits in reading at Level 2 or higher in English or Te Reo and
 * A minimum of 5 approved credits in writing at Level 2 or higher in English or Te Reo and
 * A minimum of 42 credits at NCEA L3 (or higher) = 14 credits at Level 3 or higher in each of 3 approved subjects (see page 72 for further clarification of tertiary study requirements).
 * Level 3 NCEA = 60 Level 3 credits

NB University Entrance and NCEA Level 3 are NOT the same qualification – See Ms Cashion, Senior Course Tutor for clarification.

= Curriculum Overview Guide =

Please Note:


 * Levels within a subject reflect the combinations of Achievement Standards and Unit Standards offered. See individual courses for specific details.