Learning at Sacred Heart College

At Sacred Heart College, we provide a challenging, multifaceted and rewarding curriculum, underpinned by The New Zealand Curriculum Framework. Students choose from a variety of subjects and are offered a host of co-curricular opportunities to extend their learning in other fields.

By providing a contemporary and nurturing learning environment, students are supported to acquire lifelong learning skills of self-reflection and critical thinking – setting them up for success in everything they do in the future. We are committed to ensuring our students pursue  excellence.

Academic pathway and NCEA 

In Years 7 to 10, the curriculum focuses on core subjects  in preparation for choosing more specialised subjects from Year 11.

In Year 11, students will complete the Sacred Heart Certificate.

Students in Years 12 and 13  begin The National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA), which is the main qualification for secondary school students in New Zealand. 

NCEA is an internationally recognised qualification that caters for students of different learning styles and capabilities. Assessment is constructed across a range of platforms such as assignments, practical assessments, presentations, examinations and project work. Students choose subject pathways suited to their interests, strengths and career goals.

All Sacred Heart International Students enrolled for one full academic year will be required to sit NCEA exams at the end of the year. For information on examination fees, please refer to the current fees schedule.

Past Sacred Heart International Students have used their NCEA qualification to gain entry to some of the top universities in New Zealand and abroad, including Melbourne University, University of Sydney, University of Queensland, Auckland University, Otago University, Keio University, Juntendo University, and Chulalongkorn University.

In some subjects, scholarship opportunities are available. The College’s pass and excellence rates consistently rank among the highest nationally for boys’ schools.

More information on NCEA can be found on the NCEA page

All International Students are supported by qualified EAL teachers to enhance their english skills. For more information please refer to the curriculum handbook using the link below.

English as an additional Language (EAL)

Our College provides essential English language support for international students through two main curriculum areas, EAP (English for Academic Purposes), and  PPE (Pearson Programme of English).

Both programmes are aligned with the skills required to meet the Literacy Co-requisite, also known as the Common Assessment Activity (CAA). which is a key requirement for high school graduation in New Zealand.

 In-class support is also offered across a range of mainstream subjects, tailored to the context of New Zealand’s secondary school curriculum. The focus is on developing students’ English language skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening.

Our goal is to support both junior and senior students in acquiring academic language, understanding and producing informational texts, and achieving the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) Level 2 literacy qualification - one of the key requirements for University Entrance in New Zealand and abroad.

Career planning

Throughout the school year, career education is taught to students at all levels, enabling them to develop career management competencies to shape their own learning journey and career trajectory. Year 9 and 10 students receive a dedicated career lesson in Term 3 each year, with a focus on subject selection for their senior years. Sacred Heart hosts a Careers Evening for students in Years 10-13, which is a wonderful opportunity to hear from over 23 tertiary and industry providers on future career opportunities and pathways. We also have a career counsellor who offers support and guidance on study opportunities in New Zealand and abroad. 

For more details, please view our Careers Education page.

Life at SHC
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International Student Enrolment
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