Learning Pathways
Year 11 students at St Margaret's College are enrolled in our Foundation Diploma
Year 12 students have a choice between:
the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme – a two-year qualification
NCEA Level 2 and NCEA Level 3 (Year 13)
NCEA and IB are both recognised entry qualifications for universities around the globe.
Year 11
The subjects chosen at Year 11 have an important bearing on future studies and career. Some specialisation may occur, but in order to keep options as open as possible and also to extend students, it is the policy for students at St Margaret’s College to take six subjects in Year 11. All students in Year 11 take English, Mathematics and at least one Science.
As long as numbers selecting the courses make it viable, all Sciences will be taught, i.e. General Science, Biology, Physics and Chemistry. Students may only take two science subjects at Year 11. General Science is a good basic course from which to commence the study of Biology, but those wishing to take Chemistry and/or Physics in Year 12 are advised to take those subjects in Year 11.
Courses will only proceed subject to sufficient numbers and staffing being available.
Year 12
Year 12 students face what will be a stimulating and challenging year. Few students will have a clear and final commitment to a career path at this stage of their education. Consequently, it is important that they keep their career options open by choosing a broadly based group of subjects.
To assist them, the school offers a wide range of subjects at NCEA Level 2 as well as in the International Baccalaureate Programme. English is the only compulsory subject in Year 12 for NCEA students. We require all students to take six subjects. It is most important that the subjects chosen for Year 12 courses provide a sound basis for Year 13 courses and, in particular, lead on to the Level 3 NCEA qualification and University Entrance.
Students in the International Baccalaureate Programme will take the same six subjects in Year 13 as they do in Year 12.
Courses will only proceed subject to sufficient numbers and staffing being available.
Year 13
Year 13 is an important year both academically and in terms of social development. The girls are encouraged to take advantage of the many leadership and role-modelling opportunities provided within the school community and to show a sense of school service. The ability to be organised, resilient and self-responsible is paramount. Academically, it is a year that should be seen as an immediate preparation for university, study in a tertiary institution or employment. By the beginning of the year each girl should have some idea of her career path and some goals must be established to help her achieve this end. Her subject choices for the year are extremely important. There are no compulsory subjects, so each girl chooses five subjects from the list of those available. Selecting subjects that she enjoys and has success in are key priorities for subject selection.
Students who complete the first year of the IB Diploma are able to change to NCEA Level 3 if there are satisfactory reasons for the change. It is not possible to go from NCEA Level 2 to the final year of the IB Diploma in Year 13.
Parents and/or students should take the opportunity to discuss proposed courses with the Head of the Senior School, Ms Sian Evans, or the Deputy Head of Senior School, Ms Jacq Gilbert, if there are any questions or concerns that need to be answered.
Courses will only proceed subject to sufficient numbers and staffing being available.
Alternative Learning
Students whose needs are best met by an alternative learning programme, may substitute some courses provided by the school with others from outside providers. These courses are in two groups. The first provide unit standards, which contribute to Level Certification but not to UE. The second provide access to university courses under the STAR programme. Entry into alternative learning programme courses is negotiated individually with students and their parents/caregivers upon request. The request should be made to the Deputy Head of Senior School (Academic) in the first instance.
