Partnerships with schools

Since 1997, Lincoln University has been developing relationships with New Zealand secondary schools and in 2005, the partnership arrangements were formally established. Seamless education is now a reality. Secondary school students have already made the transition from learning at school to learning at university level successfully.

High school teachers in economics, accounting and the sciences have established good working relationships with Lincoln University staff. Access to Lincoln's research based teaching resources is providing good spin-offs for all senior school students, not just those pursuing regional education subjects. The partnership is a win-win situation for both the schools and Lincoln University with the student beginning tertiary study knowing what it takes to be a highly successful learner in the university environment.

"Forty years ago I started university with Geography Stage I while I was still at school. At that time, many students started their university careers while they were in their final school year, then from the 1970's until every recently a myopic view restricted such university studies," recalls Keith Thomson, Careers Advisor at Christchurch Boys' High School. "However, I am very happy to present this same opportunity to students now! It's great to open the door so they are able to begin university while still at school here at Christchurch Boys' High School."

Keith Thomson, has been a pivotal person in enabling the Accounting and Economics classes to get off the ground. Keith has worked along side Steve Lamb (Accounting) and Derek McLauchlan (Economics) to form the CBHS "university" team. "Studying these university subjects has enhanced our senior curriculum. We have always promoted opportunities at university for gifted and talented but now Lincoln Regional Education programme has enabled Christchurch Boys' High to broaden and lift the academic performance of all seventh formers. "The academic goals of Year 13 students have been elevated. They can now expect to progress their academic studies in certain subjects at university level before they leave school," said Keith.

Keith Thomson who is highly respected by a generation of boys says that now the key advantage is that students don't have to travel since their university tutorials mesh neatly with their busy time-tables - all important when work and sporting commitments compete for their time. "Helping students turn up at university with some good marks under their belt is one thing," says Keith, "but more important is the way the school has provided a very smooth transition to university level studies."

For six years now, Nigel Lineham, Head of Economics at Nayland College, Nelson, has been encouraging his year 13 Economics students to start their university studies in Economics while they are also studying for their University Entrance qualifications.

"Much of the university subject is covered by our senior students in Year 13 and so it seemed a good idea to support them as they make the transition to university studies in my subject," said Nigel Lineham.

"Nayland College has been very pleased with the results the students have achieved over the last six years. They end up with not only very good bursary and university results but they also gain so much in personal confidence which helps them in any academic environment."

"Beginning university accounting and economics while still in their final year at Riccarton High has been a very good experience for all of the students," agreed seventh form teachers Tom Neuman and Joan Findlay. "just helping students to make the transition to a more independent way of studying has been thoroughly worthwhile. Pleasing too has been the tremendous encouragement given to students who will be the first university graduates in their immediate families. These students now know they can expect to do well at university. They know what to expect and how to organise and apply themselves."

Next year, the Riccarton programme will expand. Parents were briefed at the Year 12 parent's evening about what is involved in gaining two qualifications for the study efforts during Year 13. "Students are able to make the transition from school to university while supported by their teachers and their peers. Pursuing academic excellence is cool! Students want to become the very best that they can be academically," agreed both teachers.

School Liaison
Phone: 64 3 325 2811

or call our help line 0800 10 70 10 (New Zealand only)
Fax: 64 3 325 3869

NOTE:

Lincoln University reserves the right to cancel courses prior to the start of the semester if class numbers are not viable. While every effort is made to ensure the information is correct, Lincoln University reserves the right to make changes without notification.