The New Zealand’s high school and middle school courses vary, especially in New Zealand's South island Public Schools, which can help you successfully plan for the future. You have many choices (not all classes are compulsory).
Focus on your comprehensive development
The courses in the New Zealand’s South Island Public School are designed to：
• Develop your strengths and interests flexibly
• Expand your skills in a wide range
Within each subject, we develop students' independent thinking and life skills, so that they can make not only progress in their study, but also develop their personal abilities.
Lay a solid foundation for the future
No matter which direction you choose after graduation, our high school and secondary school courses will provide you with a solid foundation.
Flexible and extensive curriculum that encourages you to:
• Think and reflect on your future
• Reveal your strengths and interests
The teaching methods our teachers use in the classroom include a variety of learning styles.
Time to make key decisions - grades 10 to 12
In many ways, grades 10 to 12 are the most important ones in the school curriculum. At this time, you need to take responsibility and make decisions about you and your future career. That's why we offer you many choices.
Available subjects
Each year you can choose from more than 40 courses to study the subjects you want.
In the Year 11, you can take a wide range of courses, which may include English, Mathematics, Science, and two or three other courses.
In the Year 12 and Year 13, you can choose subjects based on your future profession and career development.
If you need help or advice, career counselors, course consultants and international directors can help you find your way. You can also choose a school based on your interests.
A wide variety of courses and subjects offered within the New Zealand National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA)
The New Zealand National Certificate of Educational Achievements (NCEA) offers more than 90 subjects in nine major areas to study:
A comprehensive list of New Zealand’s public school courses and detailed information for each subject can be found in the New Zealand’s qualifications board website.
University preparatory program
Students with excellent grades can also participate in certain preparatory programs.
These courses are offered by universities and can help you enter the university.
Our teachers monitor the learning outcome through assessment. Both the New Zealand’s secondary and high school exams encourage students to pursue excellence, enthusiasm and discipline.
Not just tests and exams
Assessments are distributed throughout the year and are not limited to tests and exams.
We will prepare you for social adjustment, employment and lifelong learning. Therefore, our secondary or high school exams focus on the balanced development of students' knowledge and skills.
Learning method is the key
We hope to help you learn more effectively while you are studying abroad. Assessment is only a part of it. However, the best way is to encourage you to reflect on your learning methods and help you develop your thinking skills.
Follow-up regularly
Teachers will often give you constructive advice. Your international director will work closely with your teachers to help you make progress. They will communicate with you and your parents to ensure that all parties are aware of your progress while you study abroad. They will regularly keep track on your performance and overall progress.
New Zealand student assessment
- New Zealand National Certificate of Educational Achievement(NCEA)
The National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) is a comprehensive assessment of performance. The results will show what you should know and what you can accomplish after completing a module. The school will set up an assessment to check your progress.
There are two types of assessment in the NCEA:
1. Class or homework at school
2. Various types of exams: written, oral or electronic.
Recognized achievements
Students who achieve excellence at each level of the NCEA will receive a NCEA certificate of merit or NCEA certificate of excellence. Those who do well in individual subjects will also receive a merit or excellence award.
Good and excellent grades help students get into college and make a good impression on employers when they enter the job market.
Scholarship exam
Public schools of South island in New Zealand usually encourage the best students to take the final New Zealand scholarship exam. The textbooks are the same as for NCEA level 3, but the grade requirements are much higher.
The New Zealand Scholarship Exam requires students to demonstrate a high level of critical thinking skills in complex situations, and this exam is highly recognized in both New Zealand and internationally.