Curriculum

A 100% pass rate in 2023 for International students sitting University Entrance!

Wellington College specialises in preparing students for New Zealand and global university entrance. The New Zealand University Entrance Qualification is internationally recognised. We also offer other New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) standards, and Cambridge Math and University Math through our university connection. We no longer offer NCEA Level 1.

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

Your Content Goes Here

  • 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.

Click the link that follows to have a detailed look at the subject options available at your level.


Where has Level 1 NCEA gone ?

Preparing Learners for Level 2 and Level 3 University Entrance through the Year 9 – 11 Learning Progression Framework

To better prepare our learners for Level 2 and Level 3 University Entrance we no longer offer the NCEA Level 1 Qualification. Our Year 11 programme of study now sits within the Wellington College Learning Progression Framework. Designed by our curriculum experts our Year 11 learning courses have been specifically built to prepare learners for Level 2 and 3 University Entrance NCEA.

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 your academic and career pathway goals.

The National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) is the main high school qualification in New Zealand and is recognised as a global university entrance. We also offers Cambridge and University Math. NCEA has equivalency to both the Cambridge (CAIE) and International Baccalaureate (IB) qualifications.

Our qualification is flexible. Students can be assessed against the best level they can perform at.

In English, for example, the teacher could set a writing task and assess students against Level 2, or Level 3 standards, depending on ability.

In Mathematics, students are invited to join the level of study that best suits them.

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

We believe our learners achieve best when they are challenged. For example, it is quite common for a Year 10 or 11 student to be studying Year 12 or Year 13 Math or Physics.

Learning the English Language

Students are tested on arrival and the most appropriate programme within the English or English Language Department will be determined. This decision will depend on the student’s English Language ability.

There are four courses English Language Department:

  • Reception English ( for those students with very limited English Language)
  • English Language: Years 9 and 10
  • English Language: Years 11 – 13
  • English Language: Level 1 and Level 2 (Literacy standards)

Reception Class

These language-support classes are designed for a student with a foundation level of English Language or lower. A student will graduate out of the reception class and into the their peer level ELL class when they are assessed proficient to do so.

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

These language-support classes are designed around the abilities and needs of the students. A student 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.

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 for Literacy (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.