Whole School Curriculum & Assessment

​​​​​​​At Francis Douglas Memorial College, we approach the Curriculum holistically - it is more than just academic study – and as such, we expect and encourage all of our students to be active in the College's larger life through participation in cultural, sporting, faith and service activities.

Years 11–13 should be viewed as a three-year course – it is the qualification at the end of Year 13 that each student should be, in general, striving towards. Career counselling ensures that each student has a goal, a plan and a pathway to achieve that goal.

To ensure that seniors have the advice and support they need to make good pathway decisions, we provide subject counselling interviews from Year 10 onwards (compulsory at Yr10, optional at Yr11-12).  Our Careers Advisor also offers additional subject advice and counselling opportunities.   

Although new options are available each year, most have prerequisites and build on prior knowledge, this is why attending a career counselling conversation is an essential part of a student’s subject selection process.

The key people are the Year Level Deans, the Deputy Principal Curriculum (NCEA), the Tumuaki / Principal, and the Careers Advisor.

Real-Time Reporting:
Real-time reporting is used to provide instant assessment feedback for students, parents and caregivers.
Whānau will be able to gain immediate access to up-to-date feedback and updates on their son's assessment progress.  This information will be accessible via the Parent Portal.


FDMC Progress Reports:
Progress Reports are emailed to parents/caregivers each term. The reports can also be accessed via the Parent Portal.  The FDMC Progress Reports provide updated information about individual student progress and achievement. Information about our reporting criteria and assessment grading scales can be found below:

Learning Attributes:

2026

Descriptors

Coming prepared for learning
He
ākonga takatū

Is well organised and attends lessons on time with the appropriate equipment.

Actively engaged in learning
He
ākonga tauaronui

Has a positive attitude to learning. Uses class time wisely and takes responsibility for and manages own behaviour.

Working to meet deadlines
He ringa whakat
ūtuki

Completes and submits class work, homework, and assignments according to prescribed timelines.

Interacting positively with others 
He ng
ākau mahitahi

Works co-operatively and responds positively to the ideas, opinions, values, and traditions of others.


Vertical Form Attributes:

2026

Descriptors

 Character 
He hūmarie


Demonstrates the characteristics of a ‘good college man’ – respect, commitment, pride, courage, loyalty, honesty, integrity, empathy, reliability, perseverance and resilience. 

Service to the College
He ringa manaaki

Willingly contributes to his Vertical Form and College activities e.g. house event participation, gala day assistance,  MAD day involvement. Responds to the needs of those less fortunate by his actions more than his words and to the poor and victims of social injustice.

Respect for others 
Arohanui ki te tangata

Respects diversity. Recognises and accepts another’s strengths and limitations. Demonstrates the ability to put himself in someone else’s shoes. Knows what he stands for and lives by Christian values.  


Grading Scale:  Learning  and VF Attributes:  NOUCE

Not yet meeting expectations

The student frequently demonstrates behaviours that impact their own learning and/or the well-being of others. Effort is inconsistent or limited, and expectations are not met despite ongoing prompting and support.

Occasionally meets expectations and is making progress

The student demonstrates expected behaviours at times but lacks consistency. Improvement is evident; however, regular prompting, support, or redirection is required.

Usually meets expectations

The student demonstrates appropriate behaviour and learning habits in most situations. Effort and engagement are generally evident, though occasional reminders or support may be required.

Consistently meets expectations

The student consistently demonstrates appropriate behaviour and effective learning habits. They apply sustained effort, follow routines, and engage responsibly and independently with others.

Exceeds expectations


The student demonstrates exemplary behaviour, effort, and learning habits. They show initiative, self-regulation, and responsibility, and positively influence the learning environment and well-being of others.


Progress Indicators - Assessment Grades – Yrs 7 - 10

Progress Indicators

Descriptor – Parents/Caregivers

(EM)
Emerging

  • Is beginning to understand some learning ideas for their year level, with a lot of support
  • Can sometimes use knowledge they’ve learned, but usually needs help to do so
  • Is making some progress in ways that are meaningful and aligned to their strengths and needs, with significant support. 

(DEV)
Developing

  • Is starting to understand key ideas, often with support
  • Can remember facts and use what they’ve learned in familiar situations, with a bit of help
  • With the right support, the student is making progress towards the expectations for their year level.

(CON)
Consolidating 

  • Is learning to use helpful techniques on their own to support their learning
  • Is getting better at remembering and using what they have learned
  • Is starting to use what they know in new and different situations
  • Can share their ideas and is beginning to talk about what they would do better

(PRO)

Proficient

  • Can use helpful learning techniques on their own and know how to use them well
  • Can use what they’ve learned and apply it to different situations
  • Can share their thoughts clearly and explain their reasoning

(EXC)

Exceeding

  • Shows advanced thinking by understanding tricky ideas, solving problems, making connections, and explaining their thinking clearly
  • Can link what they’ve learned in one area or situation to another
  • Can use what they’ve learned in thoughtful and creative ways to understand more challenging ideas
  • Can build on their ideas and show a deeper understanding
  • Tests and challenges ideas to create deeper knowledge


NCEA Assessment Grades – Yrs 11 - 13

Not Achieved – NA  

The student has not met the assessment expectations and assessment criteria

Achieved – A


The student has demonstrated entry-level skills or knowledge 

Achieved with Merit - M


The student demonstrated intermediate-level skills or knowledge

Achieved with Excellence – E


The student has demonstrated highly developed skills or knowledge