Finding more ways to make education work, for every student

A new secondary tertiary pilot programme has been launched which sees secondary students enrolled in selected trades and design courses with Ara now able to study online with Open Polytechnic as part of their school timetable.

A new partnership between Ara Institute of Canterbury, the South Island’s largest vocational education provider, and Open Polytechnic, New Zealand’s leading online and distance learning provider, aims to create improved access and opportunities for secondary students to follow their preferred vocational pathway.

Under the partnership, a new secondary tertiary pilot programme has been launched which sees secondary students enrolled in selected trades and design courses with Ara now able to study online as part of their school timetable. Students attend the Ara campus for a day every three weeks as part of their studies.

Youth and Community Development Manager at Ara, Mark Simons says, “Secondary tertiary programmes can be the difference between a student staying in a supportive school environment and leaving school before they’re ready. Through the hands-on learning experiences provided at Ara students are prepared for higher-level study, or to move into an apprenticeship or employment.”

Simons adds, “Introducing programmes that can be completed in a blended delivery (online as well as face to face delivery) model allows more students access to participate and achieve, particularly where their location may hinder participation.” 

Ara has an established suite of successful Secondary Tertiary programmes which enables learners to earn NCEA credits, and get a feel for tertiary study, while remaining in school.

Simons says the blended delivery model of the pilot is a great example of institutes working together, under the unification of Te Pūkenga.

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