New Zealand Secondary Schools

Secondary education in New Zealand takes up to five years, covering the ages 13 (Year 9, formerly Form 3) to 18 (Year 13, formerly Form 7).

Zones: Some schools have enrolment schemes, when the number of applicants for a school exceeds the capacity the school has for new entrants. Such schools typically have 'zones', a geographical area which for students living inside, offers guaranteed/preferred entry. To take advantage of the scheme, some families rent or purchase houses inside the desired school's zone in order to send their child to the school.

Secondary schools are either supported by the state, privately-run, or "integrated" (state-supported schools which can charge fees). New Zealand secondary schools may be uniformed or non-uniformed, though this is not an indicator of the school area's wealth level--there are schools of both kinds in both wealthy and poor areas.

Rural schools: In rural areas, secondary schools may be joined to primary schools, with the result that one school might teach 5-year olds up to 13-year olds.

Fees: Strictly speaking, no fees need to be paid for education at a state school. However state schools try to persuade parents of students to give "donantions" which cover the difference between government funding and the school's actual costs. Also, international students (i.e. non-government-subsidised students) who pay large fees help contribute towards a school's income.

School life: Secondary schools usually also offer a range of sports and other extra-curricular activities to students, which are organised by teachers or by the students themselves. School 'assemblies' are a gathering of the students conducted daily or weekly, and generally involve the singing of songs, lectures by visiting speakers (or the principal), and at some schools prayer (which is not compulsory).

Curriculum: The range of subjects taught at state schools varies; unlike other countries' school systems which separate vocational and academic subjects at an early age, both vocational and academic subjects can be taken at New Zealand secondary schools. However this is not to say schools do not encourage a focus towards either vocational or academic pursuits---some schools might offer subjects that are perceived to be more academic than others, e.g. Latin.

The Government-sponsored school finishing examination is the National Certificate of Educational Achievement at Level 3. At some schools students can opt for the General Certificate of Education (A-levels) or the International Baccalaureate Diploma.

Online information

Current information about individual schools is available from the New Zealand Government's Education Review Office (ERO), which 'reviews schools and early childhood education services every three years, and publishes national reports on current education practice'. ERO reports include statistical data such as overall roll, parental income, and gender and ethnic composition, as well as assessment of areas of strength and areas for improvement. ERO reports are available from the ERO homepage.

The New Zealand Government has a Guide to Schooling in New Zealand which covers primary, intermediate and secondary schooling.

External links

Education in New Zealand | Schools in New Zealand | Secondary schools in New Zealand

Gourt Home::Gourt :: New Zealand Secondary Schools

Online information

See also

External links