Nga Tawa student reaps rewards of double scholarship

Nga Tawa scholarship student, Lydia Whyte. Photo/ supplied

After weeks of study, two three-hour exams and a few months of anticipation, Lydia Whyte is reaping the reward of a double scholarship in English and History.

The 17-year-old Nga Tawa student said she couldn't wait to check her results on Tuesday, and she wasn't left disappointed.

"It was an amazing feeling knowing all that hard work had finally paid off," Lydia said.

Nga Tawa's deputy principal and head of curriculum, Vicky Power, said it was a fantastic achievement for Lydia because it was the highest level of examination students could take through NZQA.

"As a year 12 student she was taking year 13 history and calculus, and as well as taking those subjects a year ahead she was also going for three scholarship subjects so it was a full on year for her."

Ms Power said unfortunately Lydia missed out on the Classics scholarship by one point.

"If she had got all three she would have received $2000 for three years but instead she will get $500 for each scholarship subject, so I would say she will going for all three again this year."

But Ms Power said it wasn't about the financial award, it was about the challenge.

"It's about them having that on their record of achievement. For Lydia being a very bright and able student she just really needed that extension."

Lydia said when she finishes secondary school she intends to go to university to study international relations.

"Ultimately I want to end up in diplomacy."

For the second year running, Nga Tawa has attained a 100 per cent student pass rate across NCEA levels 1,2 and 3.

Principal Lesley Carter said the remarkable result was a reflection of the hard work and dedication of students, their families and her tireless teaching staff.

"There is no academic entrance test for enrolling at Nga Tawa. These results reflect the nurturing and encouraging environment that exists here and the individualised programmes we put in place," Ms Carter said.

She said there were some outstanding observations noted in the recently released NCEA Principal's Report.

Nga Tawa level 1 and level 3 results were the highest they have been in more than five years.

Students at NCEA level 1 achieved above the national averages with 45.5 per cent attaining excellence endorsed.