We’ve introduced a refreshed and aligned structure that brings clarity and consistency to academic recognition, and ensures that excellence at every level is both visible, aspirational and valued.
These updates are about more than just celebrating success — they’re about recognising and honouring the hard work, commitment, and intellectual curiosity that our students bring to their learning.
At NCEA Level 1, 2 and 3, students who achieve 50 Excellence credits, will now be awarded an Academic Excellence Badge and receive our Scholars Tie — visible symbols of their hard work and dedication. This structure encourages sustained excellence performance across multiple subjects.
For students in the International Baccalaureate (IBDP) programme in Year 12 & 13, we’ve aligned recognition to reflect their curriculum’s unique structure. Students achieving a total of 30 points, which is equivalent to NCEA’s 50 L2 Excellence credits will also earn their place among our Badge and Scholars Tie academic awardees.
Promoting sustained excellence, valuing a broad base of excellence, and celebrating those who push themselves to go above and beyond.
Our academic recognition grows by awarding academic blues in addition to the Badge and Scholars Tie. This is the biggest change to our awards structure, one that has been amiss for many years. We want to celebrate and recognise Academic excellence with a Blue. Currently Blues are only awarded to sports and cultural activities, but now we are publicly recognising our proud tradition of academic excellence at the College.
At NCEA Level 1 and 2 and IBDP Year 1, students who achieve four Excellence equivalent endorsements, will now be eligible for the prestigious Academic Blue, inclusion on the Academic Board, and the right to wear the Scholar 2024 Sash — a proud mark of academic distinction.
For our Level 3 NCEA and IBDP Year 2 students, they require three Excellence endorsements out of the subjects that they take, reflecting the increasing challenge and depth of study in their final year of their respective programmes.
What’s exciting about this system is its fairness and coherence. Whether students are in NCEA or IB, every student has a clear pathway to recognition. It promotes sustained excellence, values a broad base of excellence, and celebrates those who push themselves to go above and beyond.
Ultimately, this change is about fostering a culture where academic achievement is seen, celebrated, and aspired to — and where the students of John McGlashan College can wear their success with pride.
We will be updating the Student and Parent Handbook with more details regarding these awards by the end of the May.
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