Course Information

There is no change to any of the senior course currently offered except we will only ask students to choose 6 subjects instead of the current 7.

Orewa College is highly unusual for historically offering 7 subjects. Schools generally offer 5 or 6 as standard.

We did originally expect our seven course timetable would allow students to pick up courses at different levels, such as studying music in advance of the year level, or conversely picking up a lower year level course when in senior school. This has not happened.

By studying 7 subjects, Orewa College students receive the equivalent of 6 weeks less teaching time on each subject when compared with schools offering fewer option lines

Offering 6 subjects removes pressure on time, staffing and resources, and offers your children the equivalent of 6 more weeks per year on each of their subjects. Offering 6 subjects has no impact on University Entrance for any course and the added teaching time, should increase depth and quality of learning.

Students with exceptional needs will be able to apply to do a seventh course through Harbournet, the virtual learning system we run for Auckland secondary schools. This will be by application and students would need to demonstrate Independent learning and high achievement.

In selecting a programme of study students need to consider:

• What are their interests and abilities?
• 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.

All students must take an English, Mathematics and Science course and are to choose three further options to complete their course of study.

For more information for parents/caregivers on NZQA please click here

Level 1 NCEA

To gain NCEA Level 1 students need 80 credits which includes 10 credits for Numeracy and 10 credits for literacy.

Year 11 Course information

Students will be required to study six subjects. English is compulsory, students will be placed in the appropriate English course by the Head of Department.

Students 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.

For more information for parents/caregivers on NZQA please click here

Year 12 Course information

Students will be required to study six subjects. Students may also work towards other National Qualifications as well as gaining work experience through the Gateway programme.

Students who are studying scholarship level subject(s) may apply for an independent study. To apply, students need to submit to Mrs McCarthny;

- Written endorsement from the HoD of the scholarship course they are studying
- Confirm that their records show a good record of self management and excellence level results
- Confirmation of an attendance rate of at least 90%

Students may enter one or more scholarship standards (Level 4) as well as their Level 3 standards. This assessement 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.

NCEA Level 3 Certificate

• 60 credits must be at Level 3 or higher.
• 20 credits can be from Level 2 or higher.
• Involves both internally assessed and externally assessed work.
• There is no literacy or numeracy requirement, but note the University Entrance Requirements.

Entry Requirements for NCEA Level 3 Courses

• Students may choose any course as long as they have met the entry prerequisites.
• Students who fail this entry requirement may be required to repeat the previous year’s courses.
• Students who fail entry criteria and want to apply for an exemption, must apply in writing to the HoD at course confirmation and may be placed on a contract.

For more information for parents/caregivers on NZQA please click here

Year 13 Course information

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.