The College campus is a considerably quieter place this week with the NCEA examinations in full swing and juniors preparing for their end of year examinations. It is pleasing to receive generally positive feedback about the NCEA papers; with most of the students I have talked to feeling they have been well prepared in the lead up to these public examinations. Thank you to the many staff who have gone the extra mile to provide special revision classes and tutorials over the final term.
On Wednesday at the junior assembly, Mr Ryan briefed students about course requirements for 2016. Year 10 students are being encouraged to take courses rich in Literacy, Numeracy and Science credits. As the NCEA system has developed, these credits are no longer solely found in English, Mathematics and Science. It is important that as students build their courses, that they give careful consideration to keeping their options as open as possible. As an example, not taking a science course at Level 1 (Science or Agriculture) closes off a huge number of options or forces students to do catch-up courses in later years.
With this in mind, the Year 9 students heard that their core course will have all the essential learning areas of the national curriculum built into it, preparing students for any of the NCEA paths in Year 11. Students with a particular strength will be able to specialise in their particular interest while still keeping options open. This gives them the best of both worlds.
Exciting developments to be aware of are the call for members to join the Rocket Club run by Mr Haig and the Robotics Club being established by Dr Maret.
On Monday we farewelled the first of our international students as they return home for Christmas. Hikari and Clement took the opportunity at the international dinner to gave a final thank you present to Mrs Campbell. We wish these young men every blessing as they head to university.
Monday also bought the announcement of Holly Malcolm's selection for the Thai /NZ Language and Cultural Exchange Programme sponsored by the Royal Thai Embassy in Wellington. You can read more about the exchange in this week's blog and we wish Holly all the best as she prepares for this exciting opportunity.
Finally, caregiver’s of Year 9 and 10 students need to get their permission forms into the office for Y9 Activity Week or Y10 Camp and Retreat, or go to the permissions portal on the College website.
Hei konā mai i roto i ngā mihi
Paul Olsen, Principal
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