We are very proud of our academic results achieved by our students in 2022. NZQA data shows that St Mary's College students consistently perform well above the national average for all New Zealand schools, including other girls' schools. Despite the challenges of 2020-2022 and COVID, our students have achieved at similar or higher levels than previous years.
In 2022 our achievement rates for Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 were above 94% at each level. At each of these levels over 80% of students achieved their respective qualifications with a Merit or Excellence Endorsement. Our Māori and Pasifika achievement is also very high.
This is not just applicable to 2022, this level of academic achievement is consistent as is illustrated in the graphs.
2020 was the first year that Religious Studies was offered as a Scholarship subject. Scholarship is a separate examination to stretch and challenge students. There were 67 Religious Studies Scholarships awarded throughout New Zealand, 6 of these went to students from St Mary's College. What is also impressive is that 67% of students at St Mary's who attempted this examination were successful. We have continued to experience success in Scholarship in the following years, including an Outstanding Scholarship (top 1% of New Zealand in 2021).
These outstanding academic results reflect the continuing high standards of our students and staff. Teachers and Deans know each student, their story and work with them to achieve their goals. Achieving is part of the St Mary's culture. Students are guided and supported to achieve to their potential, our smaller class numbers are an advantage to both students and staff who enjoy close working relationships with their students St Mary's College teachers are specialists in their fields. Students are taught by these specialists right from Year 7, which does make a difference.
Achieving is not just about success at the Scholarship level, it is about students stretching and challenging themselves to achieve to their full potential. Some of the best anecdotes I have heard are about students who worked really hard to achieve their certificates and were so pleased when they did. Each person is on their own path, which is something that we respect here at St Mary's College.
St Mary's College is about excellence in more than academic results. Our aim is for students to leave the College as 21st Century Women of Mercy. This can be seen in contributions made back to the community, service, leadership and participation in a wide variety of activities. At the end of 2020 this was recognised by over $500,000 worth of Tertiary and other Scholarships being offered to our senior students.
Scholarships Awarded included those from:
- Sir George Elliot Charitable Trust
- Robert Ned Covich Scholarship
- First Foundation
- Auckland University
- Auckland University of Technology
- Massey University
- Otago University
- University of Canterbury
- University of Waikato
- Victoria University Wellington
Congratulations to all students and staff on the 2022 results.