In recent Bulletins we have shared with you the changes happening in teaching and learning across the country and at Marlborough Girls’ College.

This Bulletin is full of examples of rich learning taking place both inside and outside the classroom here at MGC. Our teachers are working to design learning so that our ākonga know how to learn and thrive at school. 

We have recently celebrated our Year 9 and 10 students who have demonstrated excellence in what they are capable of - please see the 'Kairangi Awards' article here. 

From 2024, we will not offer NCEA Level 1 assessment as part of our Year 11 learning programme. We warmly invite you to an information evening on Tuesday 25 July (week 2 of next term), starting at 5:30pm in the school hall, and will welcome your questions at that event. 

There are three main reasons for not continuing with NCEA Level 1:

1. To reduce the significant impact on student wellbeing of high stakes assessment. 
2. The NCEA Level 1 qualification has little currency. It is not needed for NCEA Level 2     or 3, or entry to any tertiary course.
3. We want to spend more time on learning and less time on assessment in Year 11. Removing NCEA Level 1 assessment will add at least 6 weeks of teaching and learning time for Year 11 students.

NCEA Level 2 is to be the key qualification focus for all students up to the end of Year 12.

There are a growing number of other schools no longer offering NCEA Level 1. The schools we know are not offering NCEA Level 1 include Rangitoto College, Hobsonville Point Secondary School, Epsom Girls’ Grammar, Wellington Girls’ College, Wellington East Girls’ College, Westlake Girls’ College, Whangarei Girls’ College, Spotswood College, Hagley Community College, and St Cuthbert's College.

Our teachers are developing new Year 11 courses and are excited about the opportunities ahead. Students will choose six courses in Year 11, some of which may be for a semester, others for the whole year. Work is also underway to strengthen our Year 9 & 10 curriculum. Our courses will build the skills and knowledge students need to succeed in Year 12 and 13, and gain their Level 2 and 3 NCEA to progress on to future learning or the workplace.

We are committed to delivering our vision for rich, deep learning for everyone at MGC.

We are pleased to share with you some of the highlights from the last two weeks - enjoy reading about what our students have been up to!