The Catlins Area School - NCEA High Achievers

Recognising high achievement with Endorsements

When learners perform consistently above the 'Achieved' level, their result can be 'endorsed' to reflect that high achievement. This can occur at either the Certificate or individual course level.

Certificate endorsement

If a learner gains 50 credits at Excellence, their NCEA will be endorsed with Excellence. Likewise, if a learner gains 50 credits at Merit (or Merit and Excellence), their NCEA will be endorsed with Merit. The NZQA Record of Achievement shows endorsement awards.
Credits earned can count towards an endorsement over more than one year and more than one level. However, they must be gained at the level of the certificate or above. For example, Level 2 credits will count towards endorsement of a Level 1 NCEA, but Level 1 credits will not count towards endorsement of a Level 2 NCEA.


Course Endorsement

Course endorsement provides recognition for a learner who has performed exceptionally well in an individual course.
Students will gain an endorsement for a course if, in a single school year, they achieve:
- 14 or more credits at Merit or Excellence, and
- at least 3 of these credits from externally assessed standards and 3 credits from internally assessed standards. Note, this does not apply to Physical Education, Religious Studies and Level 3 Visual Arts.


Further Study

Many courses have restricted entry; often this is based on the results from the previous year. It is important that when you make decisions you do so with the knowledge of what options remain open to you in future years as a result of your choice. Learners need to understand; they will get one shot at further study and they need to be motivated to achieve if they want choices after High School.

It is a good idea to explore what the entry requirements are for the course of study for the qualification you want. Remember you should aim to achieve at a level higher than the minimum entry requirement; this will ensure success at your chosen course of study and
make sure you aren’t caught out if they change the entry requirements. It is likely that entry into all courses and vocations will get harder and more competitive in the future.

NCEA Level 2 is now considered the minimum qualification a school leaver should attain.

Talk to the Careers learning advisor or look online for more information.


University Entrance

The Catlins Area School offers an individualised support service to assist with meeting requirements for University Entrance. Discuss this with a teacher in your Gateway sessions.