Mount Aspiring College (MAC) principal Nicola Jacobsen said she is “really proud” of students’ NCEA results from 2021.

Their results are well above national standards and those of other decile 8-10 schools.

“It is a testament to the hard work and perseverance of our students, and support from family and whānau,” Nicola said.

“Our staff have worked very hard to support our students, whose learning journey begins at year 7 at the college, to achieve these results.”

Principal Nicola Jacobsen said she was “really proud” of the students’ results. PHOTO: Supplied

NCEA (National Certificate of Educational Achievement) are national qualifications for secondary school students in years 11-13.

Eighty nine percent of MAC students passed NCEA level one, compared to 73 percent of decile 8-10 schools. Nationally, 68 percent of students passed NCEA level one.

At level two, 90 percent of MAC students passed, five percent above the average for decile 8-10 schools and well above the national average of 77 percent.

At the third and final level, 88 percent of MAC students passed. This compares with 80 percent for decile 8-10 schools and a national average of 70 percent.

MAC student Isla Henderson, who is in year 13 this year, told the Wānaka App she credited her 2021 excellence endorsement to the supportive school environment.

“I gained this because of ongoing support from my teachers and peers,” she said. “This support helped me push my academic boundaries and this shows in my results.”

Isla is also the school’s wellbeing committee leader and the Pisa house leader. 

She said she was grateful to still have the opportunity to learn through the lockdowns and interruptions due to Covid-19. 

“I am very grateful to have been able to pursue my goals as I know other schools were disadvantaged by the effects of Covid.”

MAC deputy principal Vicki Ashton, who has the responsibility for curriculum development and NCEA, said the students “coped really well with another year of change.”

“We have been able to offer a wider range of learning programmes which helps students find what they are passionate about, and this has come out in the results.”

MAC students also received strong results last year, with 87 percent of students passing level one, 93 percent passing level two and 88 percent passing level three.