National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) is recognised by universities and employers both nationally and internationally as an academic pathway designed to challenge and extend students of all abilities and in all learning areas.

There are three levels of NCEA which are usually attained by students in specific year levels, starting with Level 1 in Year 11, Level 2 in Year 12 and finishing with Level 3 in Year 13. University Entrance is also attained in Year 13 via an NCEA pathway.

Students are assessed by a combination of assignments which are internally marked to strict guidelines by the school’s teachers, and by portfolios and examinations which are externally marked. Each level can simply be Achieved, or endorsed with either Merit or Excellence which denotes a higher quality of work throughout the year.

In addition to the overall level endorsement, individual courses can also be endorsed with Merit or Excellence, acknowledging students who have performed exceptionally well in that subject. High-achieving students can elect to sit Scholarship exams, which provide recognition and monetary rewards for topperforming students in the country.

Students wishing to continue their studies at university in New Zealand must meet the minimum requirements for University Entrance (UE):

• NCEA Level 3
• Approved subjects: 14 credits in each of three approved subjects at Level 3
• Literacy requirement: 10 credits at Level 2 or above, made up of 5 credits in reading and 5 credits in writing
• Numeracy requirement: 10 credits at Level 1 or above, made up of achievement standards in a range of subjects; or all three numeracy unit standards 26623, 26626 and 26627

For more information on University Entrance, please see NZQA’s website www.nzqa.govt.nz/ncea

While we do not provide our students with an overall class ranking, our more able students who perform at Merit or Excellence level have the opportunity to be placed in extension classes in order to develop them to their full potential.

The 2024 NCEA External Examination Timetable can be found here.

Gateway is a government funded programme that provides broader educational opportunities and strengthens pathways for our senior students into further education and training or employment.

The programme aims to offer students between 5 to 20 days of work placement. The purpose is to provide actual workplace experience that will develop a clear understanding of the knowledge and skills required for future employment. While students complete a work placement, they have their learning assessed against unit standards on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF), which are integrated into their current programme of study. Gateway offers valuable learning opportunities and the chance to ‘test-drive’ a potential career/occupation.

Gateway work placements will usually take place in Terms 2 and 3 with a view to being completed by the end of Term 3.

Benefits to students

• Increased awareness and knowledge of a specific career pathway
• Learning industry based skills
• Improved communication skills through interaction with employers and employees

• Opportunity to network and gain contacts/mentors in their industry of interest
• The chance to work towards an industry qualification while still at school
• To be considered for Gateway, students need to demonstrate excellent communication and time management skills. They need to be motivated, reliable and possess a great attitude.
• Students are carefully screened before being admitted onto the programme.

Our Gateway programme is always looking for new employers and companies who are interested in providing students with work placements. If you are able to support our students in this way, we would really appreciate hearing from you.

Contact Kiri Wilson-Cudby, Gateway Coordinator on 489 4169 Ext. 208 or kwilson-cudby@westlakegirls.school.nz