STAR - STAR - NCEA Levels 1–3

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What is Gateway?

Gateway is a tailored programme for ākonga who have a chosen career path and want to gain the skills and experience needed to further their goals. Structured around work-based learning, Gateway allows ākonga to learn and work while still at school. Full-time ākonga and young adults in a full-time course in Years 11 to 13 can apply for Gateway and complete a work placement and Gateway learning plan, which will give them confidence to go out and achieve their goals.

STAR offers ākonga access to short tertiary courses, either to explore an area of interest, e.g. Barista, or find out more about a particular tertiary course, e.g. Hospitality.

What this course involves

STAR courses are short courses at polytechnics or private training providers specifically designed for secondary school ākonga. Courses give ākonga an introduction to training for a particular trade or skill. They range in length from a single day, several days in a row or one day a week for up to two terms.

STAR courses are not a subject, rather they complement the ākonga studies at Te Kura. However, it is possible to gain unit standards and these credits can be used towards NCEA.

A secondary–tertiary advisor for each region advertises available programmes through the Te Kura website or through the designated learning advisor. Ākonga can link to the programmes, and our Secondary Tertiary Pathways page through My Korowai, Leaving to Learn.

Ākonga accepted onto STAR courses are typically in Years 11 to 13 and enrolled as a full time ākonga, or a young adult studying three or more subjects. Year 10 ākonga may apply for taster courses and in some exceptional circumstances may be referred by their kaiako for a unit standard course.

Dual ākonga are not eligible for STAR courses at Te Kura.

Te Kura also arranges some courses just for our ākonga. These include outdoor education camps, Learner Licence, first aid courses and tertiary distance courses.

Read more about STAR here.

Delivery Modes

Recommended prior learning

No prior learning needed.