Curriculum​​

The course focuses on developing skills needed for NCEA.  These include more sophisticated analysis of fiction, non fiction, film and short stories.  Students will compete in a debate or prepare a speech, design visual images, write a narrative and construct a formal essay.  Close reading and literacy skills will be embedded in all units of work. AsTTle testing is used to diagnose student learning needs.

Courses based on student ability are provided with the majority studying Level 5 achievement objectives.  Students study the Learning Strands of Number, Measurement, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Statistics and Probability. Throughout each strand students will develop the understanding of Mathematical processes and gain a sound background for national qualifications at Year 11. AsTTle testing is used to diagnose student learning needs and placement in classes.

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.

This is a reality based course which examines themes like War and Peace, the Government, Human Rights, the Impacts of Tourism, Technology – Change and Crisis and the Use of Oceans. Curriculum themes supporting our courses are Time, Continuity and Change, Place and Environment, Culture and Heritage, Social Organisation and Resources and Economic Activity.  A wide range of social science’s skills are taught and units of work are frequently linked to current events to emphasise the immediate relevance of our coursework.

In health and physical education, the focus is on the well-being of the students themselves, of other people, and of society through learning in health-related and movement contexts.

Four underlying and interdependent concepts are at the heart of this learning area:

1. Hauora – a Māori philosophy of well-being that includes the dimensions taha wairua, taha hinengaro, taha tinana, and taha whānau, each one influencing and supporting the others.
2. Attitudes and values – a positive, responsible attitude on the part of students to their own well-being; respect, care, and concern for other people and the environment; and a sense of social justice.
3. The socio-ecological perspective – a way of viewing and understanding the interrelationships that exist between the individual, others, and society.
4. Health promotion – a process that helps to develop and maintain supportive physical and emotional environments and that involves students in personal and collective action.

To support and embed the underlying concepts teaching and learning programs are development around these areas:

• Personal health and physical development
• Movement concepts and motor skills
• Relationships with other people and
• Healthy communities and environments

This course investigates the combination of text and image (including some traditional and digital media skills) to solve specific design problems that will be extended in the senior courses.

This course concentrates on the traditional Fine Art areas of painting and print-making. Drawing to generate ideas and developing them by following the example of existing artists are the main skills taught and developed for the senior courses.

This course will enable students to gain an insight into the world of business.  Students explore the key elements of successful enterprises with a focus on the role of the entrepreneur.  The importance of innovation, creativity, risk management, and ‘can-do’ attitude and drive required to make ideas happen are investigated.  At the conclusion of the course students will require enthusiasm, motivation and a willingness to work with others as they produce a marketable product.  This course leads to Economics and Business Studies at senior levels.

This practical course provides an introduction into Computer Programming. It involves computer game creation, following a technological process through Scratch programming, application design and developing websites using JavaScript, HTML. and CSS languages.

This practical course further develops the dance choreography and performance skills.  This is a fun, physical course promoting group work, communication and confidence.

This is an introduction to accounting involving the use of computer technology. Students apply word processing, spreadsheet and data base programmes to process business transactions and data. This course leads to accounting at senior levels.

The focus of this course is on developing student confidence to efficiently and effectively use a range of computer skills. Students will use and apply digital tools, concepts and skills for the management and presentation of information using a range of programmes. They will explore communication through the use of digital media and develop the ability to create and publish a digital media product.

This course builds on previous skills. This is a practical course covering improvisation, story-telling and short scripts as well as promoting group skills, confidence and performance skills.

Through the design and manufacture of simple projects, this course offers students the opportunity to explore in more depth areas such as component symbols and characteristics, simple circuits and circuit design.

Food plays a big part in the daily lives of humans and therefore it is important to investigate and study its role, effects and use. Students will develop skills and knowledge around food, including nutrition. Students will develop their own Food Product.

This course includes traditional draughting skills, problem solving and how to communicate those solutions in an appropriate manner.

This course covers music knowledge (the study of music elements within different styles of music), solo and group performances, aural skills, theory and music composition.

Students are introduced to a range of Sport Science subjects including Human Anatomy and Physiology, Biomechanics, Motor Skill Learning and Fitness principles. A combination of theory and practical sessions will develop students understanding of these concepts. A strong focus is placed on the language of Physical Education in order to prepare students for NCEA Level 1 PED.

Students design and make projects using a variety of materials including wood, metal, bone, stained glass and thermoplastic, and using some portable electric tools and wood-working machinery.  The course also includes the study of the materials and tools used to construct their projects.

Students are given the opportunity to develop skills in the planning, preparation and development of textile items. They will explore the variety of uses fabric and textiles have in the current material and technological world. The ‘Clothes Shop’ is the major unit of work which allows students to work as part of a group or team. It is a fun and rewarding course for students that give them an insight into the fashion and retail industry.