NCEA is a robust and internationally recognised qualification that opens doors to global opportunities. With a proven track record of outstanding NCEA results, Marsden provides students with a solid educational foundation and continues to outperform other high-achieving schools.

Commitment to NCEA excellence

Our longstanding experience in guiding students through all levels of NCEA has consistently resulted in some of the highest academic achievements in the country. Our personalised learning environment and culture of care ensure that the needs of our learners are always at the forefront.

The above table demonstrates the performance of Marsden students in comparison to national data and, in particular, data for girls.

Success of NCEA+ in Level 1

While many Wellington schools have dispensed with NCEA Level 1, we remain steadfast in offering a rigorous Level 1 programme. NCEA+ lays a strong foundation for advanced study in Level 2 and beyond, focusing on 21^st-century skills and preparing students for high-stakes learning and assessment. In Year 11, in addition to selecting five traditional NCEA subjects, students design a bespoke, collaborative course centred around the themes of Sustainability, Entrepreneurship, or Identity, Belonging and Expression. These themes enable students to explore personal, local, and global perspectives, preparing them for the world of further education and work.

Our experienced mentor teachers and coaches support students by arranging workshops, facilitating learning, and providing guidance. Students have the opportunity to engage with inspiring speakers, including entrepreneurs, successful business owners, and academics from New Zealand universities. This exposure broadens their horizons and deepens their understanding. The NCEA+ programme's 'active learning' approach has been well-received by students, who appreciate the choice and the ability to connect big ideas across subjects. This method fosters critical thinking and collaboration, enhancing the overall learning experience.

The NCEA+ programme's "collabs" are endorsable subjects within the NZQA framework, ensuring that students earn quality credits in a rigorous, creative, and engaging manner. Our students have expressed enthusiasm for the autonomy and pace-setting the NCEA+ programme offers, citing the development of crucial skills such as time management and workload prioritisation. At the end of the year, students will showcase their work in a visual and expressive demonstration of their learning, highlighting the programme's impact.

Learn more about NCEA+ in Level 1 at Marsden

Expansion to NCEA Level 2 in 2025

Building on the success of the NCEA+ programme at Level 1, we are excited to announce the expansion of our innovative approach to NCEA Level 2 starting in 2025. At Level 1, all students are enrolled in the NCEA+ course alongside five traditional subjects. This structure will continue, while at Level 2, NCEA+ will become one of many options available to Year 12 students. This expansion will offer increased choice and more opportunities for personalised learning.

Commitment to educational excellence and innovation

Marsden remains at the forefront of educational innovation, constantly seeking new ways to enhance and authenticate the learning experience for our students. Our NCEA+ programme represents more than just credits and standards-based learning; it embodies an innovative and forward-thinking approach, focusing on essential 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, and future-focused learning.

Marsden’s strong tradition of providing core foundational learning, coupled with cutting-edge programmes like NCEA+, ensures that students achieve academic success while being inspired to exceed traditional expectations.