The St Paul’s Diploma is a Year 11 programme designed to prepare students academically, socially, and personally, equipping them with essential skills for future studies and life. The Diploma curriculum is tailored to reflect the values of the New Zealand Curriculum and is uniquely St Paul’s.
Programme Highlights
- Student-Centred Learning: The Diploma caters to a variety of learning styles and aims to celebrate achievements across all ability levels.
- Academic Challenge and Support: By focusing on academic growth, the programme prepares students for NCEA Levels 2 and 3, as well as Scholarship Examinations.
- Specialised Curriculum: Students have the option to specialise in areas of interest, such as Chemistry, Biology, Financial Literacy, or Business Studies, offering greater depth and engagement.
The progress and achievement of students are measured and transparent while mirroring the values and principles of the New Zealand Curriculum.
Assessment Structure
- Each student completes six subjects, with four assessments per subject.
- Points are awarded across assessments, with a maximum of 192 available.
The Diploma is awarded based on the following point structure:
- Honours: 155 points and above
- Distinction: 135–154 points
- Pass: 100–134 points
Students who excel in individual subjects with 28 or more points, but do not meet the criteria for Distinction or Honours, will receive recognition for ‘Outstanding Achievement’ in that subject.
Additionally, students must maintain an 85% attendance rate.
FAQs
Why do we have a specialised curriculum?
The staff and leadership team recognized that the St Paul’s Diploma was needed to better equip students for NCEA Levels 2 and 3 and Scholarship Examinations. The Diploma allows students to access a range of assessment types as part of that preparation.
Unlike the NCEA Level 1, the St Paul’s Diploma offers students the opportunity to specialise in chosen areas. For example, a student might choose to study either General Science or specialise in Chemistry, Biology, or Physics. Or students might opt for Financial Literacy, Economics or Business Studies. These additional options provide students with more choices to pursue their passion path in Year 12.
What subjects are available and how many will I take during Year 11?
Year 11 students will choose six subjects including compulsory subjects English, Maths and at least one Science. It includes modules on Careers, Taha Wairua, Health and Wellbeing, Maatauranga Maaori and Critical Thinking to help promote well-rounded and independent students. For a full list of available subjects, please visit our webpage here (take to course choice booklet).
How do students receive the Diploma?
There will be a graduation ceremony at the end of each year to acknowledge those who receive the Diploma and Honours.
What if I start at St Paul’s during Year 12?
Having a St Paul’s Diploma is not a requirement to enter Year 12.
Can I take Year 12 subjects during Year 11?
Under special circumstances and at the discretion of the Deputy Headmaster, Curriculum and Assessment, students may be able to take Year 12 subjects during Year 11.
Can I take Cambridge (IGCSE) in Year 11?
We do not offer Cambridge Examinations at Year 11. However, students can take the St Paul’s course that will prepare them for Year 12 and 13 Cambridge Examinations (Mathematics and English only).
2024 St Paul’s Diploma presentation to parents
We apologise for the sound quality of this presentation.
