Dear Parents,

We hope that this communication finds you well and that you are navigating what has certainly been a unique year as well as possible at this time.

Further to the communication that came out on Wednesday, note that after the government announced on Tuesday the following applies for KingsWay students as students gain 1 learning recognition credit per 4 achieved:

1. NCEA Level 1: 64 Credits, instead of 80. 10 Literacy and 10 Numeracy

2. NCEA Level 2: 68 Credits, 48 credits from Level 2, 20 Credits from L1

3. NCEA Level 3: 68 Credits, 48 credits from Level 3, 20 Credits from L2

4. Endorsements: Students will be awarded a certificate endorsement (M or E) if they achieve 44 credits at Merit or Excellence level, instead of 46. 

5. University Entrance: 3 University Entrance subjects with 12 credits or more (requirements have not been changed since the original government announcement for the first lock-down). Students will also need NCEA Level 3, as per usual.

Due to the fact that we did not put teaching and learning on hold, but instead adapted our programs and timing of assessments to suit the changing circumstances, overall, KingsWay students are in a strong position relatively speaking at this point. In fact, with the new announcement and additional learning recognition credits, some students may have passed Level 1, 2 or 3 NCEA already. However, as noted in yesterday’s communication, we continue to encourage students to complete every standard in every course. There are several reasons for this.

Education prepares students for further studies; while entry requirements to university and achievement of NCEA have become more accessible as a result of COVID-19 this year, the standards students will have to meet at university and NCEA in 2021 have not changed. Therefore, it is important that all students complete their courses completely so there are no gaps in knowledge that will impact subsequent studies. Moreover, students will potentially gain a competitive advantage if they achieve more than the minimum entry requirements during a COVID year; it will stand out to future employers, showing them that students are willing to work beyond minimum requirements.

Senior School Subject Selection for 2021:

A final reminder that Senior school options were due yesterday (Thursday 10th Sept). If you have not yet done this, please ensure that you complete it as soon as possible. This is because we build our 2021 timetable on the responses we receive from students. If students’ selections are delayed it has a flow-on effect for our planning and creates pressure for timetablers this year. Thank you in advance for your cooperation in this matter.

Year 13 Conference Day ‘Unleashed’

On Friday 25th September, the last day of Term 3, we aim to host our inaugural “Unleash” conference for our Year 13’s. The aim of this conference is to explore, on a theological and practical level, what it looks like to be ‘Unleashed’ into the world that awaits outside KingsWay. COVID-19 continues to be a challenge as we finalise details around this based upon safety parameters, however, we are excited to put on this event to serve and honour our Senior student leaders. We have a number of external speakers lined up to present on the following themes: finance, stress, self-image, decision making and what it means to serve God in the following years. We aim to anchor the day in worship featuring local church worship bands. Please uphold this day in your prayers for the Holy Spirit to bless these plans and move hearts and minds in our Year 13s.

Senior School Ball

Preparations are still underway for the Senior School Ball on Friday 25th September. However, the government announcement on Monday next week may have implications for it going ahead that will need to be considered at the time.

We are lifting up students in prayer at this time as they come to the end of Term 3 and are thinking ahead to exams next term.

Kindest Regards

Daniel Bennett
Head of Senior School