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Alternative Courses
Distance Learning
If you are not able to do courses that are not offered at Marian College (or Catholic Cathedral
College) or cannot do the courses you have selected because of timetable clashes you can select a
course by distance learning.
Distance learning courses are offered through NetNZ and the Virtual Learning network.
NetNZ
All courses will be aligned with the New Zealand curriculum and NZQA requirements.
All schools will provide an on-site support person (eDean) for students.
All courses will be taught by a qualified and registered teacher from a school in New
Zealand
All courses will provide engaging, flexible learning using digital tools and resources
blended with video conference tutorials.
How does it work?
Generally a course consists of 8-15 students who are taught by an
eTeacher
(who will be from a
participating school) using an approach that blends face to face style video conference tutorials with
a mix of online and paper based learning. You would typically find a course consists of students
from 5-7 different schools throughout the country. Much of the learning will be accessed through an
online space where students can receive work, download assignments and interact with the teacher
and other students.
Each participating school also provides an eDean whose role is to support the students on site and
provide an important line of communication between teacher and students. This means students
are not just left on their own to cope if they are having difficulties. The eDean for Marian College is
Mrs Inwood.
Students taking a distance learning course need to be able to manage their time and take
responsibility for their own learning.
Gateway
Gateway is funded by TEC (Tertiary Education Commission) to provide the first step for students
who want to begin their career pathway while still at school.
The Gateway programme is available to Year 12 and 13 students. It delivers hand-on practical
learning that leads to nationally recognised qualifications. Students are selected fro the course in
consultation with the Senior Dean. These students go on their Gateway placement one day a week,
working towards Industry-Based Unit Standards. Students need to be well motivated as this is extra
learning and assessment on top of other subjects.
Examples of placements are – early childhood centres, retail, hospitality, agriculture, hairdressing,
sport coaching.
Secondary/Tertiary Alignment Resource (STAR)
Marian College uses STAR funding to provide industry based training in these subjects:
Food and Hospitality, Tourism, Physical Education and Employment Skills, plus a variety of industry
based short courses
