Study
High Ranking Results
Long Bay College enjoys and has earned its reputation of academic strength, with our results amongst New Zealand’s best.
Our students’ overall academic achievements significantly outperform the national average and results in schools of similar socio-economic standing, including private and single sex schools.
All International students who graduated with Level 3 NCEA have gone on to further study at university. We also have a high percentage of Excellence Endorsements at Level 3 for International, with many going on to high-ranking universities globally, some even with scholarships.
Academic Achievement 2025
An ever-increasing number of International students have gained academic success through their studies at Long Bay College.
Recent success stories have included entry to the following courses at Tertiary level in New Zealand, some even with outstanding scholarship opportunities:
- Architecture, Engineering, Maths, Physics, Medical Science and Education at Auckland University
- Veterinary Science, Business, Construction Management and Food Technology at Massey University
- Sport Science, Information Technology, Media Studies, and Art and Design at Auckland University of Technology (AUT)
- Film Production and Law at Victoria University
- Medical Science, Dentistry and Engineering at Otago University
Long Bay College also has a number of students using their achievements at NCEA to gain entry to a range of Japanese, Thai, German and Australian universities. Some students have received 100% scholarships for their studies at high-ranking universities.
Studying at Long Bay College
Orientation
International Orientation runs before classes start. New students will meet the International team and our Global Ambassadors (student leaders), undergo an Initial Placement Test to determine English levels, choose a timetable, see what life is like at school and in the community, and enjoy socialising with fellow students. This early familiarisation will support their integration once the term starts.
The Academic Year
- The academic year at Long Bay College is divided into 4 terms, each of approximately 10 weeks.
- The school year starts late January/early February.
- Each term is separated by a 2-week break.
- We can organise students to participate in a holiday academy, which will run during the 2-week breaks, so students can continue progressing in English.
- During Senior study leave (early November) when Seniors prepare for exams, an additional End of Year Programme is offered for International Students until the end of November.
- The academic year ends early/mid-December.
Subject Choices
Curriculum Guide
(Click on the Course Overview link)
Commerce
- Accounting
- Commerce/Business Studies
- Economics
Health and Physical Education
- Physical Education (P.E)
- Health
- Early Childhood Education
EAP AND Languages
- English for Academic Purposes
- IELTS Preparation
- Chinese
- Languages for Native Speakers
- (Additional language courses may be available on request; please enquire for further information)
English Mainstream
- English (with a higher focus on literacy and literature)
- Media Studies
Mathematics
- Statistics
- Calculus
- General Maths
Science
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Earth and Space Science
- Physics
- General Science (for Juniors)
Social Science
- Classics
- Geography
- History
- Media Studies
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Tourism
- Te Reo Māori
Technology
- Wood Technology
- Engineering
- Food Technology
- Digital Technology (Computing)
- Design and Visual Communications
- Design and Technology
Visual Arts
- Art
- Digital Art
- Design
- Painting
- Photography
- Art History
Performing Arts
- Dance
- Drama
- Music
ENGLISH FOR ACADEMIC PURPOSES (EAP)
Long Bay College provides modern courses for all English language learners, based on individual needs and chosen pathways.
Effective and relevant programmes help students to become confident and proficient in English. By studying at Long Bay College, students are not only supported in everyday life in New Zealand, but are also able to access the entire curriculum at the school and be successful in their academic studies.
EAP courses have been carefully designed to provide the framework for language learning, as well as the skills required to achieve at NCEA. All levels of English are catered for, from Beginners to Advanced. Many courses are also NCEA accredited and provide a pathway to University Entrance literacy.
All students will be assessed for English levels on arrival. Progress will then be carefully monitored, and the EAP teacher, along with the Head of EAP, will regularly review language levels.
All EAP classes are taught in a positive, inclusive learning environment. Dedicated teachers will get to know students well and will also support them in their English language acquisition.
The English curriculum is designed to assist students in acquiring the language skills they need to function effectively in a highly literate, often multi-lingual society. IELTS preparation and English literature are also explored in some programmes.
NCEA COURSES
National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) and Pathways to Tertiary Study
New Zealand’s National Certificates of Educational Achievement (NCEA) are national qualifications for senior secondary school students, which are internationally recognised.
NCEA challenges students of all abilities to acquire skills and knowledge in preparation for a modern and future-focused world. It enables students to gain credits from both traditional school curriculum areas and alternative programmes.
Developing creativity and skills of analysis, reasoning and evaluation, as well as working independently or within a group, are all important parts of NCEA to prepare students for university and a rapidly changing world.
There are two forms of testing of NCEA: Externals (examinations at the end of the year) and Internals (projects and assessments throughout the year).
The International Student Coordinators work closely with the Head of EAP and the Careers Dean to ensure that all students have relevant timetables which create pathways to university and the world of work.
