| Browse by keyword | Help? |
Karl Gilmore
Karl Gilmore is one of a number of students the New Zealand Qualifications Authority is profiling to show how NCEA is working for secondary school students around the country.
Karl is a Year 13 student at Rangitoto College in Auckland. He is a young man with big plans for his future, including a desire to become a politician.
He's not completely sure what his long-term career goal is. He has a wide range of interests and is studying for both his NCEA (level 3) and his National Certificate in Electronics Technology (level 3).
When I leave school at the end of this year I am not sure what I will be doing. I am definitely going to some sort of tertiary education. So far my options are a degree in science, probably biology, or some sort of electronics engineering degree, but I am also interested in doing a course in political science or classical literature.
One of my goals is to become a politician because I would like to help improve this country for everyone who lives in it. I also enjoy electronics and designing things that are new, creative and innovative. But I am also considering pursuing a career as a doctor because that would give me the opportunity to help people.
What I'm studying
This year in NCEA level 3 I am taking mathematics with statistics, biology, classics and chemistry. I am also studying for a National Certificate in Electronics Technology (level 3).
I have a NCEA level 1 with maths, science, English, accounting, music and history, and a NCEA level 2 with maths, physics, biology, chemistry and English. I have also completed the National Certificate in Electronics Technology level 2. I came top of the level 2 electronics course in Rangitoto College.
What I love to study and what I don't
My favourite subject is electronics because it is always changing and there are always new things to do and research. There are also a lot of opportunities in electronics. A really great teacher, who is funny and interesting, and really knows what he's talking about, teaches it. Probably one of the best teachers I have had.
I do not really have a least favourite subject, but if I had to pick one it would be statistics because it follows very rigid and set criteria that are not open to interpretation.
Preparing for internal and external assessment
When I have to sit an internal test or exam I normally do some light revision 2-3 weeks out by reading over my notes or doing some simple exercises/examples. If the assessment is an essay I will write a few to help guide me and to get my confidence up.
If the assessment is external then I'm revising all year round by just going over my notes and practising the skills that I've learnt. But from 2-3 weeks out my studying becomes more intense and I will re-write most of my notes to help etch them into my brain and do all the associated exercises and examples that go with that specific skill. I stop studying a few days before the exam to give myself a break.
When I'm not studying
I'm involved in all things musical. In Year 11 and 12 I was in the choirs; Mainly Men, The Fundamentals and Bernyanyi. I was also a member of the Senior Big Band, the Senior Orchestra and the Woodwind Choir.
I am a member of the North Shore Youth Council, which aims to provide the youth of the Shore with a voice so that they are accurately represented to the North Shore Council.
This year I have also taken up lawn bowls. I also enjoy playing soccer and table tennis. As well, I am very interested in the testing and design process of new software, particularly games.
I try to keep my life well balanced between work and leisure, and at the same time get involved in as many opportunities as possible.
Last updated: 31 August 2004