Subject selection

What to consider when choosing subjects

At MAC, all students have the opportunity to achieve success in both NCEA Level 2 and 3 and university entrance. However, our system of subject selection is flexible to cater for the needs of individual students. 

Year 10

• • Maths, English, Science, Social Science, and Physical Education and Health are all compulsory. 

  • Students can choose four half-year courses from the option list. Consider courses that you might want to take in the senior school.

Year 11

• • Choose three subjects to go with Maths, English and Science. 

  • Science is a key subject area for future study at school, trades and tertiary institutions.

  • In some circumstances, Science may not be an appropriate study pathway as choosing it may restrict other option choices for a chosen career pathway. 

  • Students who fall into this category may be excused from Level 1 Science following discussions with their parents or caregivers, dean and the head of the science learning area.

Year 12

• • Students must choose six subjects. 

  • English and Mathematics are recommended subjects.

  • Students can choose not to take one or either English or Mathematics if it can be shown that this is not detrimental to their future pathway. This decision must be made following discussions with the student, their parent or caregiver, senior dean and the Head of Mathematics or English.

  • The Level 2 English course contains university entry literacy credits for reading and writing.

  • Before dropping Level 2 English, students should ensure they can obtain university entry literacy credits through other Level 2 or 3 subjects if they believe they will be attending a tertiary level institution in the future.

Year 13

• • All subjects are optional. 

  • Students should select subjects based on their preferred career pathway.  

How to enter your selected subjects online

Students are invited to select their subjects in August each year. Students can enter their subject selection online. We will let students know when the online subject selection is open for 2024. Please read the subject overviews to learn more about each subject. 

Selecting subjects using a paper form

Years 9 - 13 students who enrol at the school part way through the year can select their subjects using the paper forms below.