Once again Kristin students have demonstrated levels of achievement that put them at the leading edge both nationally and internationally when the Senior School International Baccalaureate (IB) and National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) results were received in the mail recently. An impressive 22 IB Diploma students, 20%, achieved over 40 points while the World average is 6%.

As teachers at the Albany Independent School look forward to another successful year teaching the globally recognised International Baccalaureate Diploma, many of Kristin's Year 13 students of 2009 are also delighted to finish their secondary education on a high note as they begin the challenge of their first university semester.

Two students in particular, Simon Johnson and Daniel Ko, scored 44 out of 45 in the prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, making them two of the world's best.

In 1989, Kristin became the first school in New Zealand to be accredited to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma. Based on the philosophy that all students should have choice in the course of study that best suits their needs, Kristin  offers both IB and NCEA qualifications. Over the past two decades the number of IB candidates has grown at Kristin. In addition, many other Independent schools have introduced the qualification. 

The IB Diploma Programme is a broad, balanced and academically challenging programme of education preparing students for success at university and life beyond. It has gained a reputation for its rigorous external assessment and is recognised and respected by universities worldwide. The Diploma emphasises critical thinking as well as inter-cultural understanding and respect for others in the global community.

Students are assessed and examined in six subject areas. Each subject is scored on a scale of one (lowest) to seven (highest). Over 6000 examiners world-wide are involved in marking IB examinations and in moderating internal school assessments. Students must also complete a 4000 word Research Essay on an original topic of their choice, a 100 hour course and assessments in a subject called Theory of Knowledge and 150 hours of Creativity, Action and Service (CAS). The goal here is to educate the whole person and foster responsible, compassionate citizens.

Some summary IB and NCEA data outlines the level of Kristin students' successes for 2009:

100% of Year 13 IB students achieved the IB Diploma. Kristin�s IB average �pass rate� for the last nine years stands at 97%. With 108 students sitting their Diplomas this is an exceptional achievement.

93% of Year 11 students achieved NCEA Level One
(National average = 70%)

96% of Year 12 students achieved NCEA Level Two
(National average = 75%)

92% of Year 13 students achieved NCEA Level Three
(National average = 69%). This is the first time that Level Three has had a pass-rate over 90% and is one of the top results among North Shore schools.

22 IB Diploma students, 20%, achieved over 40 points
(World average = 6%)

IB Diploma students averaged an exceptionally high 34 points.

(World average = 30.85%)

Students Year 11 through 13 achieved extremely high results in merit endorsed Level One NCEA certificates also.