We are incredibly proud to highlight two of our high-achieving senior students, Junnie Hwang and Vitaraag Joshi, who have been accepted into the prestigious University of Auckland Young Scholars Programme for 2026.

This program is a unique opportunity for top-tier Level 3 students across New Zealand to challenge themselves by completing Stage One university courses while still finishing high school. It is designed to nurture academic talent and provide a genuine "head start" on tertiary education.

On Thursday, 26 February, Junnie attended the official Young Scholars orientation evening at the University of Auckland. Representing our school as the sole attendee from Waitākere College, Junnie had the chance to meet lecturers and fellow scholars from across the region.

"It was exciting to meet everyone and get a sense of what university life will be like," Junnie shared. "Being the only student from our school there made the experience feel both special and a little intimidating, but I'm ready for the challenge."

Advanced Mathematics

Both Junnie and Vitaraag have chosen to tackle Maths 199. This rigorous course will see them attending lectures every Tuesday evening from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm throughout the first semester.

Why the Young Scholars Programme Matters

The program offers more than just extra homework; it provides a bridge to the future:

• University Credits: Upon completion, students receive a Certificate of Proficiency.
• Fast-Track Entry: Successful scholars gain a "fast track" into degree programs related to their chosen field.
• Diverse Pathways: While our students are focused on Mathematics, the program introduces scholars to fields ranging from Computer Science and Chemistry to Politics and Engineering.

We wish Junnie and Vitaraag the very best as they balance their school commitments with this impressive academic pursuit. We look forward to hearing more about their university journey as the semester progresses!