NCEA Guide
Onewhero Area School offers a wide range of senior courses across all year levels. A significant amount of professional discussion and consultation goes into designing subjects and their coursework, ensuring students have the best opportunity to achieve NCEA Levels 1 to 3.
The decisions you make about future courses should not be taken lightly. Take time to read through the information on this site about selecting courses, pathways, and further study options. Choices made now can influence opportunities in future years.
We strongly recommend discussing your decisions with your parents, Whānau teacher, the Careers Advisor (Mrs Pam McArley), the Senior Leader for Curriculum (Mrs Ritchie), and the timetable advisor (Mrs Cochrane).
Please note that standards listed for some courses may be subject to change. Parents and students will be advised if changes occur.
For in-depth discussion of course prerequisites, content, pathways, and 2026 semester course descriptions, visit: OAS Senior Courses Guide.
If you need more information, please contact the teacher in charge of the course.
Once you have thoroughly investigated and confirmed your choices, go to the OAS Kamar portal to register.
For information about NCEA and how it works, view the Introduction to NCEA for Parents – 2026.
Level 1-3: Selecting Your Subjects for Next Year
The information in this guide is designed to help students choose subjects for next year carefully. The subjects selected are crucial for the future, so it is important that students choose the right pathway. The further students go in the Senior School, the more difficult it becomes to change their direction. That is why the very best advice is to keep as broad a range of subjects for as long as possible. Keep in mind the following:
It is important to have a healthy interest level in the subjects you are choosing.
- Some subjects can lead to a career path, but some may provide a base for a lifelong interest or hobby.
- The skills that you may learn through a subject can be just as important as the knowledge content.
- Some tertiary providers & job training courses do require you to have taken certain subjects.
- Some tertiary providers & job training courses see more importance in doing a broad range of subjects.
- It can be helpful to research different options & what they would require.
- Be realistic! Keep in mind your level of achievement, your ability, & your interest in certain subjects
Guidelines
Before you select it would be a good idea to complete the following statements:
- When I leave school I would like to leave with NCEA Level ………….
- When I leave school I would like to become a …………………….
- I am not sure of what I want to do post-schooling, but I have considered ……………..
- I would like to go to University to study …………………
- I may need University Entrance approved subjects, which are ……………………….
- I really enjoy the subjects of ………………………….
- I have achieved success in the following subjects at school …………………
- I have the pre-requisites needed for the following subjects ………………
- Where could this subject lead to in the future ………………………
- I have discussed my options with my parent/guardian/Careers Advisor and ………….
- In choosing these courses the minimum number of possible credits on offer would be ….
- Are my subjects Unit Standard based, Achievement Standard based, or a mixture ……
- Do my courses meet the entry requirements of the tertiary course/apprenticeship etc…..
Requirements for Level 1 NCEA
Students studying towards Level 1 NCEA should select a course in each of these Learning Areas: English or Literacy and Mathematics or Numeracy. They can then select four other courses.
Level 1 students must ensure they select courses at an appropriate level of difficulty:
- All Level 1 courses are assessed by Achievement and/or Unit Standards and earn credits towards NCEA Level 1 and, in some cases, another National Certificate. To achieve NCEA Level 1, students need 60 credits.
- Achievement Standard courses are more academic focused & follow on to further tertiary study.
- Unit Standard courses are more vocational focused & follow on to Certificate/Diploma study, Apprenticeships & entering the work-force.
- Students must also gain an additional 20 credits – 10 literacy and 10 numeracy credits.
Literacy and Numeracy Requirements for NCEA Level 1
These can be gained through either:
- Common Assessment Activities in Numeracy and Literacy (Literacy standards; Reading 32403, Writing 32045 and Numeracy standard 32406)
- Achievement Standards – Specified Achievement Standards available through a range of subjects (minimum total of 10 credits), or
- Unit Standards – package of three Literacy/Numeracy Unit Standards (total of 10 credits – all three required).
Note: A student cannot mix and match between the two options to gain Literacy or Numeracy.
For further information visit this site
Requirements for Level 2 NCEA
There are no compulsory subjects, however read below for those intending to keep the University pathway open. They must choose 6 options.
Level 2 students must ensure they select courses at an appropriate level of difficulty:
- Most Level 2 students will study courses that are assessed by Achievement and/or Unit Standards and earn credits towards NCEA Level 2 and, in some cases, another National Certificate.
- To gain NCEA Level 2, students need 60 credits, which must be at Level 2 or higher.
- Level 2 Literacy will also need to be gained to achieve University Entrance. This is 10 credits (5 in reading & 5 in writing) gained through Level 2 English, or through mostly Level 3 Achievement Standards, from other courses.
- Level 2 students who intend going to University are advised to take at least five courses listed as University Entrance approved subjects.
- In addition, many tertiary courses have specific requirements to meet, often as detailed as a certain amount of credits from a particular subject. It is important that students research University course requirements early, so that they choose the correct subject pathways.
Requirements for Level 3 NCEA
Level 3 students can choose up to six full year courses. There is the possibility of being given a line of ‘study’ but this is at the discretion of the DP. It will depend upon what other subject’s students are taking. Please see Mrs Ritchie if you think you may be eligible for a study line.
Level 3 students must ensure they select courses at an appropriate level of difficulty:
- Level 3 students will study courses that are assessed by Achievement and/or Unit Standards and earn credits towards NCEA Level 3 and, in some cases, another National Certificate.
- To gain NCEA Level 3, students need 60 credits at Level 3.
- Level 2 Literacy will also need to be gained to achieve University Entrance. This is 10 credits (5 in reading & 5 in writing) gained through Level 2 English, or through mostly Level 3 Achievement Standards from other courses.
- Level 3 students who intend going to University are advised to take at least five courses listed as University Entrance approved subjects.
- In addition, many tertiary courses have specific requirements to meet, often as detailed as a certain amount of credits from a particular subject. It is important that students research University course requirements.
NCEA is free for New Zealand residents.
Qualifications Offered at OAS
The National Certificate of Educational Achievement – NCEA
NCEA Levels 1 – 3
For a student to be awarded NCEA Level 1:
They must achieve 60 credits plus an additional 20 numeracy and literacy credits.
For a student to be awarded NCEA Level 2:
They must achieve:
- 60 credits at Level 2 or above
For a student to be awarded NCEA Level 3:
They must achieve:
- 60 credits at Level 3 or above
Note: Credits can be mixed from both Unit and Achievement Standards to achieve a qualification.
Vocational Pathway Awards
The main industry sectors and the learning associated with these sectors have been categorised into six broad Vocational Pathways.
To achieve a Vocational Pathways Award, students must first gain NCEA Level 2, which is 60 credits from Level 2 and 20 credits from any other level – 80 credits in total. 10 of these credits must satisfy literacy requirements, and 10 must satisfy numeracy requirements.
To gain a Vocational Pathways Award, a minimum of 20 Level 2 credits must be from sector-related standards, with the remaining from recommended standards, to make up a total of 60 pathway credits.
The Vocational Pathways Award(s) will show on a student’s NZQA Record of Achievement. This is a real advantage when young people look for work and training opportunities in a sector highlighted in their award.
For more information – youthguarantee.net.nz/vocational-pathways
Achievement Standards
In many subjects, students are assessed through Achievement Standards, which identify the national standards students must achieve. Some are internally assessed during the year and others are assessed by external examination at the end of the year.
There are four possible grades: Not Achieved, Achieved, Merit, or Excellence. Each Achievement Standard is typically worth 2–5 credits.
Unit Standards
Subjects that do not have Achievement Standards are assessed through Unit Standards. These subjects generally have strong links with trade and industry.
Grades awarded are either Not Achieved or Achieved. Unit Standards are internally assessed and contribute credits toward NCEA.
NQF/NCEA Results
NZQA posts results on its website – www.nzqa.govt.nz.
From July each year, students can log in using their NSN to view results. In January, externally assessed results are released along with the full Record of Achievement.
- The standards entered
- The credit value
- Internal or external assessment
- The grade achieved
- Total credits gained
Note: Students must be registered with NZQA and have paid fees to access results.
Certificate Endorsement
If 50 credits at Excellence are gained, the certificate is endorsed with Excellence.
If 50 credits at Merit (or higher) are gained, the certificate is endorsed with Merit.
Course Endorsement
Students gain course endorsement if, in a single year, they achieve:
- 14 or more credits at Merit or Excellence
- At least 3 external credits and 3 internal credits
Note: This does not apply to some subjects like Physical Education or Visual Arts.
Not Achieved Results
If students do not achieve internal assessments, this will be reported on their annual Result Notices.
Record of Achievement
NZQA provides a Record of Achievement listing all standards, levels, credits, and certificates gained.
Scholarship
Some Level 3 subjects include Scholarship standards. These are externally assessed and recognise top-performing students.
University Entrance Requirements
Here is the minimum you need to achieve in NCEA to qualify for University Entrance. Students must meet all of the following:
- NCEA Level 3 (60 credits or more at Level 3)
- Three subjects (two semester courses each) at Level 3 or above
- 14 credits in each of three approved subjects
- Literacy – 10 credits at Level 2 or above:
- 5 credits in reading
- 5 credits in writing
- Numeracy – 10 credits at Level 1 or above:
- Achievement Standards, or
- Unit Standards (26623, 26626, 26627 – all required)
The 10 literacy credits must be from the
NZQA approved list of standards.
University Entrance represents the minimum requirement and does not guarantee entry. Some courses have additional requirements, so it is important to check these.
University Approved Subjects taught at OAS
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Mathematics with Calculus
- Mathematics with Statistics
- Te Reo Māori
- Visual Art
- English
- Geography
- Music
- Physical Education
- Business Studies
- Health Education
For a full list, visit NZQA approved subjects.
In addition to University Entrance, some undergraduate programmes require specific subjects and minimum credits. Other requirements may include a portfolio, audition, or interview.
A rank score is used for entry into many courses. This is based on your best 80 credits at Level 3 or higher, across a maximum of five approved subjects, weighted by achievement level.
- Excellence = 4 points
- Merit = 3 points
- Achieved = 2 points
- Credits from required subjects do not have to be within the top 80 used for ranking
- Credits from previous years may count toward the 80 best credits
- Level 3 requirements may be met in Year 12
- Achievement Standards are recommended for university preparation
Approved Subject Tables
| Table A | Table B |
|---|---|
| Classical Studies English Geography History History of Art Te Reo Māori / Te Reo Rangatira | Accounting Biology Calculus Chemistry Economics Mathematics* Physics Statistics |
*Mathematics cannot be used in combination with Calculus and/or Statistics.
Farnet Courses
Farnet is a distance education option available to diligent senior Onewhero students. It is run by a community of schools with smaller senior numbers to provide subjects not available locally.
In the past, and currently, OAS students have studied languages such as French, Korean, and Samoan, as well as Classical Studies and Psychology via Farnet. Other subjects are also available.
Explore available courses here: farnet.school.nz/courses
Correspondence Courses
In addition to subjects listed in the guide, students at Levels 1–3 may be able to study through Te Kura.
To study successfully via correspondence, students must have strong time management skills and be self-motivated. Courses must not already be offered by the school, and an academic interview is required with Mrs Ritchie or Mrs McArley.
Students should have a genuine interest in the subject or a clear connection to their future career pathway.
Gateway
The Gateway programme is an exciting option for selected Level 2 or 3 students. It provides a pathway from school to the workforce through structured workplace learning.
Students undertake work placements in an industry of interest, typically one day per week for 10 weeks. The programme supports students to achieve around 20 industry-specific Unit Standards that contribute toward NCEA.
The Gateway coordinator assists with sourcing placements and designing individual learning programmes.
The programme also allows students to explore career options and build connections to industry training or apprenticeships. It is free for eligible students, with transport and safety equipment covered.
Gateway is not a subject selection — it is completed alongside other courses. Preference is often given to students not taking all achievement standard courses.
The programme supports pathways into:
- Apprenticeships
- Tertiary study
- Employment
For further information, contact:
Mrs Pam McArley
p.mcarley@onewhero.school.nz
09 232 8866
Trades Academy
Trades Academy programmes at local polytechnics or PTEs may be available at Levels 2 and 3 for students interested in trade-based careers.
These programmes run one or two days per week throughout the year and are completed alongside regular subjects.
Expressions of interest open at the end of Term 3, and students are invited to apply. Good attendance and commitment to learning are required.
For more information, contact: p.mcarley@onewhero.school.nz
The following staff members can assist you when making decisions about your subject options. They can advise whether you meet entry requirements, provide more information about courses, and guide you on career pathways. Heads of Department (HODs) can support you within their subject areas.
| Role | Subject Area | Name | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deputy Principal | Senior Curriculum | Mrs Ritchie | r.ritchie@onewhero.school.nz | SMT Leader |
| Careers/Gateway Advisor | Careers | Mrs McArley | p.mcarley@onewhero.school.nz | |
| HOD English | English | Ms Shana Davidson | s.davidson@onewhero.school.nz | |
| HOD Science | Science | Mr Cameron | d.cameron@onewhero.school.nz | |
| HOD Mathematics | Mathematics | Mrs Bovill | g.bovill@onewhero.school.nz | |
| HOD Social Sciences | Business / Geography | Mrs Cochrane | j.cochrane@onewhero.school.nz | Timetable |
| Teacher | Wood Technology | Mr Slough | c.slough@onewhero.school.nz | |
| HOD Arts | Visual Art / Drama | Mr Jordan | c.jordan@onewhero.school.nz | |
| Teacher | Music | Mrs Allely | d.allely@onewhero.school.nz | |
| HOD Health & PE | Health & PE | Mrs Walker | k.walker@onewhero.school.nz | |
| Deputy Principal | English | Mr Mann | d.mann@onewhero.school.nz | SMT Leader |
| Teacher | Te Reo Māori | Matua Kramer Ronaki | k.ronaki@onewhero.school.nz | |
| HOD Technology | Technology | Mrs Gray | b.gray@onewhero.school.nz |