The Director of the Advanced Learning Programme, Ms Noeline Ashby, reports on the best and brightest academic stars at HBHS.

Through a wide range of opportunities, both inside and outside the classroom, HBHS’s Advanced Learning Programme (ALP) students are supported to develop their special abilities and to achieve their potential. This year has seen our scholars continue to work to the best of their ability, experience success in different domains, participate in especially organised events, and contribute positively back to the school community.

We started the year by recognising and celebrating the achievement of our senior students in their 2021 NCEA, Cambridge IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) and Cambridge AS (Advanced Subsidiary) programmes. Academic Honours were presented to:

• 84 students who earned NCEA Level 1 endorsed with Excellence, or who had high levels of success in the Cambridge IGCSE Examinations.

• 82 students who earned NCEA Level 2 endorsed with Excellence, or who had high levels of success in the Cambridge AS Examinations.

Year 12 and 13 students of 2021 won 60 Scholarships in the New Zealand Scholarship examinations, with eight at Outstanding level. Special recognition goes to our Dux of 2021, Drishya Patel, for winning nine Scholarships. We view our ALP as a five-year programme that culminates in success in these examinations. Approximately three percent of all students studying each subject at NCEA Level 3 are awarded New Zealand Scholarship in the relevant subject. Sincere thanks go to all the teachers who have supported these students over their time at HBHS.

Earlier in the year we welcomed our Year 9 students and their families with an information evening. This provided an overview of the Advanced Learning Programme and what they could expect over the next five years. Staff and current students were available to answer questions and discuss the pathways in each curriculum area. The evening proved to be highly informative and successful.

This year significant changes were made to Year 10 ALP courses. The programmes for these two classes are designed to prepare students for the Cambridge IGCSE examinations in Year 11. Year 10 and Year 11 are considered a two-year programme in core subjects, culminating in the IGCSE examinations at the end of Year 11. IGCSE is taken in place of NCEA Level 1 courses in each relevant subject.

Our senior ALP students have been busy this year, studying for both Cambridge examinations and their NCEA qualifications. More than one hundred of our Year 13 students have been further challenged academically as they prepare to sit their New Zealand Scholarship examinations alongside their NCEA Level 3 examinations.

ALP students have accepted the challenge to enter for Waikato regional, national and international competitions. These competitions provide opportunities for both academic acceleration and enrichment. Thank you to teachers within faculties that encouraged students to enter and supported students to prepare. Year 13 students Hitesh Malhotra, Campbell Wood, Jack Broomfield, Hugo Barbour, Christian-Lee Pogai, Thomas Verry, Jackson Murphy and Cooper Wink participated in the Waikato Management School Leadership Academy. Participants explored the practices that individuals need in order to lead successfully in a range of contexts and also completed an online university paper on leadership.

The Academic Committee (admirably led by Levi Pruden) has been active throughout the year. The willingness of the eight members of this committee to give back to the school community in their final year was evidenced through the zeal and efficiency with which events were organised and actioned. The Committee also coordinated Year 12 Academic Honours students to assist with tutoring and the mentoring of other students on a weekly basis. Two very successful inter-school quiz nights, study workshops, and homework help in the library were organised, and support provided to the Multicultural Manaaki Centre. The committee led activities to highlight Gifted and Talented Week, Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori, and the annual General Knowledge quiz for the all-important House Competition. The school thanks all of these young men for the many hours they committed to the various academic service programmes. The time they have given has aided other students immeasurably.

To bring the year to a close, the Year 9 ALP Retreat was held at the University of Waikato. The theme for the day was “optimising our abilities” and involved a series of speakers and interactive workshops tailored for our most able academic boys. Year 9 ALP students also took part in “The Afternoon of the Notables.” In this activity, students researched the life and achievements of a notable person in history and presented this person to an audience of parents and peers. Congratulations to the Year 9 students for their enthusiastic participation in these activities.