Scholarship Examinations
At Takapuna Grammar School we encourage the more capable Year 13 (and some Year 12) students to enter the NZQA Scholarship examinations. Students benefit from attempting this challenging programme with better preparation for the more demanding courses at University, and from the personal satisfaction gained from working towards a challenge. Also, the financial reward that may be received if successful, will contribute toward further study at university.
Completing the programme does require additional commitment and dedication from the students, and therefore we ask parents and caregivers to encourage and support their child to give it a go and maintain their commitment throughout the year. We run programmes to prepare the students in each subject which might involve additional classes, lectures or tutorials at tertiary institutions. Students can talk to subject teachers about what is involved, and can register for exams early in August.
There is a fee to enter the examinations. The NZQA scholarship fee is $30.00 per subject for domestic students and $102.20 per subject for international students. Financial assistance application forms are available on the NZQA website.
Below is an article from NZQA on the Scholarship.
Introduction
New Zealand Scholarship is designed to challenge, motivate and reward the most able students - assessments are demanding, even for the top students in each subject. Candidates are expected to demonstrate high-level critical thinking and the ability to generalise and to apply knowledge, skills and understanding to complex situations.
For most subjects, assessment is by a three-hour written examination at the end of the school year. In some subjects students submit recorded performances or portfolios for assessment by external assessors.
Scholarship is competitive – there are a limited number of awards available
- Approximately 3% of students studying each subject get Scholarships, and about 0.3% receive Outstanding Scholarships. (Percentages are based on the number of students entering at least 14 credits at Level 3.)
- The top five to ten candidates in the country receive Premier Awards. To be considered for a Premier Award, candidates must achieve at least three subject Scholarships at Outstanding Level. The number of awards is limited to the top students who meet this criterion.
- The next 40 to 60 candidates receive Outstanding Scholar Awards. To be considered for this award, candidates must achieve at least three subject Scholarships, including some at Outstanding level.
As well as the prestige attached to winning a Scholarship award, there are financial incentives - from $2,000 to $10,000 per year to support further study. All awards are received for up to three years, but only as long as candidates maintain a 'B' grade average in tertiary study at a New Zealand university. Most Scholarship candidates are Year 13 students who are also studying towards NCEA Level 3. Students select the subjects they want to enter – most enter one, two or three subjects.
If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact Will Scovell (Senior Deputy Principal)
Further information can be found on the NZQA website http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/qualifications-standards/awards/new-zealand-scholarship/