Like many high-achieving schools in New Zealand, we do not offer Level 1 of the NCEA. Building on the strong foundation of the MYP programme in Years 9 and 10, our Year 11 Pathway is specifically designed to bridge the gap and prepare you for success in NCEA and beyond. You'll continue to develop the inquiry-based skills and global perspectives fostered in the MYP, while also beginning to specialise in subjects that align with your passions and future aspirations.

Our programme integrates the necessary content and assessment styles required for success in NCEA, ensuring you gain the knowledge and confidence required for internal assessments and external examinations. We also lay the groundwork for Scholarship preparation, introducing advanced concepts and critical thinking challenges that will extend and enrich your learning journey. 

The National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) is the main qualification for secondary school students in New Zealand.

It is recognised by employers and used by students as a stepping stone into employment, apprenticeships, and a wide range of further study options – from apprenticeships and trades training to degree-level study.

NCEA has three levels:

• Level 1 — not offered at Glendowie College
• Level 2 — usually in Year 12
• Level 3 — usually in Year 13

A student needs to achieve a total of 80 credits to attain an NCEA qualification at each level. Credits are gained towards an NCEA qualification if a student achieves a standard.

Each standard describes what a student needs to know, or what they must be able to achieve, in order to meet the standard. Some standards are internally assessed by teachers during the year, while others are assessed externally by NZQA at the end of the year (for example, in an exam or by a portfolio of work).

There are two types of standards that contribute to NCEA:

• Achievement Standards — these recognise learning from our National Curriculum subjects. Students can achieve these standards with grades of: Achieved with Excellence, Achieved with Merit, Achieved, Not Achieved.
• Unit Standards — these recognise learning in other areas (such as vocational learning and te ao Māori). These standards usually only offer Achieved or Not Achieved grades (ie, they are either pass or fail).

The New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) administers NCEA and has a range of resources, including videos, about NCEA and how it works:

• Understanding NCEA
• How NCEA works
• Using NCEA after leaving school