Course Selection Information for Students entering Year 12

You will study a total of six courses.  

Subject Selection 

In Year 12, you choose six subjects.  English is no longer a compulsory subject at Wairarapa College. English offers many important skills and is a requirement for many pathways beyond school, so it is highly recommended that students choose an English course. 

How do I qualify for a subject? 

Please pay attention to the recommended prior learning section on the courses. If you have not met this, you may need to discuss this choice with the respective Head of Department.

Can I choose any new subject at Level 2 or 3? 

Discuss your career pathway with your House Dean and the HOD of the subject. 

Can I take subjects at Level Three in Year 12? 

Discuss your career pathway with your House Dean and the HOD of the subject. 

What about taking subjects at a lower level? 

There is nothing to stop students from working at Level 1 as a Year 12 student, for example, taking a subject you are interested in at Level 1. Just ensure that you have considered the effect on your chances of achieving your Level 2 NCEA. 

What if I still don’t know what to choose? 

There are plenty of people who can advise you. Your Whānau Teachers, House Deans, Heads of subject areas, Teachers of subjects, Senior students or members of SLT. 

For details on courses at tertiary level (universities and polytechnics), see Ms Tiley (Careers Advisor).

Planning Your Course - Some Suggestions

Click here for a document to assist with your course planning: Y12 Course Planning 2024

As you plan your course, carefully assess your interests, skills and learning style and choose subjects that build on these.

We recommend that you do not ‘specialise’ too early and that you aim to maintain a broad range of subjects for as long as possible. This will help to prevent you limiting your future study prospects. Select your courses carefully as it will be more difficult to change them at a later date.

If you have a particular career in mind, you may need to study some specified subjects. There is a guide to tertiary study requirements and subject choices on this site but do be aware that university courses change frequently, and you need to be proactive in seeking up to date information directly from the university or from the Careers Department at the College.

As you plan your course and choose your subject options think about these things:

• Your interests and abilities.
• Which subjects you enjoy the most.
• The skills you have and would like to develop.
• Your preferred learning style.
• Your possible future career interests.
• Are there subject requirements at the next level?
• Any entry criteria for tertiary education?
• Is the subject on the University Approved list of subjects? (See List of Approved Subjects). 
• Do I have sufficient flexibility to change my course if my career goals change?

If you are unsure of a subject, talk to someone.

• Ask students who are doing the subject this year what it is like.
• Ask the Teacher.
• Ask the Careers Advisor.
• Ask your Dean.
• Ask everybody.
• Ask for help. It is an important decision.

Be informed.