Hero photograph
NCEA
 

NCEA Update

Mrs B. Davidson, Deputy Principal —

Greetings at this most unusual and uncertain time.

We are working hard to make sure that all girls achieve success in NCEA this year.

On Monday we ran a workshop at our Classroom by the Sea with all of our Heads of Departments and Senior Leadership team, looking at where we are in the year and making plans for the rest of the year, including possible COVID level scenarios - which weren’t on the horizon on Monday! This meant that when the announcement was made to return to Alert Level 2 on Tuesday night, we were well-prepared for thinking about all contingencies. We are fortunate to have such an experienced and committed team of curriculum leaders and specialists and a whole level of supporting teachers in charge of subjects and assistant HODs alongside them.

Therefore the messages for students (and parents) are:

  • Attend the Student Learning Conferences on Thursday (20 August) as this is a vital time to take stock of where students are up to and what they need to do going forward. Should we move to a high alert level, these meetings would be virtual and still proceed.

  • Use diaries, phones, calendars and other tools to help plan ahead and be aware of all due dates.

  • Make sure your computer and charger are sorted and that your internet connection is sufficient for what you could need at a higher alert level. Contact Mr Richards if not.

  • Communicate with your teacher or HOD and let them know if you are struggling or need more help. There is an extensive tutorial programme, peer tutoring and wraparound help which we can access for you.

  • Visit our wonderful OGHS Careers webpage: OGHS Careers

  • Listen to great advice on studying here. 25 minutes but a great investment for your future.

  • Use the Edge portal and app to track progress.

  • Contact the counsellor or Heads of House if you need support - don’t wait if you are feeling like you are not coping.

  • Be confident - you are all amazing students and achieving NCEA is not rocket science! It’s actually a matter of turning up every day and doing the mahi.

  • Year 11 is foundational and so while we anticipate all students can achieve this, if you have had a less than top year, you still have two years to get this sorted.

  • Year 12 - go as well as you can as this is still an important year to achieve as much as you can - even if some of it has to happen online.

  • Year 13 - work out what you need and go for it! Be clear about what you need for your chosen pathway next year. See Mrs Flanagan in Careers if you need help with this.

  • Be aware of the changes/ updates to NCEA but do not rely on these changes to do well. Some courses and careers still require the normal NCEA prerequisites and Learner Recognition credits are only awarded in January to those who need them to pass each level.

Most of all, look after yourself and don’t put too much pressure on yourself as this will actually cause anxiety and impede success. Do little and often, eat and sleep well, exercise and get fresh air regularly. Be kind to each other and your family!