Year 10

All students study English,  Mathematics, Physical Education & Health, Science, and Social Studies.

A full course will be completed by choosing 2 subjects from the following options list:

TWO of the following option subjects:

Agriculture

• Agriculture

The Arts

• Art
• Performing Arts

Languages

• German
• Japanese
• Mandarin (with approval)
• Te Reo (distance learning with approval)

Technology

• Digital Technology
• Food Technology and Nutrition
• Textiles Technology

Notes:

1. If you are taking a language you need to be aware that these subjects require two years of study in order to enter Level One of the National Certificate of Educational Achievement in that particular area.
2. The School reserves the right to direct the student to the course that best suits their needs.
3. If a particular class is oversubscribed it will be at the discretion of the school as to who gains entry. This decision is usually based on previous performance.

Year 11

To achieve this qualification, students have to accumulate a total of 80 credits across all their subjects (there can be up to 24 credits from each subject).

Credits can be obtained through achievement and unit standards.

Some standards will be internally assessed (achieved through classwork tests, assignments and examinations), and the remaining standards will be externally assessed (achieved through national examinations at the end of the year).

NCEA certificates may be gained with Merit or Excellence endorsement.  To be eligible for this, a student must gain 50 credits at Merit for Merit endorsement, and 50 credits at Excellence for Excellence endorsement.  In addition, a student may also gain course endorsement.  To gain Excellence endorsement, a student must gain 14 credits from a course in Excellence; 3 of these standards must be internal credits and 3 must be external credits.  To gain Merit endorsement, a student must gain 14 credits from a course in Merit; 3 of these standards must be internal credits and 3 must be external credits.  Physical Education is exempt from these requirements as it is totally internally assessed.

During the year, staff will discuss with Year 10 students the range of courses available and the most appropriate choice.

In English, Mathematics and Science there are alternative courses available for students who find academic work difficult.  These courses will include sufficient achievement or unit standards to meet the literacy and numeracy requirements of Level 1 NCEA.  To gain NCEA Level 1, a student must gain credits that meet the literacy and numeracy requirements.  These credits can be obtained through a number of standards across a range of subjects.  These standards will be identified in subject information guides which are given to students at the beginning of Year 11.

All students are to select six subjects for NCEA.  English, Mathematics and Science are compulsory and three other subjects are selected.

English, Mathematics and Science are compulsory. According to ability and needs, a student will be directed into their most appropriate course.

• EITHER English OR English Alternative
• EITHER Mathematics OR Mathematics for Life
• EITHER Science OR Life Science.

Year 12

In Year 12, students at Waitaki Girls’ High School are usually working towards NCEA Level 2.  In order to gain a Level 2 Certificate students need to gain 60 Level 2 credits, having first completed their Level 1 Certificate. Some subjects may offer credits at other levels.  Students must make sure that their course provides the opportunity to meet the literacy requirements for University Entrance. It is also necessary to have a minimum of 10 Level 1 numeracy credits for University Entrance. Level 2 literacy credits: 5 in reading and 5 in writing.

NCEA certificates may be gained with Merit or Excellence endorsement.  To be eligible for this, a student must gain 50 credits at Merit or Excellence for Merit endorsement, and 50 credits at Excellence for an Excellence endorsement.

In addition, a student may also gain course endorsements.  To gain Excellence endorsement, a student must gain 14 credits from a course at Excellence; 3 of these standards must be internal credits and 3 must be external credits.  To gain Merit endorsement, a student must gain 14 credits from a course at Merit or Excellence; 3 of these standards must be internal credits and 3 must be external credits.  Physical Education is exempt from these requirements as it is totally internally assessed.

To be successful in some subjects it is preferred that the student took the subject at Level 1. Priority will be given to students who have demonstrated an understanding of the subject in Level 1. Evidence of this understanding will be an achievement of external and/or internal credits.

NB:  Most universities are restricting enrolments to many of their courses and are demanding higher levels of achievement for guaranteed entry than the minimum levels required by NCEA.  Please check the university websites for more information or see the Careers Advisor.  Credits at Merit and Excellence are important.

Gateway

The Gateway Programme is offered at Waitaki Girls’ High School.  Students for this programme apply to be involved.  Students study 5 subjects and undertake work placement and work-related study.  More information is available in the subject area of this booklet.

Dual Pathways

These courses are at Polytechnic. Students will be out of school for one or two days per week. Students on a two-day Dual Pathway course will have a fixed school timetable for their three days at school. Students will have the opportunity to gain at least 20 credits in the Pathway they choose. Students need to be committed to staying at school all year. Students must go to their course every week. There will be contracts between the Polytechnic, School, Student and Parents. To apply students must write a letter of application to Mrs. Hay, before 24 September.

NB:  Most universities are restricting enrolments to many of their courses and are demanding higher levels of passes for guaranteed entry than the minimum levels required by NCEA.  Please check the University websites for more information or see the Careers Advisor.  Credits at Merit and Excellence are important. Most tertiary scholarships are awarded on Level 2 results, wider school and community involvement.

Year 13

Year 13 is a year of additional freedom and also new and special demands on you. You are required to be more responsible for your motivation, time management and attainment as well as accepting responsibility for selecting a course appropriate to your proposed career.  In Year 13 you will take a course of five subjects plus one period per week of a POSED programme.  This gives four periods per week of study.

 Some important issues to consider when selecting your course:

• Be realistic – choose subjects at the level with which you can cope. This means your course may include a mix of Level One, Two and Three subjects.  Note carefully the prerequisites for the various subjects.
• Be aware of entry requirements for Universities and Polytechnics as outlined below.
• Please consult with the Careers Advisor or Year 13 Dean if you are unsure about your selected course of study.
• At this level, no subject is compulsory.
• Students are eligible to take a subject offered for the first time at Level 3 provided they have gained Level 2 NCEA.