NCEA in the news

Learning to mind their own business

Teenagers are learning early how to be hard-nosed entrepreneurs.

Ten groups of Glenfield College pupils are getting a taste of the corporate world after setting up their own companies.

Marc Clarke, head of business studies at the college, says the course teaches each team of about six senior students how to create and operate a small company.

Raglan Area School students are set to improve their appreciation of environmental issues through a new programme.

The course was developed by the Enterprise NZ Trust and is offered this year as a NCEA qualification at the school, as well as an extra-curricular activity.

Xtreme Ski is one of the ten registered companies working hard to become a business success.

Its business idea involves selling a three-wheeled scooter, called a Triski, which it buys off a North Shore supplier who imports them from China. It has struck a deal to promote the scooter in schools and pays for the scooter only after it has sold.

Boom or bust, the young entrepreneurs all have to put their companies into liquidation in October and present a final company report.

North Shore Times, 20 April 2004

Focus on nature

Raglan Area School has launched an Enviroschools programme to improve students' and the community's appreciation of environmental issues.

School head of science Lynnette Rogers gained a year's sabbatical thanks to a Royal Society teacher's fellowship last year, and spent some of that time organising the programme.

"We have started by creating a vision map to identify things which need improving. The main focus will be community partnerships and everything from litter to the Maui dolphin," said Ms Rogers.

The programme is supported by a level 1 NCEA environmental studies class for development of leadership skills.

Hamilton Press, 17 March 2004

Marine programme for schools

The Seahorse World Aquarium on the Picton foreshore is about to launch an NZQA-approved marine science schools' programme for both secondary and primary pupils. It was also looking to extend the programme to include marine fossils and maritime history, said director John Reuhman. It is also establishing a Seahorse World Marine Sustainability Trust to undertake, facilitate and promote research, academic studies, learning and education in marine sustainability and science, with a specific focus on youth.

Marlborough Express, 11 May 2004

Marino's dream role

Double coup for Wanganui student Marino Mariner as he plays the lead in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat and gains credits for his NCEA at the same time.

Marino Mariner this month will become the first Wanganui High School student to gain NCEA credits for acting in a non-school production.

The Year 13 (seventh form) student has the lead role in Wanganui Amdram's production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat.

Wanganui High School's head of drama Nola Todd said Mr Mariner was a very committed student who worked hard at all his subjects.

"To achieve NCEA credits in drama he will have to do considerable written work about the role of Joseph."

The school was delighted that under NCEA work done in outside productions could be credited to the qualification.

Wanganui Chronicle, 23 June 2004