| Browse by keyword | Help? |
Sara Aloiai
Sara Aloiai 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.
Sara is a Year 13 student at Forest View High School in Tokoroa. Joining the Police is her long-term goal, but until she is old enough to attend Police College she hopes to work with flowers. Studying for business qualifications on the NQF, which also count towards her NCEA, is helping Sara achieve her goals.
When I leave school I want to become a policewoman, because I would really like to make a difference to the Pacific Island youth crime rate. (I am half Samoan, and half Māori).
I have to wait until I am old enough to attend Police College in Wellington. So, in the meantime, I want to get into floristry. I'd really like to have a successful floristry business and plan to train as a florist through workplace training.
What I'm studying
This year I am doing English level 2, tourism level 2, business administration level 3 and computing level 3.
In Year 11, I completed NCEA level 1 with English, maths, information management, food technology and science.
In Year 12, I completed NCEA level 2 with English, physical education, business administration, tourism and two lines of modules.
I am also studying for a National Certificate in Business Administration, and hope to complete level 3 this year. I also hope to complete my National Certificate in Computing (level 3) and my National Certificate in Tourism (level 2).
What I love to study and what I don't
Tourism is my favourite subject. I am learning about places and famous attractions in New Zealand - and I never knew about them before. I have also learned about other countries and their tourist attractions.
I don't really have a least favourite subject. At times business studies can be quite stressful, because there is a long process to go through to get some of the unit standards. I actually enjoy everything this year. Even when I was sick, I wanted to come to school, so I could finish up things.
Preparing for internal and external assessment
I have just finished an assessment for English. We had to write an essay about a novel. To prepare for it I jotted down ideas, read through what I had written, did related research in the library, and on the internet. You need to be quite organised to get work in on the expected date. You might not be able to spend three hours working on it each night, but a couple of minutes each time you are able, means it does get organised for the right time.
Sitting an exam is different. You may not be able to do extra research. It is all in the knowledge that you carry in your head at the time. It is important that you study, so that you are prepared and can give examples. There is less time to work on it, because you have only three hours.
When I'm not studying
I play girls' rugby (I am the captain of the school team this year). I would like to represent either New Zealand or Samoa for women's rugby. I also play girls' cricket, and girls' basketball. Last year, I was in the South Waikato rep team for girls' rugby.
I am also involved with peer support for our Year 9 students. As well, I am a Lake (house) Leader, so I am involved with organising our students for inter-lake competitions. I enjoy playing on the basketball courts with the juniors. This year I am planning to join Polynetia Fa'atasi - our school Polynesian group.
Out of school, I coach a primary school netball team. I attend the Assembly of God church, where I am part of the youth group. Most nights are training or studying. My free time I like to spend with my family.
Last updated: 31 August 2004