Curriculum

Wellington College prepares students for New Zealand and global university entrance. The National Certificate of Education Achievement (NCEA) is globally recognised.

NCEA has been used by international Wellington College graduates for university entrance into:

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  • Australia
  • Germany
  • North America
  • Canada
  • Singapore
  • United Kingdom

Most recently: University College London, University of Warwick, University of Edinburgh, Melbourne University, Imperial College, Nayang Technological University, Sydney University, University of New South Wales, Michigan State University, University of Birmingham, University of Nottingham.

Wellington College international student graduates are often awarded prestigious university scholarships

Considering studying in New Zealand?

Wellington College Schooling

We provide a range of subjects and study options for students. So, whether you want to be an actor or an engineer, we can support you to get what you need to achieve academic and career pathway goals.

International students follow the same academic programmes as the domestic students at college, so you’ll have the same opportunities as New Zealand students.

Secondary (High School) study lasts five years and begins when students are 12 or 13 years old. The National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) is the main school qualification at this level and is globally recognised as a university entrance pathway.

A great feature of the NCEA qualification is its flexibility; more able students can be assessed against higher level achievement standards; less able students can be assessed against lower level achievement standards.

In English, for example, the teacher could set a writing task and assess students against Level 1, or Level 2 standards, depending on your ability.

In Mathematics, students can complete their class-based assessments for Level 1 standards, and then make a start on some Level 2 standards. Wellington College also offers Cambridge Math for students with an advanced level of mathematics skill.

Being flexible with the level of study means all of our students are challenged at the appropriate level.

Learning English

This subject is taken by students for whom English is not their first language. Each student is tested when they first start at Wellington College and the most appropriate programme within the English or English Language Department will be decided. This decision will depend on the student’s English ability, previous academic level and age.

There are four separate programmes within the English Language Department:

  • English Language: Years 9 and 10
  • English Language: Years 11 – 13
  • English Language: Level 1 and Level 2 (achievement standards)

English Language at Years 9 and 10 (9ESL), (10ESL)

These are optional language-support classes, and will be designed around the abilities and needs of the students. The students may be at any level, ranging from Basic to Intermediate level. If a student’s test result at the beginning of the year shows that they are above the Intermediate level, then it is in their best interest to select a different option subject. Please note: All Year 9 and Year 10 students will also study English in a mainstream class.

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English Language at Years 11 to 13 (11ELL), (12ELL) (13ELL)

These classes are for students who still require a level of support with their academic English. Students will study and be assessed against English Language unit standards at levels 1, 2 and 3. The primary objective at Level 3 is to develop students’ academic writing and reading skills in preparation for university study.

English (11ELU or 12ELU)

In these courses, students can study and be assessed against NCEA English achievement standards at Level 1 or Level 2. Level 1 achievement standards enable students to study towards the NCEA Level 1 Literacy requirements The Level 2 achievement standards enable students to study towards meeting the literacy requirements for University Entrance.