National Certificate of Educational Achievement (Level 3)

Some important facts about NCEA Level 3:

• • 80 credits gains NCEA Level 3 - 60 of these credits must be at Level 3, 20 credits can be carried
     forward from Level 2
  • credits may be gained through Achievement Standards or Unit Standards
  • a full-year course will offer 18 to 24 credits
  • there are external exams as well as internal assessment
  • Achievement and Unit Standards will challenge students of all abilities, in all learning areas
  • employers, universities and polytechnics will use the results for selection
   
• A full course of study at this level is 5 subjects. Some students will study a combination of subjects from NCEA Level 1, 2 or 3. Six subjects can be studied only after negotiation with the Dean.
   
• A minimum of 12 credits in a subject at NCEA Level 2 is an indicator that you may be able to continue that subject at NCEA Level 3.  The pre-requisites for each course are outlined in the Senior Curriculum Handbook.  You may be required to discuss entry with the Head of Department.
   
• Some subjects may require:
  • a higher number of credits and/or
  • specific achievement standards and/or unit standards and/or
  • specific levels of attainment in some achievement standards and/or
  • a literacy and/or numeracy requirement
   
• If you have not achieved NCEA Level 2, you must discuss your options with your Dean, Careers Adviser or one of the Guidance Counsellors.
   
• Students who are new to Riccarton High School will be required to show evidence of NCEA level 2 credits OR sit tests to determine subject level.
   
• English is not a compulsory subject; however, students should be aware of the requirements for English language competency to gain University Entrance.  That is, 4 credits at NCEA Level 2 or above in Reading, 4 credits at NCEA Level 2 or above in Writing.  These literacy credits can also be gained through Te Reo Māori.

The International English Language Test (IELTS) is highly recommended for international students.  A score of 6.0 (with no score lower than 5.5) is good preparation for university level study.  However, it is important that international students understand that IELTS is an additional qualification, and cannot be used to cover the English language requirements for University Entrance as stated above. 

University Entrance Requirements:

A person shall be qualified for entrance to a university in New Zealand if he/she has obtained:

• a minimum of 42 credits at Level 3 or higher on the National Qualifications Framework, including a minimum of 14 credits at Level 3 or higher in each of two subjects from an approved subject list*, with a further 14 credits at Level 3 or higher taken from no more than two additional domains* on the National Qualifications Framework or approved subjects
• a minimum of 8 credits at Level 2 or higher in English or Te Reo Maori; 4 credits must be in Reading and 4 credits must be in Writing. The literacy credits will be selected from a schedule of approved Achievement Standards and Unit Standards.
• a minimum of 14 credits at Level 1 or higher in Mathematics or Pangarau on the National Qualifications Framework

The following subjects are offered:

• *Subjects in italics are domain subjects for University Subjects
• *Subjects in bold type are on the approved subjects list for University Entrance