Kristin offers a Dual Academic Pathway in the Senior School, which allows students to choose between the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme or NCEA Level 2 & 3 in Year 12 and 13. As the first school in New Zealand to introduce the IB Diploma Programme, Kristin has over 30 years experience in offering this globally recognised qualification.
Mr David Boardman
Senior School Principal
Bsc (Hons), PGCE MIBiol CBiol
Year 11-13
On average, approximately 77% of the NCEA certificates awarded to Kristin students over all three year levels are endorsed with Merit or Excellence, and in the IB Diploma Programme our students regularly achieve a score of 40+, placing them in the top 6% worldwide.
Consistently in recent years Kristin students have gone on to achieve the highest score of 45 in the Diploma Programme, something unmatched by any other New Zealand IB World School.
While academic success can open doors, there is a whole lot more that builds strong and successful students. Which is why we offer a wealth of opportunities to challenge pupils and grow their knowledge and confidence, through experiential learning, overseas experience, performing arts, and service.
Our foundations for learning in Kristin Senior School

A very personal approach, each student working alongside their Dean to plan their senior learning and tertiary goals

Clear expectations set for students

A culture of self-confidence, high personal standards and personal accountability

The opportunity to practise leadership, serving others as they lead

A firm belief in our responsibility to provide Kaitaikitanga for both our students cultural heritage and the heritage of our school

Smaller class sizes giving students the ability to question and find the understanding they need

Kristin's bespoke Year 11 courses are designed to specifically prepare students for success in our dual qualification pathways, which begin in Year 12. On entering Year 12, students choose to study towards NCEA Level 2 and 3, or begin the two-year International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.
NCEA or the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme?
NCEA and IB are both challenging qualifications. The dual pathways provide the opportunity for students to take greater control of their learning, allow them to choose an academic format to suit their learning style, select appropriate courses of study and to customise their qualification towards their tertiary goals.
- Approximately 65% of Year 12 and 13 students at Kristin elect to follow the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
- The remaining students pursue their Level 2 and 3 NCEA certificates, with many students choosing to enter scholarship examinations
- This Dual Pathway is reflected in the Senior School's academic awards with an NCEA and IB Dux award being awarded to the top students in each qualification
- English
- Mathematics
- Physical Education
- Science
- Theory of Knowledge (IB only)
- Creativity, Activity and Service (IB only)
- Art
- Dance
- Drama
- Music
- Technology (Digital)
- Design and Visual Communications (Graphics)
- Technology – Materials
- Technology - Textiles
- Business Studies
- Economics
- Food and Nutrition Design
- Geography
- Health
- History
- Chinese
- French
- Spanish
- English Language Acquisition
- Options Science
- Outdoor Education
- Physical Education
- Further Science
- Advanced Science
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Physics
- Media Studies
- Studies in Language and Literature
- English, Chinese or Korean
- Language Acquisition
- Mandarin, English, French or Spanish
- Individuals and Societies
- Business Management
- Economics
- Environmental Systems and Societies
- Geography
- History
- ITGS
- Psychology
- Experimental Sciences
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Environmental Systems and Societies
- Physics
- Sports, Exercise and Health Science
- Mathematics
- The Arts
- Dance
- Music
- Theatre Arts
- Visual Arts

Kristin Futures
Our innovative Kristin Futures model supports students as they prepare for their future.
As an important part of the Senior School experience, every Senior School student takes part in a number of one-on-one academic mentoring sessions with their Dean. The purpose of the mentoring sessions is to help each student plan their academic pathway through the Senior School in a way that prepares them effectively for their future.
During the academic mentoring sessions, students work with their Dean to develop a personalised academic plan tailored to their level of learning, skills and aspirations. These sessions focus on academic goal setting as well as identifying strategies to help students achieve them.

Little Doves
Early Childhood Education

Kindergarten
Early Childhood Education

Junior School
Year 0-6

Middle School
Year 7-10