There are many subjects and courses ākonga can choose at school, and the choices they make can shape their futures.
If your tamaiti wants to be a kaihanga pūmanawa rorohiko (software developer), NCEA-level Digital Technologies can help them get there. If they like breaking and fixing things and want to work with their hands, they can take NCEA Hangarau or Technology.
Ākonga should make subject choices based on:
- what they want to do when they're older
- what they want to study at the next level of NCEA
- what they want to study to achieve University Entrance
- what they want to study at university, wānanga or another training provider
- what subjects they should study to secure an apprenticeship in their field.
This page covers tips for talking about subjects and the future with your tamaiti.
On this page
Starting the kōrero
Pick the right moment to talk
The best time to talk about subject choice is when you’re both in a good mood and ready to talk.
A good opener is 'tell me about what you’d like to choose for NCEA next year'.
Give your tamaiti positive feedback on their ideas. Ask why they’re thinking of particular subjects so you can understand the reasons behind their choices.
Pātai to ask your tamaiti
Asking questions is a great way to start the conversation. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- What NCEA subjects do you like, and why do you like them?
- What’s your dream job?
- What subjects are you good at?
- What jobs do you think are in demand, and do you know what subjects can help you get into those jobs?
- What are you thinking of doing when you leave kura?
- What subjects do you need for University Entrance?
- What subjects do you need for your next NCEA level?
- What subjects do you need to do but find hard, and do you need help?
Common situations and what you can say
These scenarios offer answers you can give your tamaiti in various situations.
Don't forget to remind your tamaiti that if they don’t like a subject, they may be able to change to a different one in the first 2 weeks of the school year.
They haven’t decided what to do when they leave kura and struggle to choose subjects
'It's okay that you haven’t decided what to do after kura yet. But it’s a good idea to do Maths, English and a science subject to give you more options later. These subjects are needed in many in-demand jobs. It’s also a good idea to take subjects you like and are good at. They may help you decide what to do when you leave kura.'
They’re choosing the same subjects as their friends
'It’s good to be in classes with your friends as long as you can still work toward your future goals. To do that, you’ll need to make sure your subjects are needed for the job you want.'
They don’t understand some of the NCEA subjects
'Let's talk to the kura about those subjects.'
They’ve chosen a subject they’re not good at
'I see you chose that subject and I know it was hard for you last year. What help do you think you’ll need to make sure you do okay this time?'
They’ve chosen the wrong subjects for the job, study or training they want
'Those look like interesting subjects, but you’ve told me what you’d like to do when you leave kura and these subjects won’t help you get into that job, study or training. What are your thoughts about that?'
They’re bored with kura and they don’t care
'Did you know that your kura has STAR and Gateway programmes? This means you can do some of your subjects outside of kura at a trades academy or through work experience. Shall we talk about this with the career adviser?'
They're overwhelmed
'There’s a lot of choice but don’t worry too much. Let’s start with what you’re interested in and like doing. If you don’t do a certain subject this year, you might be able to do it next year. It’s okay to change your mind and try things you’re interested in outside of kura. There is always time to change.'
Working alongside your tamaiti and kura
It is important that you continue to work with your tamaiti and keep connected with their kura.
How to know your tamaiti is on track to get NCEA
All kura track student progress to make sure they're earning the right credits for each NCEA level. In many cases, whānau can log into a kura portal that tracks credits for your tamaiti as they achieve them.
Ask your kura to see what system it uses and how you can access your tamaiti's results. Once you have access, save the portal as a favourite in your web browser so you can check in throughout the year.
Find out the assessment dates
NCEA is achieved through internal assessments (essays, experiments, tests in class) and external assessments (exams and portfolios).
Ask your kura for a copy of the internal assessment timetable for each of the subjects your tamaiti is taking.
Knowing when they have assessments gives you the chance to provide extra support, like listening to their speech before delivery or checking how their assignments are going.
Exams take place during November and December each year. It can be a stressful time for ākonga. Knowing when exams are can help you plan when your tamaiti will need support.
National examination timetable
Consider New Zealand Scholarship
If your tamaiti is great at one subject (or more) they can enter to sit a New Zealand Scholarship exam for free.
Scholarship exams are available in many subjects, including Chemistry, Te Reo Māori, Visual Arts and Technology. The top performing students receive at least $500.
Your tamaiti can talk to their teacher to find out more.
Talk with your tamaiti
Check in with your tamaiti by asking:
- Do you know how you are progressing?
- Is there anything you are worried about?
- Do you know what assessments you need to complete?
- Is there anything we can do to help?
Meeting with kaiako
The following pātai can help you have whānau-led conversations with kaiako:
- What can I do to support my tamaiti?
- Who should we go to if things aren’t working?
- Is my tamaiti choosing the right subjects to reach their goals?
- How is my tamaiti progressing and are there any concerns? How can I monitor their results?
- Can I have a copy of the internal assessment timetable?
- What careers or pathway help is available at our kura?
Your tamaiti can also talk to their kaiako and ask:
- How can I find out how many standards and credits I have?
- Am I on track to get NCEA?
- How can you help me gain Merit and Excellence grades?
- What should I focus on to make sure I'm prepared for my exams?
NCEA me te whānau workshops
We offer free NCEA me te Whānau workshops that help whānau understand NCEA and secondary school awards.
Workshops can be hosted by your iwi and hapū, local kura, church or community group.