Thank you to all the parents and students who came along to talk to our staff about their options in Year 11 2024. We want to share with you some of the FAQs and the Facts.

Thank you to all the parents and students who came along to talk to our staff about their options in Year 11 2024.   We want to share with you some of the FAQs and the Facts.

Why is MGC changing the Year 11 courses?

• to reduce the stress on students by removing one year of "high stakes" assessment
• to spend more time on learning and less time on assessment
• removing level 1 assessment will add 6 weeks of learning time for Year 11s  
• to aid in strengthening literacy and numeracy.

Will students be prepared for NCEA Level 2 if they haven't done exams at Level 1?

The year 11 programme will include external assessments in Literacy and Numeracy, as well as a variety of assessments across all courses.  Some of these will be in a "test" or "exam" format.  

It's a big jump from Level 1 to Level 2.  Will students be ready to achieve at Level 2?

Teachers are planning Y11 courses at Level 6 and 7 of the Curriculum which will mean they are more than ready to succeed at Level 2 in Year 12.

How is the school getting ready for this change?

Teachers are working together every late start Thursday and during other staff meetings to plan new courses.  They are using a consistent and cohesive  planning framework to ensure the quality and expectations for teaching and learning are high.

How will I know if my child is achieving at the right level?

We will be planning a school wide assessment approach that will include regular sharing of progress with you.  We are looking into the best way to share this information.

Why doesn't MGC offer International Baccalaureate?

We believe that NCEA is a great qualification and provides flexibility and opportunities for pupils to excel.  New Zealand is the only country in the world with three years of high stakes assessment for qualification.  We believe that two years of assessment for NCEA is enough.

What about Literacy and Numeracy co-requisite?  What is it?

All students will sit an external assessment for Literacy and Numeracy in Year 11.  These will happen twice a year and students only need to pass this assessment once to gain 20 credits.  Literacy and Numeracy can be achieved at any time during Year 11, 12 and 13.

Students must achieve Literacy and Numeracy to gain their NCEA qualification.

Will my child be challenged sufficiently in her learning?  YES!

If you have further questions please contact the school and ask to talk with a member of the Senior Leadership Team.

(And just to clarify there is no kitty litter in the toilets despite all the rumours floating around most secondary schools in New Zealand!)