In secondary schools, there are different subjects and pathways based around clusters of subjects from Year 11 (age 15/16+), that is, in post-compulsory upper secondary education. The choice is generally that of the parent and student, with guidance from teachers. These choices can change at each year level and may be affected by preference, vocational aspirations, ability of the student, ability of the school to provide the subject, etc. Some schools limit choices, especially in Year 11 (age 15-16), and regulations for the National Certificate of Education (NCEA) (see 6.3.1, 6.3.4, 6.4.1, 6.4.4) may influence the subjects studied.17
There are no formal criteria for entry to (post-compulsory) upper secondary education. Each school determines which students progress and, in most cases, a policy of open access to senior secondary studies is operated (termed 'social advancement').16
In 2005, the average student:teacher ratio in upper secondary education in New Zealand was just under 13:1. For further information see Education at a Glance 2007 (http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/4/55/39313286.pdf).
There is, however, considerable variation in the size of teaching groups in secondary education, depending on the size of the school and the subject.36
All subjects are taught by specialist teachers.10