Use the resources below to help you plan your pathway. These documents can help you as you think through your goals and what to choose next year.
This dynamic course is designed to ensure all students are prepared for NCEA and to be lifelong learners. Students learn to process and present ideas with understanding and confidence through exposure to classic and contemporary texts from Aotearoa and the world. The course develops students’ reading and writing skills to support literacy and offers a range of assessment opportunities to ensure that students become effective oral, written and visual communicators. Individual student need is met through differentiation in a diverse mixed ability setting with assessment and feedback designed to meet student need and clearly monitor progress against the New Zealand Curriculum.
This course is designed to develop student’s understanding of Mathematics and Statistics. The topics covered during the year include Number, Measurement, Algebra, Geometry, Statistics and Probability. AsTTle testing, classroom assessments and end of year examinations are used to diagnose students learning needs and to prepare them for Year 10
Social Sciences at Rutherford College builds on the foundations that students have gained in their previous schools. Our Akonga are given the opportunity to learn at great deal more about Aotearoa and the wider world in which they live. They study the events that have defined and driven our history and that of the world. Students are also taught the skills and abilities they need to succeed in the wide variety of subjects they study across the school. As a department we look to ensure that we reinforce and build literacy and numeracy skills, essential for long term success. Above all, we ensure that are students are taught a curriculum that is dynamic, informative and fun!
The Year 9 Science course is designed to introduce and engage students in understanding the world around them from a scientific perspective. The year begins with an introduction to the laboratory topic. Students learn about the scientific method and how to work safely in the lab, introducing them to some of the equipment that is commonly used for practical work. Following this, topics cover areas of Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Astronomy, giving a broad base to build on in future years. The course is designed to stimulate student interest by encouraging thinking and giving hands-on experience through practical activities, along with enhancing student’s literacy and numeracy skills.
Health and Physical education focuses on the well-being of the students themselves, of other people, and of society. Through learning and by accepting challenges in health related and movement contexts, students reflect on the nature of wellbeing and how to promote it. The key learning areas covered are: physical activity, sport studies, values based learning, interpersonal skills, Hauora, anti-bullying, sexuality education, body care and decision making.
The course is designed to ensure all students are prepared for NCEA and to be lifelong learners. Students learn to process and present ideas with understanding and confidence. Exposure to a variety of rich texts, development of writing ski8lls for different purposes and a range of assessment opportunities ensure students become effective oral, written and visual communicators. Assessment and feedback are designed to meet student need and clearly monitor progress against the New Zealand curriculum.
This course is designed to develop student’s understanding of Mathematics and Statistics. The topics covered during the year include Number, Measurement, Algebra, Geometry, Statistics and Probability. AsTTle testing, classroom assessments and end of year examinations are used to diagnose students learning needs and to prepare them for NCEA.
Social Studies helps students to understand the world in which they live. It teaches the fundamental concepts of culture, environment, economics and politics. These all contribute to students becoming knowledgeable and responsible members of society. Topics are skills and concept based allowing students to transfer their knowledge to all areas of their life. The course provide a sound background for senior Social Science subjects like History, Geography, Classical Studies, Accounting and Economics.
This is a practical course that challenges the student’s views about the living, physical and material aspects of our world. They will develop skills in literacy, numeracy and be able to carry out investigations on their own. The eight topics covered give students a solid base to succeed in courses in Science, Biology, Chemistry and Physics in subsequent year. Assessments in Year 10 reflect the variety of assessment types that students will encounter in NCEA.
Health and Physical education focuses on the well-being of the students themselves, of other people, and of society. Through learning and by accepting challenges in health related and movement contexts, students reflect on the nature of wellbeing and how to promote it. The key learning areas covered are: physical activity, sport studies, outdoor education, interpersonal skills, mental health, drug education, sexuality education, body care and decision making.
Te Reo Māori (MAO) and International Languages – Chinese (CHI) / German (GER) / Japanese (JAP)
Languages: Each language is taught separately with a focus on speaking, listening, reading and writing – as well as supporting students to develop literacy skills and exploring customs and cultures..
The Senior Curriculum is centred around the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA). Senior students studying NCEA Level 3 subjects may also apply for NZ Scholarships.
Some students will qualify for other Vocational Pathway Awards such as National Certificate in Building.