Waitākere College
Students aged between 13 and 18 years of age are welcome to apply to attend our school; on arrival each student is interviewed and placed in a personalised course most suited to his/her needs.
English is compulsory for all International Students. On arrival each student is tested to verify the level of English currently understood. This ensures they are placed in the English course that best meets their needs.
This could be:
Other subjects chosen depend on the English class a student is placed in. Choice of subjects is outlined under SUBJECT CHOICES. It is possible for students to study different subjects at different levels at the same time.
These students study introductory English for half their programme. They also study Mathematics and two other subjects (with limited choice).
Some of these subjects may be at NCEA (National Certificate of Educational Achievement) level. When students have sufficient English language they are transferred to the next level.
Year 12: In the year 12 programme, students study English at Level 1. They also choose 4 other subjects at Level 1 or 2. They sit NCEA examinations in these subjects to gain entry to the next level.
Year 13: In the year 13 programme most students are preparing for the NCEA Level 2 English qualifications, which are required for entry into a university. In particular, these examinations test reading and writing, appropriate to academic study at secondary and tertiary levels. They also study up to 5 other subjects, usually from NCEA Levels 2 or 3.
Entrance into Tertiary Institutes: All 8 universities in New Zealand are equal. Different universities offer courses not available at other universities. Other good quality Tertiary options include Unitec, or Auckland University of Technology, with unique courses that are equivalent to any other university, but which may allow entry with fewer credits.
In order to apply to a Diploma course (generally 2 years), students studying in New Zealand must gain:
If University entrance qualification is not met while at school, a one year Foundation course is a good pathway to degrees.
In order to apply to a Bachelor course (3 or 4 years duration) in any university, students studying in New Zealand must gain:
University of Auckland requires students to gain a minimum of 17 credits in English at Level 2 or Level 3. Alternatively, students may gain 10 credits through our EAP Programme (English for Academic Prurposes). Those who do not meet the standard will need to include a specific English-rich course in their first year of university study.
Universities and their departments may have further requirements for entrance into their courses and there may be some variables.
Standards for International students are often higher than for New Zealand Resident Students.
NCEA (National Certificate of Educational Achievement) at Level 1 (Year 11), Level 2 (Year 12) and Level 3 (Year 13) is administered by NZQA (New Zealand Qualifications Authority). All students must pay a fee to sit these examinations in November. This should be included in fees for Year 11, 12 and 13 students.
42 Rathgar Rd
