New Zealand Education System

The New Zealand education system gives International students the skills and experience they need to succeed anywhere in the world. Students across New Zealand are supported to solve problems, process information, work with others, create and innovate. 

A supportive environment for international students, you will be reassured to know that you are protected by the New Zealand Government’s Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiery and International Students) Code of Practice 2021. The code sets the standards every institution must meet in supporting its international students. Amongst other things, the code ensures students coming from other countries to study in New Zealand are well informed, safe, and adequately cared for regarding financial dealings, fees, cultural issues or accommodation.  

Whichever level you’re studying at, New Zealand can give you a high-quality education. Keen on learning more, check out the Government’s Study in New Zealand website to learn more about options for Education here in New Zealand.  

Learning at Rolleston College

Rolleston College is an innovative, future-focused secondary school situated in the rapidly growing town of Rolleston. While our school buildings provide a very modern and flexible learning environment, the real strength of the College is the learning opportunities that are offered within our buildings.

As a College, we place a great deal of importance on developing the whole child and provide an education that combines academic studies with an awareness of wellbeing and personal growth.  Our curriculum offers personalised, integrated and specialised learning opportunities in well-appointed facilities. This means that we can provide traditional practical subjects alongside those that require high use of technology. We are proud of the fact that we are developing confident and articulate young adults who have a wide range of skills and competencies, in short, we are confidently preparing our learners of today to be the leaders of tomorrow.

Our Learning Vehicles

Once enrolled, each learner is assigned to a dedicated Ako (Learning) Coach or lead teacher who will monitor academic progress and learner wellbeing throughout their time at Rolleston College.  

The Rolleston College Curriculum and Learning Vehicles (Ako, Connected and Selected) are designed to maximise the learning opportunities provided within a purpose-built, modern and adaptable learning space. Providing ample opportunities to develop not only content but also the critical skills necessary to use that knowledge independently and appropriately. Depending on individual needs, our three learning vehicles allow for movement and growth within and between these three environments.

National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA)

National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) is New Zealand’s main national qualification for senior secondary school students, recognised by employers and is used as the benchmark for selection by universities and polytechnics. NCEA challenges students of all abilities in all learning areas and shows credits and grades for separate skills and knowledge. It enables students to gain credits from both traditional school curriculum areas and alternative programmes. 

There are three levels of NCEA certificate. At each level, students must achieve a certain number of credits to gain an NCEA certificate. Credits can be obtained over more than one year and credits gained at one level can be used for (or count towards) more than one certificate. They may also be used for other qualifications. 

For more information, please refer to the NZQA Website or watch the NZQA "How NCEA Works" video. Much of this content is also available in English, Te Reo Māori, Cook Island Māori, Niuean, Samoan, Tongan and New Zealand Sign Language.

Please click here to learn more about Rolleston College’s Course Selection, Assessment and Standards. 

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)

Rolleston College’s ESOL staff assist students of non-English speaking backgrounds, assisting with the English language, vocabulary development and an understanding of grammatical rules. The classes are taught in small groups to help with overall academic success. For the remaining subjects, they join mainstream classes.