Introducing NCEA+ at Marsden

While some schools have opted to forego NCEA Level 1 from next year in favour of their own diplomas, Marsden School has designed a rigorous future-focused learning programme ‘NCEA+’, which combines NCEA Level 1 and innovative courses, ensuring that students are fully equipped for NCEA Level 2, NCEA Level 3 and life beyond school.

From 2024, Year 11 students will study five traditional subject courses and choose from Marsden’s unique NCEA+ offering –– an interdisciplinary course in which konga select up to three different subject areas and explore a real-world context where they can work collaboratively, think critically and earn credits on the NZQA framework. The themes for these courses are chosen from:

Whanaungatanga a key foundational qualification year, and our students embrace that. It successfully prepares them for the rigours of NCEA Level 2, which carries high-stakes outcomes for those preparing for a university pathway.”

Marsden’s innovative NCEA+ courses hold structure, come with specialist teacher expertise and support, and successfully equip learners with the 21st-century skills they need to successfully navigate a rapidly changing world, including critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, digital fluency and problem-solving.

Marsden’s personalised and differentiated NCEA+ programme aims to challenge and meet the needs of students of all ability levels. The courses offer a balance of internal (assessed within school and ongoing throughout the year) and external (assessed by national examinations or a portfolio) assessment.

“I’ve grown quite a reputation with my passion. Many people have come to ask me for differentroles, and I’m really wanting more.

“I’m planning to help take photos for my old primary school’s production, for more bands and the community that I love.”

A year 12 student, Luke was a student at Tawa Intermediate School before he went to Tawa College.

Before that he went to Hampton Hill Primary School.

Deputy Principal Jenny Caldwell says “We are tailoring learning experiences in a variety of curriculum spaces using real world issues for students to be curious and problem solve. This will create learner agency, as they will be able to collaborate with each other and their teachers, choose the direction they would like to take, and have a national qualification at the end of it.”

Across the Level 1 NCEA+ programme, students will gain essential time management strategies and study skills. They will learn to unpack and follow task instructions and experience examinations for the first time.

Principal Paula Wells says “NCEA Level 1 is

On Marsden’s commitment to NCEA, Jenny Caldwell says “NCEA is a widely recognised qualification for international tertiary entry and the world of future education and work. Marsden has years of experience in ensuring students succeed at all levels of NCEA, and a proven track record of outstanding NCEA achievement.” Marsden’s NCEA+ programme is underpinned by the school’s exceptional culture of care, smaller personalised learning environments and individual academic and wellbeing support and coaching.

If you are interested in learning more about NCEA+ at Marsden, please visit https://www.marsden.school.nz/senior-school/academic-y11-13/ncea-level-1/ or register for the school’s Open Morning on Friday 11 August.

A green heart

Ways to Stay Healthy and Happy During Retirement

Develop a routine

There is no one-size fits-all routine that works for everyone. The key is to build a daily routine that fits your lifestyle.

To get your routine on track, wake up and go to bed at roughly the same time every day (having a routine also helps with sleep!).

Then, over breakfast, make an intentional plan for each day. To start your day with purpose, schedule regular daytime activities such as volunteer work, exercise, and hobbies. Many retirees say that the evening is the most challenging part of the day. Try to write down a few things you’re going to do every evening. For instance, if you like to read, you can schedule reading session from 6 to 7pm every day.

If you live in a retirement community, check the activity calendar for evening social programs, card games, or movie nights!

Eat well

A healthy diet for older adults focuses on whole, minimally processed foods like fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats. It’s important to make healthy food choices a habit – eat regular, balanced meals rather than be tempted to snack throughout the day.

Take advantage of the extra time to explore healthy cooking options.

Try new things, learn new skills or expand your education.

Learning in later years can help people stay independent. This is because challenging your brain with mental exercise activates the processes that help maintain individual brain cells and stimulate communication among them. So, get into the habit of being mentally active during retirement by pursuing a hobby, learning a new skill, volunteering, or mentoring. You can even go back to school to learn an instrument, language, or further your higher education.