We believe every student is capable of learning and achieving success. Learning at Mackenzie College is not confined to the classroom but is enhanced by engaging with our community and environment.

We offer a wide and diverse range of learning opportunities aimed at not only developing content knowledge and, more importantly, teaching students how to learn so they can meet the challenges that they will face in our everchanging world.

Curriculum for Years 7 & 8
All students learn in composite classes that contain both year 7 and 8 students. The curriculum is diverse and exciting with a strong literacy and numeracy foundation enabling students to fully engage with learning as they move through the school. Students are taught by subject specialists in subject-specific rooms, which contributes to impressive achievement. Students at year 8 work towards achieving our Te Ara Award. This is awarded to students who achieve criteria across the four categories of effort, goal setting, self-management and participation in school events.

Curriculum for Years 9 & 10
Students are taught within their respective year groups, although there is the opportunity to accelerate students if it is in their best interest. All subjects remain compulsory, allowing a greater breadth of learning before subject specialisation which occurs from year 11.

An important focus at this level is our Mackenzie College Diploma. To achieve this, students must meet set criteria across academic, sporting, cultural and service strands.

NCEA
Mackenzie College has a history of outstanding success in National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) assessments. Students can choose from a range of subjects which incorporate a mixture of internal and external assessments. There is a wide range of pathways available from academic university-focused study to more ‘hands-on’ practical courses. Through distance learning and digital learning, the range of options open to students is comparable to those at much larger schools.

Gateway and Transition
For students who have a trade-based pathway in their sights, Mackenzie College offers both Gateway and Vocational Pathway courses. Gateway provides the opportunity for students to experience a work placement for 20 days in schoool the year whilst also completing NCEA standards relevant to that trade. Vocational Pathways offer the opportunity for students to study with a tertiary provider (usually a Polytechnic) to complete training towards a specific skill or trade. Both courses are completed in conjunction with other traditional school subjects.

Learning Support and Enhancement at Mackenzie College
We recognise that all students are at different levels of achievement and learn at different rates. With this in mind, we cater for these differences not only within the classroom, but also through having a highly effective Learning Support and Gifted and Talented Programme. This ensures students can all learn at their point of challenge, thus maximising their engagement and learning.

*UE Approved Subject