Senior Curriculum


Learning
The Ngaruawahia High School Curriculum is guided by the New Zealand Curriculum (NZC) to create learning programmes that are relevant to your child’s needs. Our curriculum is underpinned by values derived from the NZC, which places emphasis on developing values, skills and knowledge that empower connected lifelong learners. Delivery of the Curriculum is founded the Key Competencies. These are the skills will need to live, learn, work, and contribute to our communities.

The Key Competencies
Thinking: Students who are skilled thinkers and problem solvers can make sense of information, experiences, and ideas. They ask questions, think about their own learning and how they solve problems, are keen to learn new things.

Using language, symbols, and texts: Students who are skilled at using language, symbols, and texts can understand and use words, number, images, movement, and technologies in a range of contexts. They are confident using electronic technologies to access and provide information and to communicate with others.

Managing Self: Students with self-motivation have a “can-do” attitude, and see themselves as capable learners. They make goals, plan, manage time, and set high standards. They know when to lead, when to follow, and when and how to act independently.

Relating to others: Students who relate well to others can interact with different kinds of people in a variety of contexts. They listen, identify different points of view, negotiate, and share ideas. They think about how their actions and words affect others.

Participating and Contributing: Students who participate and contribute are actively involved in communities. Communities include family, whanau, and school. They may be local, national or global. They have a capacity to contribute appropriately as a group member, to make connections with others, and to create opportunities for others in the group.


Qualifications
Year 11, 12 and 13
The National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) is the main qualification for all New Zealand senior secondary school students. This qualification is recognised nationally and internationally.  In Years 11,12 and 13, students are aiming to obtain sufficient credits to be awarded certificates at Levels 1, 2 and 3. NCEA has a core requirement for Literacy and Numeracy and future-focussed literacies which are emphasised across our curriculum. Students are able to gain NCEA from a 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 the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities. External assessments include written examinations and other assessments such as portfolio of students work.

What programmes are available?
At Ngaruawahia High School, we try wherever possible to cater for individual students.

At Year 11 we encourage students to take a wide range of subjects including English, Mathematics and Science. The idea is to keep future options as wide as possible for students. However, timetables are flexible and can be tailored to meet the needs, interests and strengths of individuals. If students have strengths in particular areas they will be given the opportunity to gain credits at a higher level.

At Year 12 a variety of pathways are available .These include the traditional academic pathway, Gateway for students who wish to combine school and workplace study and Trade-based certificates through outside providers.

At Year 13 students are able to choose University Entrance approved subjects to gain NCEA Level 3, or alternatively focus on gaining credits in areas of interest at different levels.  Ngaruawahia High School understands that education is not a “one size fits all” model. Our aim to proved flexible, engaging and meaningful programmes for all students.

Senior Curriculum


Senior Curriculum