Source: NorthTec
Studying in the mid and Far North is now easier for NorthTec learners, with the Kerikeri and Kaitaia campuses operating as official “hubs” for students who would previously have travelled to Whangārei.
Both campuses offer facilitated learning assistance for people studying the New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation. Available at levels 3 and 4, these programmes prepare learners for employment or higher-level studies.
They can be used as a gateway onto degree programmes, with many learners upskilling themselves in preparation for undertaking, for example, the Bachelor of Nursing. Students also go on to study Social Services or Environmental Management, and some also go on to study teaching.
Tutors Ali Ritchie, at Te Pou o Manako – Kerikeri campus, and Mary Williams, at Kaitaia campus, provide assistance to students so that they are able to study locally instead of travelling to Whangārei. They facilitate blended learning, using a mix of face-to-face teaching support while enabling students to link up online with Whangārei-based tutors.
The learning hub arrangement helps the students develop peer support and form study groups and revision groups with their classmates. They often car pool when travelling to campus.
Ali Ritchie said: “We teach our ākonga the skills for online learning so that they can become independent online learners. Many are mothers of young children, so it’s useful for them to continue to do their studies from home.
“It’s very much a learning whānau environment, and it all contributes to keeping learners actively engaged with their studies. They are able to work through any issues which might impact on their ability to continue studying. The peer support is an essential element in assisting learners to succeed in their studies.”
Mary Williams said: “The learning hub in Kaitaia is popular on weekends and evenings when households may offer too many distractions for study.”
Both hubs also provide laptops and headphones, when required, and course workbooks.
NorthTec offers the following programmes in Study and Career Preparation, with the next intake starting in late July:
- NZ Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 3) – Health and Science Pathways: Kaitaia, Kerikeri, Whangārei
- NZ Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 3) – Vocational Pathway: Kaitaia
- NZ Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 4) – Applied Science, Conservation and Environment: Whangārei
- NZ Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 4) – Community and Social Services: Whangārei
- NZ Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 4) – Nursing and Health: Kaitaia, Kerikeri, Whangārei
