St Margaret’s College continues to be one of New Zealand’s top schools. The 2020 NCEA and International Baccalaureate results illustrate our student and staff commitment to academic excellence and the extraordinary strength of our teaching and learning with pass rates of 99% and 100% respectively at Year 13.

Recent changes to NCEA Level 1 announced by the Government are at risk of weakening the qualification, diluting the academic offering and undermining the opportunity to prepare students well for their senior studies. In light of this, SMC undertook a review of the value of this course and what value it offers our girls in years to come. Our full academic team of teachers, Heads of Faculty and school leaders critically considered what will best prepare our students for Years 12 and 13, and beyond. From this process, we have developed the SMC Senior School Foundation Diploma which our Year 11's will be undertaking from 2022.

The SMC Foundation Diploma will prepare our girls for future success in either of our senior pathways - IB and NCEA Levels 2 and 3. It will maintain rigorous academic and assessment standards while developing modes of thinking and introducing concepts, knowledge and the skills required for success for girls stepping up from Year 11 to Years 12 and 13.

Full details on the proposed curriculum and assessment levels will be discussed with prospective 2022 Year 11 parents in Q&A sessions later this year.

We couldn’t be prouder of our girls’ academic achievements and we are committed to continuous improvement to develop high levels of achievement across our Senior School.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our Head of Senior School, Sian Evans sian.evans@stmargarets.school.nz