National NCEA results for the 2017 school year were released this week. Photo / File
National NCEA results for the 2017 school year were released this week. Photo / File
Western Bay of Plenty students are smashing their NCEA achievements, with every secondary school in the district beating the national average in at least three of the four qualifications.
That is according to NZQA data for Year 11s achieving Level 1, Year 12s achieving Level 2, Year 13s achieving Level3, and Year 13s achieving University Entrance.
Results for the 2017 school year were released this week and, overall, it was good news for the region's secondary schools.
Some schools saw above-national results across the board and they are putting it down to the dedication of staff, students and families.
One of those was Mount Maunganui College and principal Alastair Sinton said the school was "very proud" of its continued academic success.
"Good achievement rates don't happen by accident. They come from a concerted effort by school leaders, teachers, support staff, students and families," he said.
Sinton said key factors that supported the school's success were extensive tracking and monitoring processes and strong school-home partnerships.
"We also find having a diverse and responsive extra-curricular programme supports student engagement."
Bethlehem College also performed well above national achievement rates and saw improvements in both NCEA Level 1 and 2 compared with the year before.
Steve Te Whaiti, head of secondary at Bethlehem College, said the school was thankful for the collaborative nature of its community and "the amazing commitment by many people to provide a nurturing environment".
He said that, with a learner's mindset and a vision to improve in every area each year, there had been many small changes made at the school.
"The NCEA results reflect that our akonga (students) work hard through quality relationships with terrific teachers and a supportive parent community."
Papamoa College's achievement rates were higher than the national average in NCEA Level 2, 3 and University Entrance, but not Level 1.
Principal Steve Lindsey said the school worked hard to provide students with relevant learning experiences and supported them to gain useful qualifications rather than just gaining credits.
"It is questionable as to whether Level 1 alone as a qualification is useful or relevant, and is certainly going to be considered in the NCEA review this year. We place more emphasis on a Level 2 qualification and the next steps for future learning," Lindsey said.
He said it was important for students to gain the highest possible qualification before leaving school to continue their education beyond secondary school.
"Of course, different students reach this point at different times, which makes reported Levels 1, 2 and 3 NCEA totals and statistics less meaningful."
Papamoa College principal Steve Lindsey. Photo / File
However, Lindsey said the school was pleased with the value-added achievement gains made by year-level groups of students.
"The percentages for students who received NCEA Level Certificate Endorsements were also above national averages as well."
He said those good results were the product of a lot of hard work from students and the time and energy invested by teaching staff.
Tara Kanji said that, as the new principal of Tauranga Girls' College, she was proud of the dedication and commitment staff and students at the school were putting into their learning.
Tauranga Girls' College saw above-national pass rates across all qualifications.
Kanji said deliberate strategies to engage students in their learning included strengthening subject pathways and developing a philosophy that everyone is capable of learning and achieving.
This was coupled with high standards of teacher practice.
"It is fair to say, we continue to review and reflect on our results as there is always improvements to be made."
Katikati College also achieved above-national pass rates in all four qualifications.
Principal Carolyn Pentecost said the school had continued to build on previous years' successes.
"We are very happy with the results which reflect the commitment of students and staff. The strong relationships built between staff and students contribute to our success."
