Year 11 - 13

Year 11-13 Curriculum

Entry into the senior school is a major step in your education. Please consider these points:

1. Your progression to higher levels will depend on your own academic success. Many senior subjects have a pre-requisite; you must get a certain grade or better if you are to study that subject next year.

 2. All senior programmes have assessments that contribute to completion of the National Certificate of Education Achievement (NCEA). It is really important that you understand (Detailed material on the below will be issued to you in each subject at the start of each year):

• What will be assessed (what work will be examined);
• How you will be assessed (internal, external or a mixture of both);
• When assessments will occur during the year;
• The rules/regulations for each qualification;
• The rules relating to attendance and missed work.

3. If you run into problems, talk to the subject teacher first. If they cannot help you, then speak to the Head of Department or Teacher in Charge of the subject. If you still need help see a Year Level Dean. The Deans of each year level are there to help you.

Choosing your subjects

Students who take English, Mathematics and Science have a wide range of occupations open to them. These subjects provide the foundation of communication and numeracy skills. English is compulsory in Year 11 and 12.  Mathematics is compulsory in Year 11.   Students who do not study Science to at least Year 11 level restrict their occupational choices and job opportunities, especially in the scientific and technical fields.

Students should choose most of their subjects according to what they like and what they are good at. Students may take a general education course and choose subjects such as History, Geography, a language, and Commerce and Technology. Some subjects may have direct career links, especially those such as Art and Technology. Early school leavers may find transition to work easier if their courses include such vocational elements.

• Students who cannot manage full Mathematics should include an alternative mathematics programme.
• Students who are strongly interested in scientific careers should take Science. Agriculture, Geography, and one or more technology subjects may also be desirable.
• For students interested in design, problem solving, product development and working with materials, considering Engineering, Design & Visual Communication (Graphics), Mechanical or Construction, Food & Nutrition.
• For students with an interest or ability in Business or Computing, there is a range of subjects such as Digital Technology, Mathematics, Accounting and Economics.
• Students with an interest in understanding or working with people may consider subjects such as Maori, a foreign language, History, and Geography.
• Students interested in working with plants, animals or the environment should consider taking Science, Mathematics, Outdoor Education or Agriculture
• Those wanting to use their creative talents may consider Music, Art History, Practical Art, Design Visual Communication (Graphics), Design Technology, Hospitality and Food & Nutrition.

Course Selection information

Information about NCEA, assessment procedures and course information is available in the Senior Course Selection Information Handbook.

Please click this link for the Senior Course Intention Form

Useful Links: NCEA on TKI:  http://ncea.tki.org.nz/  

A useful site for students who are studying for NCEA Maths, Science and English http://www.studyit.org.nz/      

NZQA site where general information about the NCEA can be accessed: http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/qualifications-standards/qualifications/ncea/