St Mary’s College is an school where academic achievement at the highest level is valued and the diversity of student ability is acknowledged and supported.
St Mary’s College is committed to:
- Supporting students academically, spiritually, physically and emotionally.
- Providing holistic courses of study that educate the students.
- Meeting National Curriculum goals and objectives and giving due recognition to New Zealand’s dual cultural heritage.
- Offering students a broad general education which will enable them to specialise later in the fields of their choice.
- Ensuring that courses of study at each level will allow every student to develop their talents.
- Putting in place personalised programmes that will assist individual students to achieve their potential.
Appropriate programmes for different age groups:
In Year 9 and 10 students are offered an exciting structured programme that prepares them for future choices of study in the senior school. Year 9 students follow the St Mary’s College curriculum of Religious Education, Tikanga, English, Mathematics, Physical Education, Science and Social Studies as well as a language choice. In addition, students sample Art, Music, Drama, Food & Nutrition, Design Technology, Digital Technology and STEAM (Science, Tech, Engineering, the Arts and Maths as inquiry learning).
From Year 11, students enter internally assessed standards and external examinations for NCEA (National Certificate of Educational Achievement). Our results in NCEA consistently track higher than national rates of achievement, and higher than schools of a similar socio-demographic.
Commitment to special character education:
All students in Years 9 to 13 have at least two and a half hours of Religious Studies in classes per week.
Our Pathways Programme/Ngā Rapuara:
The name Ngā Rapuara - searching the many pathways, tells us the purpose of this course in it’s very name. Our Pathways course endeavours to give learners the opportunity to develop their Career Management competencies. Through exploring their personal interests, skills and strengths, students can experience the world of employment and opportunities for further study first hand. Students can access workplace exposure and career exploration. Students will also have the opportunity to access tertiary based learning and industry based assessment through a variety of courses and learning opportunities.
Learning Support - supporting our students' progress:
St Mary’s College has an experienced and creative Learning Support Department. Our staff work alongside Subject and Mentor teachers to coordinate specialist learning for students. Please see more details on the Learning Support page of our website:
SMC Learning Support
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