1. Learning
  2. Senior School
Course Information

In the senior school, students select from a broad and balanced learning programme.

In selecting a programme of study students need to consider:

  • What their interests and abilities are.
  • Which subjects they enjoy the most.
  • The skills they have and would like to develop.
  • Their future career interests.
  • Any subject requirements (prerequisites) at the next level.

In planning course and choosing subjects, students needs to consider the following:

  • The prerequisites for entry into each subject.
  • The level at which the subject stops.
  • The number of credits generated by each subject.
  • Whether the subject offers Achievement Standards or Unit Standards.
  • Whether or not the subject is an approved subject (for University Entrance).
  • What subjects, grades, credits are needed for entry to the University/course they are interested in attending.
  • The total subject course cost eg. Art, Food Technology, Geography, History
  • That this subject equips them with the skills, knowledge and understanding they need to enter their chosen career path.
  • That they have the flexibility to change their course design if career goals change.
Year 12

Level 2: 

All students must select an English course, and are to choose five further options to complete their course of study.  The Pathways programme provides students with the opportunity to achieve Level 2 credits while preparing for the world of work.

Information for parents/caregivers: Year 11-13 Course Structure | NZQA  | School Point Course Selection

Year 13

Level 3: 

Students will be required to study six subjects (five options plus a study period).  Students may also work towards other National Qualifications as well as gaining work experience through the Gateway programme.  Students may select a scholarship subject during course selections and may apply for an independent study.

Information for parents/caregivers: Year 11-13 Course Structure | NZQA | SchoolPoint Course Selection

Senior Graduation

Although not all students complete Level 3 qualifications, those who complete Year 13 and demonstrate the attributes as defined by our school vision will be acknowledged for demonstrating the ability to be responsible, independent, confident, proud, well-balanced and motivated young adults.

They are acknowledged in our Senior Graduation ceremony as part of our academic prizegiving at the completion of their final year.

Alternative Course Structures and/or Timetable

Applications to study at a higher level will be considered. Students need to demonstrate independent learning abilities, self-management and academic capability. A long-term learning plan will be formulated and students will be asked to enter into a contract to maintain high achievement.

  • Flexible timetable arrangements may be negotiated.
  • Students in year 10 may choose to select Level 1 subjects if they consistently achieve well above curriculum expectations. 
  • Students may also apply for Kotui Ako (Online Learning Community) if they have a clash or a subject is not offered at our school. Preferably Y11-13 students. 
  • Year 13 students may enter one or more scholarship standards (Level 4) as well as their Level 3 standards. This assessment extends the best secondary students and enables the top scholars throughout the country to be identified and acknowledged. Students are expected to synthesise and integrate concepts, and to apply higher level thinking based on in-school and independent learning.
  • In Year 13 students may apply for the Youth Scholars Program to study first-year papers at Auckland University. 
  • If you want to change a subject please do this through a year-level dean.