Curriculum for International Students

The school curriculum is core to student life in New Zealand at Rosehill College. International students at Rosehill College are integrated into regular classes with local students and can choose from over 40 subject options in Year 12 and 13, including our ever-popular Outdoor Education course. View more information about our courses to help you make your subject selection decisions.

ESOL support is provided where needed and we have Chinese interpreters available.

Our Year 12 and 13 courses give students the opportunity to gain New Zealand’s NCEA qualification at Levels 2 and 3, providing a pathway to tertiary study. NCEA is an internationally recognised qualification accepted by universities worldwide.

Year 11 students study a curriculum tailored to provide a strong foundation for the rigours of NCEA in Year 12. All subjects at this level offer NCEA-style evaluations, to ensure students are ready for external assessments in Year 12.

The success of our international students is very important to us. In 2023, 93% of international students who sat NCEA Levels 2 and 3 gained their qualification. 100% of students who sat University Entrance obtained it. Our International and Careers Departments work closely with students to ensure they are enrolled in appropriate courses, taking the correct number of credits, and are on track to achieve.

External Link

 Coming to New Zealand for secondary school

What Happened to NCEA Level 1?

Starting in 2024, significant changes are being implemented in the NCEA (National Certificate of Educational Achievement) system in New Zealand, particularly for NCEA Level 1. These changes are part of a broader initiative to improve the quality, fairness, and clarity of the qualification system.

Key Changes to NCEA Level 1:

Credit Requirements: NCEA Level 1 will shift from requiring 80 credits to 60 credits. This change is designed to reduce the assessment load on students and emphasize deeper learning.
Literacy and Numeracy Co-requisite: A new 20-credit literacy and numeracy co-requisite has been introduced. This means that, in addition to the 60 credits required for Level 1, students must also achieve 20 credits specifically in literacy and numeracy. These credits are separate from the main 60-credit requirement and must be completed for students to be awarded their NCEA qualification.
Phasing Out Old Standards: The current Level 1 achievement standards will expire at the end of 2023, with the new standards being fully implemented in 2024. This means that students will need to meet the updated standards to achieve their qualifications.
No Credit Carry-Over: The ability to carry over 20 credits from one level to the next (e.g., from Level 1 to Level 2) will be removed. Each NCEA level will now require students to achieve the full 60 credits independently, without relying on credits earned in the previous level.

These changes are part of the ongoing effort by the New Zealand Ministry of Education to enhance the quality of education and ensure that students are better prepared for further education, training, or entering the workforce.