Pukekohe High School

Why study Visual Art? 

Year 9 Art focuses on developing a range of art-making skills, developing ideas through inquiry, research, thinking and curiosity. Students learn to express personal ideas and examine the world around you. Through art-making students develop creative thinking and can understand themselves and others as culturally-located people.  Not to mention, learning in the Arts is lots of fun and always hands-on!

Students work individually and collaboratively within the course at different times.  You will learn by making art using a wide range of materials and processes.  

These include: 

Drawing skills and media 

Painting skills (water colour / acrylic) 

Printmaking skills (woodcut, collograph or tetra pack) 

3D sculptural processes

Year 9 Art is an ideal way to begin a learning journey in the visual arts that you can continue right through to Year 13, or beyond at tertiary level.  It is an ideal foundation for Year 10 Art courses.  

Much of our experience of the world is visual. Studying Art stimulates our thinking and feeling. It increases creativity and open-mindedness. 

Creativity is cited by business leaders as the most important competency for the future.

YEAR 9 DANCE-DRAMA

In Year 9 Dance-Drama students will be introduced to Dance and Drama elements, conventions and techniques that will enable them to move, think and interact so they can create and perform short Dance and Drama works.  Students do not need to have previous experience in Dance or Drama to join this course.  You just need to be keen to learn and willing to participate in all activities.  

By the end of the semester you will have learned how to work as a team and performed Drama and Dance live.  You will have had fun, and you will know if you want to choose these subjects as an option for Year 10. You may find you are more interested in one of these subjects, and not both.  That's OK.  During the course you will need to participate in both, but you can work at your own level and bring your main interest and skills to each of the learning activities.

This course has a practical focus and emphasizes these essential skill areas: 
1. Developing personal creativity through creating and devising your own work.  You will be stepped through a framework for learning that will ensure success. 

2. Developing foundational skills and knowledge in use of the elements and conventions of Dance and Drama.  You will interpret motivational stimuli, be supported to make work, and be challenged to participate in different forms of dance and drama. 

3. Building self-confidence and self-esteem.  You grow through increased exposure to informal performance situations in the safety of the classroom. 

4. Developing important social and relational skills, including the ability to work collaboratively and tolerantly with others, and learning how to negotiate and compromise.  These are essential skills for life.

This course promotes learning through active participation and creative risk-taking.  Part of the joy of Dance and Drama is that you don’t just learn : you actively engage and create. Through individual and collaborative activities, students discover how to link imagination, thoughts, and feelings. You will learn to interpret and communicate ideas, practice problem solving, and will extend your creative thinking skills. 

Create, Connect, and Problem-Solve

You’ll learn to think like a designer by exploring your identity, trying out new ideas, and working with others to bring your designs to life. Whether you're designing a water bottle, outdoor seating or designing your own tiny home, you’ll learn by doing, share your thinking, and grow your creative confidence – all while building strong connections with your classmates and community.

What You Will Learn:

Design basics

• Whakawhanaungatanga – understand your identity and what inspires your design style.
• Design thinking basics – how to generate creative ideas and solve problems.
• Visual storytelling – create collages and sketch ideas to show your thinking.
• Collaboration – work with others to develop and test your ideas.
• Presentation skills –  know how to use design principles to present your work.

Freehand sketching and Instrumental drawing

• Paraline drawing techniques — drawing 3D forms accurately
• 2D drawing — basic orthographic drawings with correct line types and labels
• Perspective drawing — representing designs in one-point and two-point perspective

Research 

• Product and Architect research activities
• Maaori and Pasifika Design - Spatial and Product

Digital 

• Digital tools – use programs like SketchUp and Floorplanner.
• Ai images - bringing your modelling to life

Projects 

• Product Design - Water Bottle  – design and model innovative bottle designs using simple materials.
• Spatial Design - Tiny Home  – Design your own tiny home using Freehand sketching and SketchUp

THIS COURSE LEADS TO YEAR 10 DESIGN THINKING

In this course, students learn about and develop basic programming skills by coding in the Python programming language. They also start to engage in 3D Modelling and Animation using the industry standard Blender software.

Phase 4

We build and draw on our knowledge of how language works to interpret and produce text in English. Learning how to use the English language can strengthen your identity and enable you to effectively communicate and participate in society.

In Years 9–10, the focus shifts from foundational literacy development to the integrated and purposeful application and analysis of language. Building on the knowledge and skills developed within the Oral Language, Reading, and Writing strands in Years 0–8, students are taught to engage with texts more critically and creatively.

Years 9–10 is structured into two strands: Text Studies and Language Studies. Each element within these strands draws directly from the Years 0–8 strands: within Text Studies, the element of Textual and Critical Analysis deepens the skills developed in Reading; within Language Studies, the element of Crafting Texts builds on Writing, and the element of Oral Communication extends Oral Language.

9ESOL is an alternative to year 9 English for students who are new to learning English or who need extra support with using English in an academic context. The course covers skills in reading, writing, listening, speaking and vocabulary learning. There are similarities with mainstream English classes but the course is designed around gaining confidence and proficiency in English language learning based on the English Language Intensive Programme. It supports students in using English in everyday life and in their other subject classes.

We recommend that students who are interested in designing, planning and developing food  products study this Technology area

Food  Technology is aimed at giving students basic skills in the food  area. These include: food safety, measuring, correct use of equipment, healthy eating choices, making a variety of food products.

WHAT WILL I LEARN?

• Practical skills – following a recipe, improving your practical skill base, recipe and food preparation
• Accuracy with measuring, following the design process in the creation of a new product, packaging and labeling information.
• Nutrition information

IF YOU ARE SELECTING FRENCH AS YOUR LANGUAGE SEMESTER COURSE, YOU MUST SELECT THE TE AO MAAORI SEMESTER COURSE FIRST, AND THEN SELECT THIS COURSE

The course will take place in Semester 1 or Semester 2 

Students will:

• understand simple texts in French both written and spoken.
• use prior knowledge to make connections with new language.
• build their confidence in using the language by participating, contributing and interacting.
• build their capacity to answer and ask questions. 
• learn more about French culture and relate it to their own.

Topics covered:

• Introducing yourself (Saying your name, spell your name, mention your age, birthday, nationality and where you live) 
• Introducing others (mentioning your teachers and friends' name, talking about your family members and pets )
• Talking about your favourite things (animals, colours, sports, music, food)
• Discovering various aspects of French culture like food, festivals and sports
• You will be able to have short conversations in French

The focus is on using the French language by developing the oral / aural skills of speaking and listening while deepening your understanding of the French culture.

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. The main aim of Physical Education is to get students engaged in regular physical activity in a variety of movement contexts. 

Through learning and by accepting challenges in health-related and movement contexts, students reflect on the nature of well-being and how to promote it. As they develop resilience and a sense of personal and social responsibility, they are increasingly able to take responsibility for themselves and contribute to the well-being of those around them, of their communities, of their environments (including natural environments), and of the wider society.

Students will part-take in a wide range of movement contexts throughout the year and utilise school and community resources. 

Students will undertake 2 hours of Physical Education a week and 1 hour of Health Education a week.

IF YOU ARE SELECTING JAPANESE AS YOUR LANGUAGE SEMESTER COURSE, YOU MUST SELECT THE TE AO MAAORI SEMESTER COURSE FIRST, AND THEN SELECT THIS COURSE

The course will take place in Semester 1 or Semester 2 

Students will:

• understand simple texts in Japanese and use familiar language with some flexibility.
• use prior knowledge to make connections with new language.
• build their confidence in using the language by participating, contributing and interacting.
• Build their capacity to read and write in the Japanese alphabets
• learn more about the culture and customs of Japan and the relationship between culture and language.

Topics covered:

• Introducing yourself (Saying your name, spell your name, mention your age, birthday, nationality and where you live) 
• Introducing others (mentioning your teachers and friends' name, talking about your family members and pets )
• Talking about your favourite things (animals, colours, sports, music, food)
• Discovering various aspects of Japanese culture like food, festivals and sports
• You will be able to have short conversations in Japanese

Focus is :

a) on speaking being able to use simple Japanese sentences and questions for the purpose of every day conversation.

b) on reading the main Japanese script of Hiragana  with basic kanjis

c) on experiencing the culture with activities such as Ikebana, taiko and food.

During Year 9 mathematics, students will get the opportunity to build on their understanding and make connections between the main strands of mathematics. Students will work collaboratively and individually to improve their understanding and apply their knowledge to solve problems that relate to the world around them.

As well as learning key skills, there will be an emphasis on reasoning with this skills and applying them to a wider context.

Make, Build, and Problem-Solve

You’ll learn to think and work like a designer and maker by creating practical projects using a range of materials, tools, and processes. Through hands-on projects such as a folding stool, a simple picture frame, and an electronic circuit, you will develop confidence using hand tools, machines, and workshop equipment safely and accurately.

You will learn how to mark out, measure, cut, shape, join, assemble, and finish materials to create products that are functional, durable, and fit-for-purpose. You will also explore how different materials behave, how they are selected for specific uses, and how design decisions affect the way people use and interact with products.

Throughout the course, you will identify and manage risks, test ideas, solve problems, and use feedback to improve your outcomes. You will apply skills from Technology, Mathematics, Science, and Social Sciences to make informed choices about materials, construction methods, safety, sustainability, and product quality.

What You Will Learn:

Workshop safety and practical skills

Safe use of workshop spaces, tools, machines, and equipment
Identifying and managing risks during practical work
Accurate measuring, marking out, cutting, shaping, joining, and finishing
Developing confidence with hand tools and machine tools

Materials technology

Understanding the characteristics of materials, including appearance, strength, durability, performance, and function
Selecting appropriate materials for specific products and users
Exploring how traditional, smart, hard, and soft materials behave in different contexts
Considering sustainability, ethical choices, and responsible use of materials

Design and problem-solving

Using evidence-based thinking to make informed design decisions
Testing, modelling, and improving ideas during the design process
Using stakeholder feedback to improve practical outcomes
Creating products that are functional, safe, durable, and fit-for-purpose

Materials engineering

Choosing suitable joining methods and manufacturing processes
Applying knowledge from Mathematics, Science, and Social Sciences to support design decisions
Understanding how material choices affect safety, quality, sustainability, and user experience
Developing practical solutions through making, testing, and refinement

Projects

Folding Stool – design and manufacture a functional stool using accurate marking out, cutting, joining, assembly, and finishing techniques.

Simple Picture Frame – create a picture frame while developing measuring, cutting, joining, and finishing skills.

Electronic Circuit – construct a basic electronic circuit while learning about components, connections, testing, and safe practical work.

THIS COURSE LEADS TO YEAR 10 TECHNOLOGY

This course gives you the opportunity to discover your love for Music and to begin developing skills as a musician.  We will support you to discover your potential as you begin learning and support you to extend skills you already have.  We have a wide range of musical instruments, great equipment and technology that you can try.  Many of our wonderful senior music students started learning Music for the first time ever in this course, without any prior experience or skills.  Our Music teachers can't wait to meet you and help you on your own personal music-making journey.   

This is a practical music making course, mostly focusing on the acoustic guitar. You will learn to perform songs using basic TAB and chords in addition to creating short compositions using acoustic instruments as well as computer software. 

You will develop some knowledge of music theory and extend any prior knowledge you bring to the course.  You will develop skills in being able to write and read music using standard notation by engaging with online worksheets and activities.  

In this course you can work at your own pace depending on your skills.  You will participate in a variety of learning activities.  You will listen to music, learn new songs, write short pieces of music using your own level of skill, and learn how to perform your work. You will start at your own level of learning, then grow your skills and confidence from there.   It doesn't matter if you are completely new to Music and have no prior experience.  Learning activities are a mixture of individual tasks and group work.

Music is amazing!  Music is fun!  Our Music Department is supportive and fun!

Get started on your learning journey in this 9MUS course so we can support you to grow your skills in all sorts of ways, beginning in Year 9 and on into the following years.  You might even end up in a band!

This course presents an opportunity to learn an instrument and music theory in a practical setting - that is, through playing a musical instrument.  

You can choose to learn an instrument from this list: 

Flute, Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Bass Guitar. 

Your instrument will be supplied by the school (for which there is no charge) and you will play it every lesson. 

The course is designed to take you from learning one single note all the way up to playing as part of a large band. 

You will learn music theory (how to read music) in conjunction with learning a practical instrument.  In addition, you will receive free weekly specialist itinerant lessons as part of a small group.

This course is an amazing opportunity to begin learning to play an instrument for the first time, take up a new instrument that you have never played before, or extend your skills on an instrument you can already play.  Many Pukekohe High School senior music students started learning Music for the first time ever in this course, without any prior experience or skills.  Many of our Music graduates have gone on to study Music full-time at tertiary level, or continue to play in bands.  

Next steps leading on from this course are pretty exciting and includes NCEA music as well as co-curricular pathways.  At Pukekohe High School you can become a member of many great bands and ensembles, including the Wind Band, Jazz Big Band, the Stage Band, the Concert Band, Choir, rock bands and more.

Discover a love for Music and begin developing or extending your skills as a musician. We support absolute beginners and experienced musicians and will provide you with an instrument to help get you started. Our Department and staff can't wait to meet you and help you on your own personal music-making journey. 

Music is fun!  Come and enjoy our supportive Music Department.

Year 9 Ngaa Toi is a new course, being offered for the first time at Pukekohe High School.  By taking this course you can begin a journey of learning in Contemporary Maori Visual Arts that you could continue with right through to Year 13 if you want to.  In 9 Toi, aakonga will look at and learn about some customary and contemporary Maori artforms and motifs.  

You will make work using a variety of media and processes ranging from 2D media (such as pencils, pastels, paints and woodcut) through to active use of more 3D materials and processes (such as harakeke, clay, weaving or construction).

You will make work responding to a range of ideas and starting points, such as your pepeha, stories, legends, history, whakatauki.  A lot of our learning will be linked to work made by some of Aotearoa's amazing Māori Artists.  You will learn about what, why and how they make their art, then use that learning to support your own art making.  

Learning Opportunities

Develop these skills:

Explore this content:

• Creativity: You will explore a range of contemporary art making techniques and media, and apply these in the style of Māori artist models.

• Explore your own pepeha as a base for generating imagery. 

• Visual Literacy: Learn to use Māori images/symbols and patterns to describe and express your own ideas about identity

• Contemporary Kowhaiwhai and taniko pattern design.

• Critical Thinking: Use Artist models and knowledge about your whanau/ancestry to create your own designs and outcomes.

• Effective Drawing and Painting and Carving techniques .

• Time Management: Develop time management skills to meet deadlines in a creative field.

• Extension into Print-making, Stencilling, Sculpture or Digital outcomes.

• Produce quality finished outcomes to take home and share with your whanau. 

In Year 9 Science, students will take a course which covers many different aspects of Science and develop their scientific capabilities using a range of different contexts.

Chemistry - understanding the fundamentals of chemistry: we will learn the basics of atomic structure and how particles behave in the different states of matter. We will learn how to identify and observe chemical reactions. You will become confident using laboratory equipment and carrying out chemical reactions.

Forces and Motion - gathering and interpreting data in a motion-based fair test: we will learn about the motion, force and energy principles involved in race cars. You will develop your understanding of scientific method and how to carry out a scientific investigation.

Matariki – understanding the importance of Matariki, astronomical cycles and navigation using the stars and other key wayfaring techniques.

 Healthy Bodies – linking understanding of our body systems to critical thinking: we will learn about the cell - the building block of all life, and then how our the different systems in our bodies keep us alive. You will  learn how to evaluate the credibility of different sources of information.

Ahurei Aotearoa – adaptations and interactions of NZ species: we will explore and describe the uniqueness of New Zealand in its formation and how this lead to our unique endemic species. You will understand and value your role in protecting New Zealand’s unique species and geological landscape.

Social Studies is about how societies work and how people participate in them as active, informed and responsible citizens. You will look at issues relating to Aotearoa New Zealand, the Pacific and beyond – set in the past, present and look at the future possibilities. 

Throughout the year programme, we will cover a variety of different topics. The four key strands of Social Studies are: 

    - History
    - Civics and Society
    - Geography
    - Economic Acvtivity

Social Studies is collaborative, relevant, and helps to develop our future leaders by looking at the societal issues of the past, present and future.

This subject is compulsory at year 9.

The Year 9 Te Ao Haka programme is for all students who want to participate in, and experience, the world of Māori performing arts.  All students, whether they have a back ground in Te Ao Haka or not, are able to select this option.  Year 9 Te Ao Haka compliments both the Year 9 Te Reo Māori and Year 9 Te Ao Māori programmes.

IF YOU ARE SELECTING EITHER FRENCH OR JAPANESE AS YOUR LANGUAGE SEMESTER COURSE, YOU MUST SELECT THIS COURSE FIRST AND THEN SELECT FRENCH OR JAPANESE

This is a one-semester/18-20 week course that focuses on developing a basic understanding of Te Reo Maaori and Tikanga Maaori.

 All Year 9 students will come to know that Te Reo Maaori [Language] and Tikanga Maaori [Culture] are taonga [treasures] recognised under the Treaty of Waitangi. Te Reo Maaori also has significant status as one of 3 official languages of Aotearoa [New Zealand]. All who learn Te Reo Māori and understand Tikanga help to secure their future as a living, dynamic, and rich language and culture.  By learning Te Reo and becoming increasingly familiar with Tikanga, Maaori students strengthen their identities, while both Maaori and non-Maaori alike develop shared cultural understandings and a greater understanding of practicable bi-culturalism (adapted New Zealand curriculum, Ministry of Education, 2007).

This is a full year course that focuses on developing understanding of Te Reo Maaori and Tikanga Maaori. 

We understand that second language learners of Te Reo Maaori struggle with the current NCEA assessment format. To assist these students to have a good chance with assessment at NCEA Levels 1-3 Pukekohe High School as created a program that allows students to study the language for a full year. 

Inside the program Year 9 students will come to know that Te Reo Maaori [Language] and Tikanga Maaorii [Culture] are taonga [treasures] recognised under the Treaty of Waitangi. Te Reo Maaori also has significant status as one of 3 official languages of Aotearoa [New Zealand]. 

All who learn Te Reo Māori and understand Tikanga help to secure their future as a living, dynamic, and rich language and culture.  By learning Te Reo and becoming increasingly familiar with Tikanga, Maaori students strengthen their identities, while both Maaori and non-Maaori alike develop shared cultural understandings and at the same time have an improved chance of success with NCEA assessment at Levels 1-3. 

Year 10 Art Semester will run for two terms .  

Note: the Year 10 ART CORE  is a full year course.  It allows for students to learn and experience a much broader range of content and skills than this Semester Course, and to learn in greater depth.  The full year course is the best foundation for any of our Year 11 Art courses: 11 ART or 11 PHOTO-DESIGN. 

10 ART SEMESTER 

A Creative Mix-It taster course:  learn a range of practical art, skills in drawing, painting, printmaking and a 3D media.  Course content may vary slightly between first- half year and second-half year semesters, depending on opportunities that will best enrich students' learning.

Course Content Overview ... here's what you will learn and do ...

• DRAWING using a range of materials and approaches.  
• VISUAL RESEARCH SKILLS - this involves planning and developing ideas, and gathering imagery or info for your project.
• Studying artists’ works
• PRINTMAKING - one of several options per semester:  learn one or more process such as Lino, etching, tetra-pack or collograph printmaking
• PAINTING - develop skills in using water colour, acrylic paints and other wet media
• 3D / Sculpture Unit
• DIGITAL ART or PHOTOGRAPHY - we hope to build in a short unit working with photography and/or photoshop, pending availability to resources.

Creativity is essential in a global economy that needs a workforce that is knowledgeable, imaginative and innovative. Making and participating in the Arts aids the development of skills that will be necessary for our ākonga (students') futures. the people who lead and succeed in any field are those who can think creatively and innovatively.  

Creativity is cited by business leaders as the top leadership competency for the future. Studying the arts teaches determination and resilience – qualities useful to any career. It teaches us to experiment and be curious,  that it is okay to experiment and fail, to not get things right the first time, and that we must have the courage to start again.  Not to mention, it is lots of fun and always hands-on!

In Year 10 Art ākonga learn to work independently and collaboratively to construct meaning and produce art works. Ākonga learn through making practical work and the study of others’ art.  You learn to make objects and images, to research, source and develop ideas, and to communicate and interpret meaning.  Year 10 Art focuses on the concepts of creativity and connection.

Learning encompasses the four Visual Arts Curriculum Strands: Practical Knowledge, Developing Ideas, Communicating and Interpreting, and Understanding the Visual Arts in Context.

We can't wait to have you join us in Year 10 Art, to help you develop exciting skills, to learn and think about important ideas, and to see you grow as amazing creative young people.  If you have any questions, please connect.

Year 10 ART - CORE is a full year course and is the best foundation for future learning.  

Alternate courses are: Year 10 ART SEMESTER or 10 PHOTO-DESIGN - which both run for two terms only.  

This course is a Creative Mix-It:  of practical art media & techniques, photography, 3D work, and an introduction to exciting digital visual technologies.

Year 10 Art is primarily a practical subject.  Students learn through making finished art works and developing an artists' journal. They experience a wide range of techniques and processes, and develop  wide range of skills and knowledge.

10 Art focuses on the concepts of creativity and connection. This course is divided into four interrelated areas that all explore a common ‘big picture’ idea:  observing nature and our place in nature, culture and heritage, identity, and social activism.  This course has been created as a foundation course for the specialist courses available in the senior school.  It is the best foundation for Year 11 Visual Art, and further senior visual arts courses.

Course Content Overview ... here's what you will learn and do ...

• DRAWING using a range of materials and approaches
• Experimental drawing
• Mixed media works
• Portraiture
• Still life drawing
• Stencil making
• digital and analogue drawing processes
• Drawing animals from real life
• Illustration - creative character concepts & animals real and imagined
• VISUAL RESEARCH SKILLS
• Idea gathering
• Collecting imagery
• Planning and developing ideas
• Studying artists’ works
• MURAL PAINTINGS in school or out of school
• Work with digital & mixed media drawing processes to create mural compositions
• Work with stencils, acrylic paints or spray paints
• PAINTING
• water colour painting and mixed media
• acrylic painting 
•  PRINTMAKING - students will learn and work in at least one print process such as
•  Screen printing , lino-printing, dry point etching, collograph, cyanotype
• make and sell an edition of prints to raise money for a cause
•  PHOTOGRAPHY – “The Selfie” and “My Whakapapa”
• Portrait unit (self, important others, still life objects, my culture)
• animate your photos 
• Create a selfie Zine
• TRIP to the Art Gallery or Museum, and to local sites of interest linked to topics
• 3D WORK
• Opportunity to make Wearable Art and enter Show Quest
• Clay work
• Other 3D processes
• INTRODUCTION TO PHOTOSHOP
• Layered Images unit – my heritage and whakapapa 
• Mixed media art project
• multi-media printed works combined with hands-on art making processes
•  MOVING IMAGE 
• animation, introduction to photo shop, digital tilt brush and VR technologies.

Creativity is essential in a global economy needing a workforce that is knowledgeable, imaginative and innovative. Making and participating in the arts aids the development of skills that will be necessary for our ākonga (students') futures. Leading people in any field are those who can think creatively and innovatively.  Creativity is cited by business leaders as the top competency for the future. Studying the arts teaches determination and resilience – qualities useful to any pathway in life.  They teach us to experiment and be curious,  that it is okay to fail, to not get things right the first time, to persevere and have the courage to start again. Not to mention, it is lots of fun and always hands-on! 

 Learning encompasses the four Visual Arts Curriculum Strands: Practical Knowledge, Developing Ideas, Communicating and Interpreting and the Visual Arts in Context.  In Year 10 Art, ākonga learn to work independently and collaboratively to construct meanings and produce artwork. Ākonga learn through making practical work and the study of others’ art. They learn to make objects and images, to research, source and develop ideas, and to communicate and interpret meaning.  

10 Art focuses on the concepts of creativity and connection. This course is divided into four interrelated areas that all explore a common ‘big picture’ idea:  observing nature and our place in nature, culture and heritage, identity, and social activism.
  

This course has been created as a foundational course for the specialist courses available in the senior school.  It is the best foundation for Year 11 Visual Art, Year 11 Photo-Design and further senior visual arts courses. 

Ākonga will have opportunities to participate in exhibition opportunities through Mural projects, Ngā Toi Show Quest Wearable Art show, The Auckland Zine festival, the Franklin Art festival and other various competitions.
  

We can't wait to have you join us in Year 10 Art, to help you develop exciting skills, to learn and think about important ideas, and to see you grow as amazing creative young people.  If you have any questions, please connect.

Year 10 ART - CORE is a full year course and is the best foundation for future learning.  

Alternate courses are: Year 10 ART SEMESTER or 10 PHOTO-DESIGN - which both run for two terms only.  

This course is a Creative Mix-It:  of practical art media & techniques, photography, 3D work, and an introduction to exciting digital visual technologies.

Year 10 Art is primarily a practical subject.  Students learn through making finished art works and developing an artists' journal. They experience a wide range of techniques and processes, and develop  wide range of skills and knowledge.

10 Art focuses on the concepts of creativity and connection. This course is divided into four interrelated areas that all explore a common ‘big picture’ idea:  observing nature and our place in nature, culture and heritage, identity, and social activism.  This course has been created as a foundation course for the specialist courses available in the senior school.  It is the best foundation for Year 11 Visual Art, and further senior visual arts courses.

Course Content Overview ... here's what you will learn and do ...

• DRAWING using a range of materials and approaches
• Experimental drawing
• Mixed media works
• Portraiture
• Still life drawing
• Stencil making
• digital and analogue drawing processes
• Drawing animals from real life
• Illustration - creative character concepts & animals real and imagined
• VISUAL RESEARCH SKILLS
• Idea gathering
• Collecting imagery
• Planning and developing ideas
• Studying artists’ works
• MURAL PAINTINGS in school or out of school
• Work with digital & mixed media drawing processes to create mural compositions
• Work with stencils, acrylic paints or spray paints
• PAINTING
• water colour painting and mixed media
• acrylic painting 
•  PRINTMAKING - students will learn and work in at least one print process such as
•  Screen printing , lino-printing, dry point etching, collograph, cyanotype
• make and sell an edition of prints to raise money for a cause
•  PHOTOGRAPHY – “The Selfie” and “My Whakapapa”
• Portrait unit (self, important others, still life objects, my culture)
• animate your photos 
• Create a selfie Zine
• TRIP to the Art Gallery or Museum, and to local sites of interest linked to topics
• 3D WORK
• Opportunity to make Wearable Art and enter Show Quest
• Clay work
• Other 3D processes
• INTRODUCTION TO PHOTOSHOP
• Layered Images unit – my heritage and whakapapa 
• Mixed media art project
• multi-media printed works combined with hands-on art making processes
•  MOVING IMAGE 
• animation, introduction to photo shop, digital tilt brush and VR technologies.

Creativity is essential in a global economy needing a workforce that is knowledgeable, imaginative and innovative. Making and participating in the arts aids the development of skills that will be necessary for our ākonga (students') futures. Leading people in any field are those who can think creatively and innovatively.  Creativity is cited by business leaders as the top competency for the future. Studying the arts teaches determination and resilience – qualities useful to any pathway in life.  They teach us to experiment and be curious,  that it is okay to fail, to not get things right the first time, to persevere and have the courage to start again. Not to mention, it is lots of fun and always hands-on! 

 Learning encompasses the four Visual Arts Curriculum Strands: Practical Knowledge, Developing Ideas, Communicating and Interpreting and the Visual Arts in Context.  In Year 10 Art, ākonga learn to work independently and collaboratively to construct meanings and produce artwork. Ākonga learn through making practical work and the study of others’ art. They learn to make objects and images, to research, source and develop ideas, and to communicate and interpret meaning.  

10 Art focuses on the concepts of creativity and connection. This course is divided into four interrelated areas that all explore a common ‘big picture’ idea:  observing nature and our place in nature, culture and heritage, identity, and social activism.
  

This course has been created as a foundational course for the specialist courses available in the senior school.  It is the best foundation for Year 11 Visual Art, Year 11 Photo-Design and further senior visual arts courses. 

Ākonga will have opportunities to participate in exhibition opportunities through Mural projects, Ngā Toi Show Quest Wearable Art show, The Auckland Zine festival, the Franklin Art festival and other various competitions.
  

We can't wait to have you join us in Year 10 Art, to help you develop exciting skills, to learn and think about important ideas, and to see you grow as amazing creative young people.  If you have any questions, please connect.

Year 10 Dance

Year 10 Dance is a half year course that is a fun and active way to develop many personal and interpersonal skills, and is suited to ākonga of all abilities. Part of the joy of all Dance courses is that you don't just study Dance, you do it!

This is an interactive, practical course where you will build positive working relationships with your classmates and have fun while you explore Dance from different aspects.

This course is ideal for students who wish to experience Dance to see what it is all about at PHS, and to have a break from sitting all day. Any movement and dance skills students already have, linked to their own cultural experience, or developed in dance classes out of school are valued. Experience as a dancer is NOT required, however students must be willing to participate in all learning activities and try new things. 

Year 10 Dance (Semester) students will complete research and perform dance from a variety of cultures, and learn to manipulate the dance elements to create interesting movement pathways.  You will grow your knowledge through movement and practicing dance every lesson. While assessments are largely practical, there will be a small written component to accompany each assessment.

Image credits: all photos feature students from PHS in the classroom, on stage at PHS in the Dance showcase in 2020, and Year 10 Dance students performing in PHS Dance Showcase 2022

Create, Connect, and Problem-Solve

You’ll learn to think like a designer by exploring your identity, trying out new ideas, and working with others to bring your designs to life. You will understand the aesthetics and function of products and spatial designs, and how people interact them. Whether you're designing outdoor seating or a bach, you’ll learn by doing, share your thinking, and grow your creative confidence – all while building strong connections with your own personal design style.

What You Will Learn:

Design basics

• Whakawhanaungatanga – understand your identity and what inspires your design style.
• Design thinking basics – how to generate creative ideas and solve problems.
• Visual storytelling – create collages and sketch ideas to show your thinking.
• Collaboration – work with others to develop and test your ideas.
• Presentation skills –  know how to use design principles to present your work.

Freehand sketching and Instrumental drawing

• Paraline drawing techniques — drawing 3D forms accurately
• 2D drawing — basic orthographic drawings with correct line types and labels
• Perspective drawing — representing designs in one-point and two-point perspective

Research 

• Product and Architect research activities
• Maaori and Pasifika Design - Spatial and Product

Digital 

• Digital tools – using SketchUp and Photoshop to produce professional final designs.
• Ai images - bringing your modelling to life 

Projects 

• Product Design - Outdoor Seating – design and model innovative seating designs using simple materials.
• Spatial Design - Bach – Design your own Bach using Freehand sketching and SketchUp

THIS COURSE LEADS TO YEAR 11 SPATIAL DESIGN

Loved Digital Technologies in Year 9...
Or missed out in Year 9?

Blender 3D — Design Your Own Digital Worlds
Blender is the same kind of software used to make animated films, video games, and special effects. You'll learn to model, texture, and animate your own 3D creations — from characters to entire scenes — and go through a real design process: plan it, build it, test it, improve it, based on feedback from real users.

Python — Write Code That Solves Problems
Python is one of the most popular programming languages in the world, used by companies like Google and NASA. You'll learn to think like a programmer: breaking big problems into small steps, writing programs with your own logic and rules, and debugging your code when things don't go to plan (they never do at first — that's the fun part!).

This is a sample of what you could be doing in Years 11-13

Year 10 Drama - Semester is a two-term course. 

10 Drama - Semester is an interactive, practical course that focuses on drama techniques and conventions. 

HERE'S WHAT YOU WILL LEARN IN THIS COURSE:  Within the safe environment of the classroom students will participate in a variety of performance opportunities that gradually build skills and knowledge of drama elements, techniques, and conventions.  

You will get a taster learning experience in these areas: 

• develop some basic skills in the 4 important drama techniques - voice, body, movement and use of space.
• learn some important conventions of drama, and use these when performing and creating your own drama.
• learn how to devise your own drama, working in groups.
• learn how to develop and portray a character. 
• participate in a range of drama activities that will culminate in a performance showcase. You will do this working as a whole class and in small groups.  

In this course we will encourage you to bring knowledge and draw on connections from your own personal culture.  We will explore and create stories together - real, imagined, the epic or the every-day, from the past, the present, or even the future.  Through purposeful participation and play, drama students discover how to link imagination, ideas, thoughts and feelings. You will learn to interpret and communicate ideas, practice problem solving, and develop original and creative thinking skills.

Learning through Drama increases creativity and open-mindedness. It teaches us that it is okay to fail, to not get things right the first time and to have the courage to start again.  Drama enables us to understand ourselves, the people around us, and the world in which we live.  Studying Drama teaches communication, responsiveness, collaborative skills, determination and resilience – qualities  important for any pathway in life.

We can't wait for you to join this course, to create, learn, grow, achieve and have fun together.

Year 10 Electronics is an introductory course for people interested in Electronics and who may wish to pursue further training and employment in this area and/or related electrical engineering/electrician fields. Students will gain an understanding of fundamental electrical concepts to explain the behaviour and use of electronic circuits. Students will learn how to solder circuits both effectively and safely. Students will build circuits on prototype boards and transferring them on to Vero boards. They will learn the application of the above in the real world via a range of practical activities, experiments and demonstrations.

We build and draw on our knowledge of how language works to interpret and produce text in English. Learning how to use the English language with control can strengthen your identity and enable you to effectively communicate and participate in society.

In Years 9–10, the focus shifts from foundational literacy development to the integrated and purposeful application and analysis of language. Building on the knowledge and skills developed within the Oral Language, Reading, and Writing strands in Years 0–8, students are taught to engage with texts more critically and creatively.

Years 9–10 is structured into two strands: Text Studies and Language Studies. Each element within these strands draws directly from the Years 0–8 strands: within Text Studies, the element of Textual and Critical Analysis deepens the skills developed in Reading; within Language Studies, the element of Crafting Texts builds on Writing, and the element of Oral Communication extends Oral Language.

10ESOL is an alternative to year 10 English for students who are new to learning English or need extra support with using English in an academic context. The course covers skills in reading, writing, listening, speaking and vocabulary learning. There are similarities with mainstream English classes but the course is designed around gaining confidence and proficiency in English language learning based on the English Language Intensive Programme. It supports students in using English in everyday life and in their other subject classes.

We recommend  that students who are interested in developing their practical skills, learning about food and designing and making food products study Food Technology.

• Food technology is aimed at giving students basic skills. How to measure ingredients, read recipes, design food for a client and to develop food products.
• All stages of the design process-brainstorm, research, concepts, design development, final design and evaluation. Designing products for a client. Learning about food, where it comes from and how to use it.
• You will be taught about safe food and  how to use the equipment safely. You will design a breakfast for a teenager, develop burgers, methods of cookery, making biscuits for a client and international foods.

Students will:

• understand simple texts in French both written and spoken.
• use prior knowledge to make connections with new language.
• build their confidence in using the language by participating, contributing and interacting.
• build their capacity to read and write in French.
• learn more about French culture and relate it to their own.

Topics covered:

• Leisure and sports ( discovering the most popular and typical French sports such as la pétanque, la pelote basque et le Tour de France
• Countries
• My town and the city of Paris 
• School  
• Food (describing what you eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner and typical French dishes)
• Organizing a party and going shopping 

Focus is :

a) on speaking being able to use simple French sentences and questions for the purpose of every day conversation and recording video presentations for future penpals in France and New Caledonia

b) on reading from authentic texts such as magazines, online articles, lyrics on songs and simple videos

c) on experiencing the culture with activities such as food ie French lunch and easy recipes, buying food and tickets and music and films.

The French course not only teaches students how to communicate but it also introduces some key elements of the local culture.  

You will be able to experience the French culture and use your communication skills when taking parts in school exchanges with our sister schools in Arras, France.   

A school trip available to Y11 / Y12 / Y13 every 2- 3 years, a 2 months stay available every year to Y12 / Y13.  

Why taking part in an exchange abroad?

Year 10 French (Semester)

The course will take place only in Semester 1.   There will be no course in Semester 2.

Students will:

• understand simple texts in French both written and spoken.
• use prior knowledge to make connections with new language.
• build their confidence in using the language by participating, contributing and interacting.
• build their capacity to answer and ask questions. 
• learn more about French culture and relate it to their own.

Topics covered:

• Leisure and sports ( discovering the most popular and typical French sports such as la pétanque, la pelote basque et le Tour de France
• My town and the city of Paris 
• Food (describing what you eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner and typical French dishes)
• Going shopping at the market and for souvenirs

The focus is on using the French language by developing the oral / aural skills of speaking and listening while deepening your understanding of the French culture.

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. The main aim of Physical Education is to get students engaged in regular physical activity through a wide range of different contexts. 

Through learning and by accepting challenges in health-related and movement contexts, students reflect on the nature of well-being and how to promote it. As they develop resilience and a sense of personal and social responsibility, they are increasingly able to take responsibility for themselves and contribute to the well-being of those around them, their communities, and their environment (including natural environments). 

Students will part-take in a wide range of movement contexts throughout the year and utilise school and community resources. 

Students will undertake 2 hours of Physical Education a week and 1 hour of Health Education a week. 

Students will 

• understand simple texts in Japanese and use familiar language with some flexibility.
• use prior knowledge to make connections with new language.
• build their confidence in using the language by participating, contributing and interacting.
• Build their capacity to read and write in the Japanese alphabets
• learn more about the culture and customs of Japan and the relationship between culture and language.

Topics covered are:

Family, Morning Routine, School, Travel, Leisure and Hobbies, Inviting people out, Ordering food.

Focus is :

a) on speaking being able to use simple Japanese sentences and questions for the purpose of every day conversation.

b) on reading the main 2 Japanese scripts of Hiragana and Katakana with basic kanjis

c) on experiencing the culture with activities such as Ikebana, taiko and food.

The Japanese course not only teaches students how to communicate but it also introduces some key elements of the local culture.  

You will be able to experience the Japanese culture and use your communication skills when taking parts in school exchanges with our sisters' schools in Japan.   

A school trip available to Y11 / Y12 / Y13 every 2- 3 years, a 2 months stay available every year to Y12 / Y13.  

Why taking part in an exchange abroad?

The course will take place only in Semester 1.   There will be no course in Semester 2.

Students will:

• understand simple texts in Japanese both written and spoken.
• use prior knowledge to make connections with new language.
• build their confidence in using the language by participating, contributing and interacting.
• build their capacity to answer and ask questions. 
• learn more about Japanese culture and relate it to their own.

Topics covered:

• Leisure and sports ( kendo, karate and sumo)
• My town (discovering Tokyo)
• Food (describing what you eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner and typical Japanese dishes)
• Going shopping 

During Year 10 mathematics, students will get the opportunity to continue their understanding and make connections between the main strands of mathematics. Students will work collaboratively and individually to improve their understanding and apply their knowledge to solve problems that relate to the world around them.

As well as learning key skills, there will be an emphasis on reasoning with this skills and applying them to a wider context. 

What is Year 10 Money Matters?

Year 10 Money Matters is a practical Business Hub course that runs for two terms. It is designed to help students build real-life financial literacy skills and understand how people, businesses, and consumers make decisions.

Students will learn through a mix of classroom activities, practical tasks, written work, and the Banqer online platform. The course focuses on everyday money skills, including income, tax, budgeting, saving, banking, careers, KiwiSaver, property, insurance, and financial decision-making.

Money Matters is also a valuable feeder course for the Year 11 Business Hub subjects: Level 1 Accounting and Level 1 Business and Economics. It helps students build confidence with money, decision-making, problem-solving, and the types of thinking they will use in senior Business Hub courses; Year 12 and 13 Accounting, Business Studies, Economics, and Legal Studies..

Students will explore:

• Income, tax and budgeting - understanding how people earn income, how deductions and tax affect take-home pay, and how to create budgets for real-life situations
• Marketing Mix - learning how businesses use product, price, place, and promotion to influence customer choices
• Economic demand - understanding needs, wants, scarcity, opportunity cost, demand curves, and the factors that influence what people buy
• Banqer - using an online financial simulation to explore banking, careers, KiwiSaver, budgeting, renting, property, insurance, and investing

Students will complete practical activities such as budgeting challenges, marketing presentations and an economic demand test. They will also use Banqer to experience financial decisions in a realistic online environment.

This course is ideal for students who want to become more confident with money, understand how advertising and consumer choices work, and learn skills that are useful for everyday life, future study, work, business, and independence.

Design, Make, and Give Back

You’ll learn to think and work like a designer, engineer, and maker by creating products that are functional, meaningful, and connected to real people and communities. Through hands-on projects such as a community picnic table, cultural pewter jewellery, and a custom furniture project, you will develop practical skills while learning how design decisions affect users, materials, sustainability, and long-term product performance.

A key part of this course is designing and manufacturing outcomes for real purposes. Your community picnic table project will be donated to local daycares and good causes, giving you the opportunity to create something that has a positive impact beyond the classroom. You will also explore cultural design ideas through pewter jewellery and develop your own custom furniture outcome using advanced tools, materials, joinery, and finishing techniques.

Throughout the course, you will test materials, tools, and techniques to make informed decisions about quality, durability, safety, and sustainability. You will use modelling, feedback, and practical experimentation to refine your designs and ensure your outcomes are fit-for-purpose.

What You Will Learn:

Workshop safety and advanced practical skills

Safe and confident use of workshop spaces, hand tools, machines, and equipment
Selecting tools and techniques that match the material, design intent, and user needs
Developing accuracy in measuring, marking out, cutting, shaping, joining, assembling, and finishing
Managing risks and following safe workshop practices during practical work

Materials technology

Testing materials, tools, and techniques to evaluate quality, feasibility, and performance
Understanding material properties and how context can affect the way materials behave
Making fit-for-purpose design decisions based on function, durability, appearance, and user needs
Considering codes of practice, sustainability, ethical choices, and responsible material use

Design engineering and problem-solving

Using testing, modelling, and feedback to refine and improve design outcomes
Evaluating how well a product meets its purpose, user needs, and design brief
Making responsible decisions about materials, tools, construction methods, and processes
Understanding how design choices can impact safety, sustainability, lifecycle, and long-term performance

Joinery, construction, and manufacturing

Choosing and applying appropriate construction techniques and joinery methods
Using advanced tool and joinery choices to improve strength, quality, and durability
Refining and optimising outcomes to meet more complex design briefs
Working confidently with materials to create reliable and well-finished products

Sustainability, culture, and innovation

Exploring cultural design ideas and applying them respectfully in practical outcomes
Selecting materials responsibly and considering the environmental impact of products
Understanding how lifecycle planning affects sustainability and long-term use
Investigating smart materials and wearable technologies, including usability, privacy, ethical design, and responsible innovation

Projects

Community Picnic Table – design and manufacture a durable picnic table that is donated to local daycares or good causes, using strong construction methods, teamwork, and responsible material choices.

Cultural Pewter Jewellery – create a piece of pewter jewellery inspired by cultural design ideas, while learning about casting, shaping, finishing, symbolism, and respectful design practice.

Custom Furniture Project – design and build a custom furniture outcome using advanced workshop skills, material testing, joinery methods, modelling, feedback, and quality finishing techniques.

THIS COURSE LEADS TO YEAR 11 TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, AND BUILDING

Music Band is a full year course covering both semesters. 

BE PART OF THE BAND! 10MUB is a practical music-making course and you will continue on from where you left off in 9MUB. The instrument you chose in 9MUB will likely be the one you play in 10MUB, but you may choose to change. The 10MUB course is going to help you develop your musicianship and enhance your skills as you tackle more challenging pieces of music, working as part of a large group or as a solo musician. You will compose musical pieces for your own and other instruments using specialist software for composition, such as Logic, Sibelius and Soundtrap. The practical aspects of 10MUB will be underpinned by more advanced musical theory which will be used to enhance your compositions. 

As a participant in this course you will also be an active musician in one of the school music groups. You will attend in-school itinerant music lessons and have an instrument at home to use for practicing every day.  Instruments are available from the school FREE of charge. Students will choose from the following: trumpet, trombone, clarinet, saxophone, bass or percussion.

10MUB is an ideal option choice if you completed the 9MUB course. 

Music Band is a full year course covering both semesters. 

BE PART OF THE BAND! 10MUB is a practical music-making course and you will continue on from where you left off in 9MUB. The instrument you chose in 9MUB will likely be the one you play in 10MUB, but you may choose to change. The 10MUB course is going to help you develop your musicianship and enhance your skills as you tackle more challenging pieces of music, working as part of a large group or as a solo musician. You will compose musical pieces for your own and other instruments using specialist software for composition, such as Logic, Sibelius and Soundtrap. The practical aspects of 10MUB will be underpinned by more advanced musical theory which will be used to enhance your compositions. 

As a participant in this course you will also be an active musician in one of the school music groups. You will attend in-school itinerant music lessons and have an instrument at home to use for practicing every day.  Instruments are available from the school FREE of charge. Students will choose from the following: trumpet, trombone, clarinet, saxophone, bass or percussion.

10MUB is an ideal option choice if you completed the 9MUB course. 

10MUS (Semester) is a practical music making course that will develop or enhance your performance skills on acoustic guitar and rock band instruments including bass, drums and vocals. You will create compositions using live instruments and industry-standard software such as Logic, and Soundtrap. The practical aspects of this course will be underpinned by the study of music theory and compositional techniques including song writing.

You will learn more challenging pieces to help you develop as a musician.  You will participate in regular live performances, as part of a group and individually as a solo musician.  You will gradually increase your confidence and expertise as a musician and performer.  

10MUS (Semester) runs for two terms only. If you know that you will not take music at NCEA level 1, but would like to develop your musical ability, this 10 Music Semester course could be an option for you. Please note that the full year Music courses provide the best foundation for Year 11. 

This is an exciting new visual arts course pathway, allowing students to learn about and develop skills in contemporary Maaori visual art.  You can begin this journey in Year 9 Toi, and continue to learn and achieve right through to senior NCEA level. 

Aakonga will learn about and make a wide range of art works using different materials and processes inspired by traditional and contemporary Maaori Art forms. You can look forward to learning about and making the following kinds of art works from your teacher, and maybe from guest Maaori artists:

• Harakeke and Weaving: learn about the protocols of caring for harakeke and kaitiakitanga.  Weave a variety of materials, including harakeke, paper, or contemporary materials.   
• Maaori Pattern – learn about traditional art forms that use pattern, such as koowhaiwhai, taaniko & tukutuku.  Learn about patterns, symbolism, & their meanings.  Explore pattern in drawing. 
• Develop pattern into Painting.  Learn about traditional and contemporary Maaori art forms and artists' work.  Explore colour as meaning in composition.  Develop painting skills.  Make individual & collaborative art works.
• Develop patterns into woodcut and printmaking – look at traditional & contemporary Maaori artists' work.  Develop woodcut skills using small chisels.  Make an edition of prints.
• Make uku tangi from clay.  Learn a little bit about traditional Maaori music.
• Make 3D sculpture from natural materials
• Learn about, share and discuss Maaori legends and local stories.  
• Learn about metaphorical ways of thinking & expressing ideas, and about objects as taonga. 

Welcome To The Year 10 Digital Creative ZINE Project!

Project Based & Time Based Learning

This course is designed to help you to explore and learn about digital art making processes. We will explore Photography, Design, Illustration and some moving image. We want to show you what is like to work for a client and present your work to the public as this is what happens in the creative digital industry in the real world. This is where your digital creative career pathway begins... 

As a group you will each choose a part of the school or community that you think is creative. You will photograph it and create some designed pages for your very own limited edition ZINE. One of which will go to your whanau/family another will come to us in the Art Department you will get a set of 5 more that you can give away to your friends. We will also create a short advertisement using our moving image skills that we will learn.

Some general things we will learn as we go will be:

• Composition - How images are put together to capture the viewers' attention and more importantly hold their attention. 
• Typography - The art of using type to make things look cool.
• Photography - What makes a good photograph?
• Project Management - Working together to plan your outcomes and holding each other accountable to get the job done so you can be proud of what you have accomplished. 
• Digital Art Making Skills - You will work across at least two digital art making specialist areas while you are working on your contribution to the project. 
• Conceptual Development - Coming up with cool ideas with meaning behind the work you are creating. (Learning to think creatively) 
• Creative Software Skills - During your practical making of your contribution to the project you will be working across at least two digital creative software platforms. See more details below. 

The way it will work.....

Each student will create their own ZINE to promote a creative part of the school or community. To make a ZINE you need 8 pages of content. This includes, a title and logo for the cover a back page and 3 double page spreads (page layouts) that will create your final ZINE's pages. Over the two terms of this course you will learn different techniques to give you the skills to make your ZINE. You will learn Adobe Photoshop, Bridge and InDesign. (If you are a digital illustrator you may wish to step into the illustration space and create illustrations instead of photographs. This is an option in negotiation with your teacher. Just ask us.)

Will this help me to move through to Level 1?

Absolutely. If you are planning on taking Photography, Design or MFX in Y12 you need to be taking L1 Photo Design. This course helps you learn all the skills you need to fly in that course. 

Where will this lead? Can I get a job through this pathway? 

Heck yeah! The creative industry is broad and wide and contributes millions of dollars to the economy. Look around... what can you see that is digital creative? Games, Movies, Apps, Branding, Billboards, Brochures, Magazines, Photographs, Films, Opening Title Sequences, Websites the list goes on....

Check out what the British Government has to say about the creative industry.... 

In this course you will have an introduction to Agriculture and Horticulture production in NZ. This will include how to propagate plants form seed, farm safety, and possible careers in primary industry sectors.

• Agriculture & Horticulture production in NZ
• Plant Propagation 
• Pasture and crop production
• Livestock Farming 
• Careers in Primary Industries 
• Farm Safety

In the Year 10 Science course we develop the skills needed to carry out scientific investigations using all four strands of science: chemistry, physics, biology and Earth and space. These strands will be integrated into topics that have localised, contextual, and relevant contexts. These contexts include the biological and chemical analysis of local waterways, plant structure and function, and how these are linked to food production, materials and house design, and the practical application of all the strands of science to provide scientific evidence in forensic science to solve crime. These topics will help students develop their skills in using the scientific method to carry out practical investigations, literacy and numeracy, working together, overcoming challenges and developing resilience.

The topics will be assessed in both knowledge and skill development, and will include individual and group assignments.

Plants and Genetics:  We will learn about the structure of plants and how these adaptations help plants to survive and reproduce. We will compare and contrast asexual and sexual reproductive methods in horticulture and agriculture. We will learn about the basics of DNA and genetic information and how to this is inherited between generations.

Waterways: We will learn about the chemistry of waterways in New Zealand. This will involve learning about atoms and ionic compounds, acid and base chemistry and chemical reactions. Students will carry out different chemical reactions to assess water quality and investigate the impacts of changing water quality on different environments.

Materials and House Design:  We will learn about the different materials used in construction and how the properties of these materials influence their use. We will learn the concepts of electricity and how electrical circuits can be configured. 

Energy and Light:  We will learn about the different types of energy and how these are transformed and transferred. We will learn about how light behaves, including the eye works.

Shaky Ground: We will learn about the causes and effects of earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and tsnumais.

Matariki and Astronomical Cycles: We will learn about astronomical cycles and Matariki, linking this knowledge to harvesting and planting crops.

This course provides students with connection to the world around them and how they fit into it.  It examines our place in Aotearoa New Zealand and how past events have influenced the country. It also links to local points of history.

A variety of topics will be covered throughout the year which when combined offer a solid introduction to the social science subjects studied in senior years, such as History, Geography, Commerce, Legal Studies, Classics, Media Studies, and Psychology.

Above all, Social Studies is also a subject that teachers students literacy (writing and interpreting information) and numeracy (collecting, interpreting data and graphing) skills.

Year 10 STEM – Explore the Future Today!

Are you curious about how science and technology shape our world? The Year 10 STEM course is a dynamic fusion of Science and Technology, designed to bring learning to life through real-world challenges and future-focused innovation.

Throughout the course, you'll explore exciting topics such as genetic engineering and biotechnology, forensics, innovative materials and engineering, 3D printing and robotics, and even aviation and space travel.

This course is designed to extend your understanding of scientific ideas and stretch your thinking beyond the basics. It’s aimed at students who want to question the "how does that work" and "why do we do that" about science and are considering selecting science specialty subjects in future years.

Year 10 STEM is hands-on, challenging, and inspiring – helping you connect classroom theory with real-world applications and career possibilities. From creating and designing to experimenting and problem-solving, this course is your launchpad into the future of science and innovation.

If you're ready to think big, dig deeper, and take your STEM learning to the next level, this is the course for you!

This is a Semester course that has a focus on the understanding of Toi Whakaari and Tikanga Maaori rather than Te Reo only.  

Aakonga (students) taking this course will develop their understanding of the elements of Kapa Haka and Toi Whakaari (performance).

Aakonga may have the opportunity to gain some NCEA credits in Year 10 and be given a huge lift in preparing them to achieve NCEA Level 1. Any one interested in Te Ao Haka can take this course, although participation in our school Kapa Haka programme is encouraged. 

Toi Whakaari and Tikanga Maaori [Culture] are taonga [treasures] recognised under the Treaty of Waitangi. All who learn and understand tikanga help to secure their future as a living, dynamic, and rich language and culture.  By learning Te Reo and becoming increasingly familiar with Toi and Tikanga, Maaori students strengthen their identities, while both Maaori and non-Maaori alike develop shared cultural understandings and at the same time have an improved chance of success with NCEA assessment at Levels 1-3. 

This is a full year course that continues developing understanding of Te Reo Maaori and Tikanga Maaori. 

We understand that second language learners of Te Reo Maaori struggle with the current NCEA assessment format. To assist these students to have a good chance with assessment at NCEA levels 1-3 Pukekohe High School as created a program that allows students to study the language for a full year. 

Students are given this option in Year 10 so they can build on the Year 9 program. Inside the program Year 10 students will have a sound understanding that Te Reo Maaori [Language] and Tikanga Maaorii [Culture] are taonga [treasures] recognised under the Treaty of Waitangi. 

Te Reo Maaori also has significant status as one of 3 official languages of Aotearoa [New Zealand]. All who learn Te Reo Māori and understand Tikanga help to secure their future as a living, dynamic, and rich language and culture.  By learning Te Reo and becoming increasingly familiar with Tikanga, Maaori students strengthen their identities, while both Maaori and non-Maaori alike develop shared cultural understandings and at the same time have an improved chance of success with NCEA assessment at Levels 1-3. 

NB: When selecting this option course you are FIRST required to select  1SGEN-Level 1 Science General or 1SSCC-Level 1 Science in Context, before you can select this course. 

In Level 1 Agricultural and Horticultural Science, students will learn about soil science, pasture and crop management, life processes for plants and animals, health and safety in the rural work place, management practices and practical skills used in agricultural and horticultural production, location of agriculture and horticulture production in New Zealand.

Students will be allocated a raised garden bed to grow their own vegetables.

This subject is for students interested in understanding plant and animal production systems in New Zealand and covers the key areas associated with plant production and animal growth and development.

This course will extend students' art-making skills and the way in which they see and respond to the world.  Students will have the opportunity to personalise the theme to their interests, and to explore and express their own culture and the culture of others.   Students will explore the ideas, experiences and visual aspects of people, place and objects within the theme.

Art works above by Ashleigh Hermitte - Screen printing and acrylic paint

What do I learn in this course?

Year 11 Art is a practical course.   In this course you will develop and extend your skills using a wide range of drawing, painting and printmaking media.  You will make art works that advance your skills using a variety of drawing materials, mixed media, water colour and acrylic paints, dry point etching, lino and screen printing, and possibly 3D work.  You learn and achieve by participating, so it's important to be an active learner.  

Learning in this course will  result in students producing two main outcomes for external assessment: 

1. An 8-page artist's workbook of drawings, media studies, and visual research and thinking. (5 credits)

2. A portfolio of finished art works exploring your theme.  (5 credits)

By the end of Term 1 each student will have personalised & researched the course theme.  You will learn how to research, develop and extend ideas in your art workbook pages, and by making finished art works for your folio board.  You will look at the works of a wide range of artists from the past and the present as inspiration.  You learn to use imagination, observation, research and practical investigation to develop your ideas with increasing skill.  Aakonga will have the opportunity to showcase their work, to participate in exhibitions, competitions and trips to galleries or other learning sites.  By the end of this course, you will have a stronger understanding of your creative interests, ready for Year 12.

Images above: etching prints and lino prints by Year 11 Art students.  Installation box exhibited at the Maritime Museum Gallery, Auckland.  Read more here:  https://www.aucklandlive.co.nz/show/i-am-island-and-sea   & here:   https://www.pukekohehigh.school.nz/3rd-july-generations-day-celebrating-100-years-of-rugby-at-phs/ 

How can Art help me in the future?

People with creative abilities and minds are highly sought after and valued in all sorts of careers.  There are now many career paths for people with skills in practical and digital arts. Even if you intend to pursue a future pathway unrelated to the Arts, courses in the visual arts are valuable ways of extending your thinking abilities.  We teach in a way that encourages ākonga to examine and respond to the world. Brain research confirms that an Arts education strengthens students' problem-solving and critical thinking skills, adding to overall academic achievement, school success, and preparation for the workforce.  You will develop all sorts of personal and creative capabilities that will be relevant to any future pathway of your choice and enjoy the positive and supportive learning environment we provide.

We recommend this course to students interested in a possible career in the building industry or those looking for skills and knowledge that will be useful in later life take this course. While constructing practical projects you will be taught safe workshop practice and the correct use of hand tools. The student will also be instructed in the correct use of a range of both power and machine tools. You will also become familiar with a number of joining and finishing methods and accepted construction techniques.

WHAT WILL I LEARN?
· Safe workshop practice.
· The correct use of hand tools and some power tools.
· A range of joining and finishing methods.
· Correct construction techniques.

This course is recommend for students interested in developing their practical skills in food preparation and who want to learn more about the hospitality industry. You will become acquainted with skills for working in a commercial kitchen.  Food safety and personal hygiene are covered in depth throughout the year. 

• Catering is all about preparing food safely and hygienically for commercial purposes.
• The course is delivered using SERVICE IQ and or EATucatiion units of work
• Each Unit is internally assessed
• Units are completed once the workbooks, practical activities and test are achieved and completed. 

WHAT WILL I LEARN?

  Practical skills related to each topic as well as the associated theory which includes food safety, baking, fruit and vegetables, meat, hot finger foods, and knife skills.

What is Commerce?

Commerce is about understanding how money, businesses, people, and society all connect. In Year 11 Commerce, you will learn the basics of Business Studies, Accounting, Economics and Legal Studies in a practical and interesting way.

A major part of this course is Market Day, where you will work in a group to plan, create, market, and sell a product or service. You will learn how to come up with a business idea, work out costs and prices, manage money, attract customers, and reflect on what makes a business successful.

This course is a great choice if you enjoy practical learning, working with others, being creative, solving problems, or thinking about how businesses and society work. It also helps set you up for success in Year 12 and Year 13 Business Studies, Accounting, Economics, and Legal Studies.

In Commerce, you will explore questions such as:

• How do businesses make decisions?
• Why do prices go up or down?
• How do people and organisations manage money?
• What makes a business financially successful?
• How do businesses impact people, communities, and the environment?
• How do laws, rights, and responsibilities affect businesses and consumers?
• How can Māori, Pacific, and other cultural perspectives shape the way organisations make decisions?

You will also learn about how organisations, including whānau, community groups, iwi, hapū, and businesses, make financial and non-financial decisions. You will explore how values, purpose, sustainability, and collaboration can influence business success.

Commerce is a practical, real-world subject that helps you understand how decisions are made and how you can participate confidently in the economic world.

Due to the nature of learning Commerce and Business, it is highly recommended that students have a laptop for their learning.

Develop foundational skills in the following applications for school, further study, employment and leisure activities:

• Microsoft Word (Word Processing)
• Microsoft Excel (Spreadsheets)
• Microsoft Publisher (Desktop Publishing)
• Microsoft PowerPoint (Creating Presentations)
• Creating Websites using Web Software such as Wix
• Creating webpages using Hyper Text Markup Language

Students work at their own pace and level of expertise through online workbooks and assessments.
Students may go on to do some Level 2 standards also in Terms 3 and 4.

LEVEL 1 DANCE

Dance provides excellent opportunities for success and is suited to ākonga of all abilities. Dance is suitable for students of all backgrounds and prior experience. 

This course is ideal for students who wish to develop skills and express ideas through dance.  You will do practical dance work each lesson, and be expected to work collaboratively with everyone in your class. Experience as a dancer is not required, however regardless of prior knowledge, students must be open-minded and aware that they will be exploring dance from a range of new aspects.

Level 1 Dance students will develop skills in a variety of dance styles and genres, and learn to use the elements of dance to create original and meaningful choreography.  You will grow your knowledge through dancing every lesson, and develop deeper learning about the histories and purpose of dance. You'll learn how to write about your thinking and learning behind your dance. You'll perform all your assessment dances in the PHS Dance Showcase. We will attend out-of-school dance workshops and watch a live performance. 

Level 1 Dance students have shared some of their highlights from the course below:
"Fun!"
"Team work and group work"
"Creating teamwork skills, motivating topics"
"We are all comfortable with each other and try our hardest"
"Creating bonds with people"
"It's a great time of learning new aspects of dance. 
"We get to understand that dance is not just about genres, but about feelings, and dancing moves." 

Images:Level 1 Dance class 2023, Level 1 and 3 Dance students performing salsa assessment 2022, Level 1 Dance students at a creative workshop with University of Auckland students 2021, PHS Dance students performing in the Dance Showcase 2022

Code Your Own Programs (AS 92004)

You'll learn Python — one of the most in-demand programming languages on the planet, used everywhere from Instagram to NASA. No experience needed. You'll go from "what's a variable?" to writing programs that solve real problems, automate boring tasks, or even build simple games. Coding is basically a superpower for the 21st century

Model and Animate in 3D with Blender (AS 92005)

Get hands-on with Blender — the same industry-standard software used by game studios, film VFX teams, and animation pros worldwide (it's free, and it's what Pixar-style studios actually use). You'll design your own 3D models and then bring them to life through animation — characters that move, objects that react, scenes that tell a story. If you're into gaming, film, animation, or just want to make cool stuff appear (and move) on screen from nothing, this is where you start.

Design Tech People Actually Want to Use (AS 92006)

Ever used an app or website and thought "why is this so hard to use?" That's usability — and you'll learn what separates good design from bad design in human-computer interfaces. This is the thinking behind every app, game menu, and website you've ever used (or rage-quit). It's creative, it's psychological, and it's a skill every tech company is desperate for.

There are many ways in which Drama education leads to your success:

Social Awareness  -   Legends, myths, poems, stories, and plays used in drama teach students about social issues and conflicts from cultures – past and present – all over the world.

Self-Confidence  -   Taking risks in class and performing for an audience teaches students to trust their ideas and abilities. The confidence gained in drama applies to school, university, careers, and life in general.

Imagination   -  Making creative choices, thinking of new ideas, and interpreting familiar material in new ways are essential to drama. Einstein said: ‘Imagination is more important than knowledge’.

Empathy   -  Acting roles from different situations, time periods, and cultures promotes compassion and tolerance for others’ feelings and viewpoints.

Cooperation & Collaboration  -  drama combines the creative ideas and abilities of its participants. This cooperative process includes discussing, negotiating, rehearsing, and performing.

Communication Skills  -   Drama enhances verbal and nonverbal expression of ideas. Listening and observation skills develop by playing drama games, being an audience, rehearsing, and performing.

Concentration   -  Playing, practicing, and performing develop sustained focus, body, and voice, which also helps in other subjects and courses, and, again, life in general.

Problem solving  -   Students learn how to communicate the who, what, where, and why to the audience. Improvisation fosters quick-thinking solutions, which leads to greater adaptability in life.

Fun  -   Drama brings play, humour, and laughter to learning; this improves motivation and reduces stress.  Emotional Outlet  -   Pretend play and drama games allow students to express a range of emotions.  Many drama activities reduce stress by releasing mental, physical, and emotional tension.

Self-discipline  -   The process of moving from ideas to actions to performances teaches the value of practice and perseverance. Drama games and creative movement improve self-control.

Course Description

This is a practical course that explores four key areas of Drama: 

* developing skills in using  the elements, techniques, conventions, and technologies of Drama; 

* developing ideas through innovation, imagination, and personal experience.  

* learning how to co-operate and collaborate with others to generate ideas and turn them into action. 

* learning how to communicate and interpret ideas. 

We learn these things in Drama in a variety of ways: through playing drama games, participating in workshops, learning how to devise our own drama, and through studying and performing scripted plays.  We discuss and write about our own and others’ work and prepare for a Drama exam.  

What will I learn and How will I learn?
This Level 1 Drama course builds important foundation skills in Drama. Students must be willing to actively participate in all activities.  You will work in groups, learning to co-operate and collaborate.  You will develop knowledge and awareness of dramatic techniques, elements and conventions, and how to use these to create performance work.  You will develop acting and theatre skills, learn how to devise drama and how to interpret a script.  You will learn how to perform in front of others  using different theatre forms, elements and conventions.  You will learn about drama technologies and how to use these as important elements in performance works.

“Year 11 Engineering (1TEGR) is a practical, industry-aligned course that builds on part of junior Technology learning. Students develop skills in four key areas: 

1. Workshop safety.
2. Basic engineering workshop skills.
3. Engineering drawing.
4. Engineering communication (both written and verbal). 

Across the year, students’ complete practical tasks and small projects while learning to use tools, equipment, and selected machines safely and accurately. The course also includes a moderate amount of written work and a significant drawing component, including both freehand and aided sketches. This course suits students who enjoy practical learning, problem solving, and making projects. Students must be prepared to work safely, communicate clearly, and develop accuracy in both workshop and drawing tasks.”

This course is ideal for someone who is looking to enter the workplace as an apprentice engineer rather than continuing into year 13.

Level 1 Contemporary Literature

Credits: 15

Structure: 2 Internal assessments and 1 External assessment

Contemporary Literature offers opportunities to refine and further develop reading and writing skills while engaging with contemporary short stories, films, song lyrics, and at least one extended text published within the last 25 years. You may find yourself interpreting the language of social media and Influencers, political speeches, or protest songs in relation to recent events. You will also hone your writing skills in creative and formal writing.  

Why choose this course?

Level 1 Contemporary Literature is ideal for students who want to keep future options open. You will enhance your reading and writing skills to prepare you for various pathways.

Level 1 World Literature

Credits: 20

Structure: 2 Internal assessments and 2 External assessments

World Literature offers opportunities to engage with stories, films, lyrics, and extended texts in a range of genres from a variety of times and places. You may find yourself interpreting protest songs, political speeches, or war poetry in relation to significant historical contexts. You will also be able to develop your own writing skills as you craft pieces such as a creative description, a narrative, or a persuasive piece.

Why choose this course?

Level 1 World Literature is perfect for those interested in exploring diverse narratives and testing their interests across different genres from different time periods and places. It provides a strong foundation for further academic studies.

This is an English language course for students who speak English as an additional language. It covers reading, writing, listening and speaking. The aim is to improve English language skills for everyday life and to develop academic language skills to support achievement in other learning areas.

This course is recommend for students interested in the study of Nutrition and Food related issues.  You will be introduced to the main topics that are studied in nutrition.  Starting with basic nutrition, we then develop an understanding of safety and hygiene in the kitchen.  As you become more familiar with these, we can then apply these to real life situations where you can develop your meal planning skills and justify food choices based on the Food and Nutrition Guidelines and the impact it has on our Well Being/ Hauora. Cooking practical form a small component of the course.

• Food and Nutrition is all about the foods we eat and the choices we make about food.
• Food safety and hygiene is studied to give students a working knowledge of safe food practices.
• Choosing the right foods to suit different gender and lifestyle.

WHAT WILL I LEARN?

·    Basic nutrition and the promotion of healthier food choices

·    Food hygiene and Safe practices in the kitchen

·    Planning, preparing and serving of food that influences our well Being/Hauora

·    Evaluating different Health Models and demonstrating the decision-making process

Students will:

• further develop their range of vocabulary and sentence patterns to enable understanding and use of a wider variety of language.
• build their confidence in using the language by participating in and contributing to a wide variety of language activities.
• be able to communicate about past and future events.
• explore areas of French culture and compare it with New Zealand culture.

Focus is :

a) on speaking being able to use simple French sentences and questions for the purpose of every day conversation and recording video presentations for future penpals.

b) on reading from authentic texts such as magazines, online articles, lyrics on songs and simple videos

c) on experiencing the culture with activities such as food ie French lunch at a restaurant, planning a visit to Paris and experiencing a virtual visit.

Assessment: Minimum of 3 standards worth 15 credits

2 Internally assessed standards : 1. 1 Interactions (conversations) and 1.2 Communication (written or reading aloud recording)

and a choice of 1 externally assessed standards  either  1. 3 Reading and 1.4 Listening

Geography is the study of the world and how people and places interact. If you want a deeper understanding of the world and how it works, then Geography is for you. 

Step outside the conventional classroom and embark on a thrilling adventure through Auckland's diverse landscapes and geographical wonders in this exciting NCEA Level 1 Geography course. Prepare to discover the incredible beauty and natural marvels that lie right on our doorstep as we delve into the captivating geography of our volcanic North Island (Te Ika-a-Māui), explore global phenomena, and tackle contemporary issues facing the Pacific region.

Learning beyond the classroom 

In this course, we will go beyond the confines of textbooks and explore the local area, utilising Auckland as our living laboratory. By immersing ourselves in hands-on experiences, we will develop invaluable geographical skills and gain a deeper understanding of the world around us.

Life-changing skills

Throughout the course, you will develop essential geographical skills that extend far beyond the walls of the classroom. From using cutting-edge technology for data collection and analysis to honing your fieldwork techniques, you will become a skilled geographer capable of interpreting and understanding the world around you. Additionally, you will enhance your critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork abilities as we navigate real-world challenges together. 

Join us on this journey

Join us on this captivating journey as we unlock the secrets of Auckland's geographical wonders. Immerse yourself in hands-on exploration, ignite your passion for the natural world, and become a steward of our local environment. By the end of this course, you will not only possess a wealth of knowledge but also a newfound appreciation for the remarkable geography that surrounds us.

Design, Develop, and Document

Year 11 Technology is a demanding course that requires students to complete both practical workshop work and a significant amount of written evidence. Students will design and manufacture a practical outcome while documenting the full development process in detail. This includes writing about their brief and specifications, design development, stakeholder feedback, testing, decision-making, and evaluation.

This course is not just a practical workshop subject. To meet the requirements of NCEA standards, students must complete an essay-style record of their work that clearly explains what they have done, why they made certain decisions, how they tested and refined their ideas, and how their final outcome is fit-for-purpose. Students need to be organised, independent, and prepared to write regularly throughout the course.

Students choosing this course should have a good understanding of basic hand tool use, safe workshop practice, and practical manufacturing processes. They should also be capable and confident writers, as the written component is a major part of the course and is essential for achieving success.

What You Will Learn:

Design and development

Developing a design brief based on a real need, opportunity, or context
Writing clear specifications to guide the design and manufacturing process
Generating, modelling, and refining design ideas
Using stakeholder feedback to improve your outcome
Making informed decisions throughout the development process

Practical technology skills

Using workshop tools, machines, and materials safely and accurately
Selecting appropriate materials, processes, and joining methods
Manufacturing a quality practical outcome
Testing materials, techniques, and design ideas
Refining your work to improve function, durability, appearance, and fitness-for-purpose

Written documentation and NCEA evidence

Completing a detailed essay-style record of your practical work
Writing regularly to explain your design thinking, testing, feedback, and decision-making
Recording stakeholder feedback and showing how it influenced your outcome
Evaluating your final product against the brief and specifications
Producing written evidence that meets NCEA standard requirements

Problem-solving and evaluation

Identifying issues during design and manufacture
Using testing and feedback to solve problems
Justifying material and construction choices
Reflecting on the success of your final outcome
Understanding how quality, sustainability, safety, and user needs influence technological practice

Course requirements

This is a heavy course with a large written workload. Prospective students should have a good grasp of basic hand tool usage and safe workshop practice. They must also be capable writers who are prepared to complete detailed written documentation alongside their practical project work.

THIS COURSE LEADS TO YEAR 12 TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING AND BUILDING

Level 1 Health is designed for students who seek to understand and support their own health and the health of others (hauora).
This course explores the influences that shape how people think, behave, and interact with the world. It provides essential knowledge about adolescent mental health, the teenage brain, and making informed decisions in various situations—including relationships, sexual health, and navigating common teenage challenges such as peer pressure, risk-taking, and social situations.

Course Content:

• Cultural Models of Health: Exploration of diverse cultural perspectives on health.
• Mental Health: Understanding the brain, stress management, resilience, and other key mental health concepts.
• Sexuality Health: Addressing issues impacting teenagers and promoting healthy sexual practices.
• Personal Well-being: Taking action to improve individual well-being through practical strategies.
• Well-being Strategies: Learning effective strategies to support overall well-being.
• Decision-Making Skills: Developing skills to make the best decisions in various life situations.

This course equips students with the knowledge and skills to positively influence their own health and the health of those around them. They will develop respect and compassion for others and an appreciation of diversity. Students will develop their ability to think critically and view situations from multiple perspectives.

Using digital technology is encouraged and promoted in this course. Teachers use Microsoft teams and one note to help deliver learning. An awareness of current affairs and researching using the internet to investigate topics is encouraged. Learning activities are often interactive and collaborative.

Knowledge, skills and experiences gained in Health Education are beneficial for many types of occupations. Students will learn foundational knowledge and skills that can lead to diverse future pathways, including becoming a teacher, and working or studying in the health, community services, government, hospitality, and science sectors.

*All assessments are achievement standards 

*Students CANNOT choose this course and 1TFNT

History fires students’ curiosity and imagination

It invites students to ask, and helps them answer, today’s questions by engaging with the past and imagining and speculating on possible futures.

History presents students with the dilemmas, choices, and beliefs of people in the past.

It connects students with the wider world as they develop their own identities and sense of place. Students engage with history at personal, local, and international levels. They investigate the histories of their communities, New Zealand, and the wider world.

History is a research-led discipline

Through this study students will develop skills in research, interpretation, evaluation, historical empathy and analysis. You will also be encouraged to examine each event/time period we study to evaluate its significance to New Zealand society today.

An awareness of history inspires students to become confident, questioning, and empathetic individuals.

History is dynamic and exciting

This level one course is designed to give students a small insight into the world around them through the study of historical events, developments, themes and movements.  They will specifically look at events that have shaped New Zealand’s future - these will include events that have occurred both in New Zealand and Globally.  Events will be drawn from the 20th century and have in the past included Apartheid in South Africa, New Zealand Protest Movements, Black Civil Rights Movement in the USA, Gallipoli, WW2 and the War in the Pacific.  

Students will

• further develop their range of vocabulary and sentence patterns to enable understanding and use of a wider variety of language.
• build their confidence in using the language by participating in and contributing to a wide variety of language activities.
• be able to communicate about past and future events
• progress their capability and confidence in reading and writing in the Japanese alphabets.
• explore areas of cultural interest.

Topics covered are:

My town and directions

Family and home

Travel

Health

Description of what people look like and what they are wearing

School

Shopping

Assessment:    Minimum of 3 standards worth 15 credits

2 Internally assessed standards : 1. 1 Interactions (conversations) and 1.2 Communication (written or reading aloud recording)

and a choice of 1 externally assessed standards  either  1. 3 Reading and 1.4 Listening

Year 11 mathematics core offers students a range of understanding across all strands of mathematics. This course allows students to develop problem-solving skills and think about the application of mathematics and statistics in a range of realistic contexts.

Students who Study Level 1 Mathematics and Statistics core will gain a good overview of Numbers, Algebra, Geometry, and Statistics and how it applies to the world around them. Level 1 Mathematics core creates a pathway to further study in all mathematics with algebra and mathematics general.

Whilst this course does cover some statistics, students wishing to take statistics at level 2 should take the Level 1 Mathematics and Statistics course.

The course consists of two internals and one external examination. The internal standards will be covered within the first 3 terms.

This course gives students an overview of core mathematical concepts required in their day to day lives, whilst there is a larger focus on Statistics, this course will also teach students essential skills in Number, Algebra, Geometry and Measurement.

Statistics is the exploration and use of patterns and relationships in data. Statistics requires different ways of thinking and skills for solving problems. Students will need to investigate, interpret, explain, and make sense of the world in which they live.

Students will learn to make sense of information by interpreting the data using analytical tools. The analysis template (PPDAC) provides a framework for making decisions and providing advice. These skills are particularly sort after in today's information driven world. The ability to solve problems and provide solutions is a key skill which can be applied in most organisations.

NCEA Level 1 Ngaa Toi

Achievement Standards – Opportunity to gain 10 to 15 credits (2 or 3 standards).  

Note: students will have to choose either 11 TOI, or 11 ART, or 11 PHD.

This course is a pathway of continued learning for students who have taken Year 10 TOI.  Other students who are genuinely interested in learning contemporary Maaori visual arts are also welcome.  This is a practical art course, involving hands-on making, using a range of materials throughout the year.  Students will learn about the work of contemporary Maaori artists, and use that learning to inform their own art making.

Content will be focused on contemporary and traditional Maaori art forms and artists.  Course content will include processes such as drawing, painting, woodcut, mixed media and 3D work.  Content will create a foundation for Year 12 options including Level 2 TOI.

This is an exciting new visual arts course which was introduced for the first time in 2025.  

Aakonga will learn about and make a wide range of art works using different materials and processes inspired by traditional and contemporary Maaori Art forms. You can look forward to learning about and making a selection of the following range of art works from your teacher, and maybe from guest Maaori artists:

• Maaori Pattern – learn about traditional art forms that use pattern, such as koowhaiwhai, taaniko, tukutuku and whakairo.  Learn about patterns, symbolism, & their meanings.  Explore pattern in drawing.
• Develop pattern into Painting.  Learn about traditional and contemporary Maaori art forms and artists' work.  Explore colour as meaning in composition.  Develop painting skills.  Make individual & collaborative art works.
• Develop patterns into woodcut and printmaking – look at traditional & contemporary Maaori artists' work.  Make an edition of prints.
• Make 3D works using a range of materials, in response to artist's works
• Learn about, share and discuss Maaori legends and local stories.  
• Learn about metaphorical ways of thinking & expressing ideas, and about objects as taonga. 

Students will learn in this course by actively participating and making art.  Aakonga need to be genuinely interested in learning and making art works.

Social Studies is more than just learning about society. This subject emphasizes experiences in Aotearoa New Zealand, the Pacific, and connectedness with the wider world. Social Studies inquiry and social action are integral to Social Studies. If you're curious about current events, social issues, human rights, or making a difference in your community, this subject is for you.

Throughout this course, students will, 

• Explore Real-World Issues Investigate topics that matter today, from climate change and social justice to cultural diversity and global citizenship.
•  Develop Your Voice Learn how to analyse issues, evaluate different perspectives, and confidently express your ideas.
• Connect Learning to Life Understand how decisions made by individuals, communities, and governments affect everyday life locally, nationally, and globally.
• Celebrate Diversity Explore cultures, identities, and perspectives, including Māori worldviews and the significance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi
• Participate in thoughtful social action in response to social issues or opportunities

This Level 1 Music course builds on the skills you developed in Year 10, blending practical and theoretical tasks to enhance your musicianship, understanding, and creativity.

Course Options:

• Year 11 Band Class: Focuses on ensemble performance and collaboration.
• Year 11 Core Class: Emphasizes individual skill development and theoretical knowledge.

What You’ll Learn:

Throughout the year, you will deepen your musical understanding by studying contemporary scores, popular music, and historical genres. This will support your development in individual composition and songwriting. The course integrates music technology with traditional instrument skills to enhance your overall achievement. Both solo and group performance skills will be refined with guidance from expert professional musicians specializing in your chosen instrument.

Additional Opportunities:

• Extra-Curricular Activities: Engage in activities beyond the classroom to enrich your musical experience.
• Community Performance: Gain real-world experience by performing at community events.

We look forward to supporting you as you elevate your musicianship and express your creativity, musical experiences and cultural background.

The skills learned in Level 1 Photo Design will prepare students for the next steps in their Visual Art learning journey. Students will establish and generate unique and original creative concepts which prepare them for Level 2 Visual Art courses (Specifically Photography, Design & MFX) and beyond. Students will develop their ability to be independent and conceptual thinkers in preparation for their future in an ever changing world. They will become aware of visual literacy and art theory including use of colour, art movements and symbolism. 

Students will gain experience in creating strong visual communication skills that can be used in commercial, educational and/or political contexts. Students will work on a solo and or collaborative design project throughout the year on a topic or area of interest of their choice. Students will develop a wide range of digital art making capabilities and can choose to work within the following areas to develop their specialist interests: Graphic Design, Digital Illustration, Character Design, Motion Graphics, Photography and or Cinematography. The main software we use is Adobe Creative Suite. However, for more specialist digital creative processes such as illustration and or 3D character design other software such as Blender and Procreate can be used. 

Students will focus on the development of digital imagery for their chosen project. Students will learn about typographic design through the fonts they select and use to enhance the pictorial representation of their theme or topic. Students will learn to manage their time, set achievement goals and work towards deadlines to achieve success. They will need to commit to regular homework in order to excel in this course. Being creative is not something we turn on and off, it's a part of who we are and how we perceive, process and interact with the world around us. Students will also have the opportunity to work in our very special Anamata Photography Studio and use our studio lighting to create interesting photographic imagery. If you are an illustrator you may also speak with your teacher about our digital illustration options instead of or as well as photography content for your design work. We will also explore moving image and motion graphics so that you can see what you like the most before choosing your specialty in Level 2.

The Level 1 Photo-Design is a fast paced course is recommended for students interested in developing their digital creative practice skills and knowledge.  It is an excellent foundation for Level 2 Art Design, Photography and Motion Special Effects (MFX) courses, with the potential to lead to further opportunities and careers in Animation, Gaming, Moving Image, Special Effects, Film, Design and Photography. Please see some examples from L1 2025 below.

What career pathways can this course lead to? 

Communications, Public Engagement, Advertising Agency, Architecture, News, Entertainment Film and Documentary Media, Commercial Photography, Fashion Photography, Architectural Photography, Real Estate, Self Employment, Social Media Management, Screen Printing, Sign Making, Magazine and Book Publishing, Commercial Printing, Game Design, Film Making & Screen Arts, Animation, Medical Education and Research Image Making, Police and Forensic Photography, Portrait Photography, Wedding Photography, Brand Management, Merchandise Management, Business Studies - Marketing & Sales, Market Research, UX (User Experience) Design, UI (User Interface) Design, Art Director, Museum Curator, Art Gallery Curator, Multi-media artist, Spatial Designer, Arial Mapping, Motion Graphics, Web Design, Packaging Design, Industrial Design, Concept Designer, Interior Design and more!

The creative industry contributes a large proportion of revenue to the global economy. According to the British Department for Culture, Media & Sport the creative industry is the largest growing industry in the country! Here is what the UK government has to say:

Movement is integral to the human experience. It facilitates a lifelong understanding of our bodies, contributes to our hauora, and allows us to live physically active lives. Movement affects who we are, how we experience and interact with others, and our relationship to and place in society. 

Physical Education invites students to engage with how movement affects them, those around them, and their wider communities. Students will recognise and understand the challenges which affect participation in movement and respond to any movement barriers with full and active participation. Through their learning journey in Physical Education, students will develop and refine their understanding of what it means to be physically educated and promote physical education throughout their lives.

Students will participate in a variety of physical activities throughout the year and evaluate the factors that have affected their participation. They will develop an understanding of how the body functions during movement as well as how to perform physical skills effectively. Students will develop an understanding of the effective use of interpersonal skills in a team setting.  They will also examine the societal influences that affect their participation in physical activity.

In Physical Education the focus is on movement, and the aim is to encourage students to engage in movement experiences that promote and support the development of physical and social skills.  It fosters critical thinking and action and enables students to understand the role and significance of physical activity for individuals and society. 

Physical Activities may include Volleyball, Ki o rahi, Adventure Based Learning, Orienteering, Fitness, Winter Sports and Rock-climbing. 

Students must actively engage in practical lessons to be able to gain credits in this course. 

NCEA Level 1 PTECH Digital Technologies - if you are selecting this course you should not select 1TDIT (NCEA Level 1 Digital Technologies) as the course content is the same with the exception that in this course students are also involved with P-Tech activities.

Any student with a desire to gain an IT career may apply for the P-TECH course. Ideally, they will enjoy technology and have some experience with programming, game development, web design, math, and science.

P-TECH is an exciting opportunity for students.  The program is aimed at giving students opportunities to engage with the world of work so that they can successfully navigate their careers.

P-TECH is a high school/early tertiary program focusing on developing digital skills and job-ready students. It is a partnership between business, high school, and tertiary education.  The pathway is five years focusing on NCEA Digital Technologies at high school and an Advanced Diploma in tertiary. P-TECH links student learning to the world of work and entry-level roles. As well as technical learning, students also gain opportunities to build work-ready skills, like communication, problem-solving, resilience, self-management and working in teams and with industry mentors.

A student choosing Level 1 P-TECH would be considering a career in the IT Industry.   They will also be considering continuing with P-TECH at Levels 2 and 4, after which they will be supported to continue in P-TECH and pathway into tertiary with the P-TECH tertiary partners.   Paid internships will also be offered for all P-TECH students committing to the 5-year pathway.

P-TECH Year One is about getting to know your cohort and foundation skills required for the P-TECH program, including communication and Self Management, as well as basic coding skills. You will also get to meet your mentors from industry and go on field trips to experience tech opportunities in our community.

This course aims to provide students with a solid foundation of fundamental biological, physical, and material world concepts to prepare them for further science study. In 2026 the first topic that we will cover will investigate the different types of chemical reactions, and how to apply these to real-life situations. Students will then investigate and solve problems relating to physical energy concepts - mechanical energy, thermal energy, and electrical energy. The final topic will look into the life processes of microorganisms, how the environment impacts these life processes, and in turn how they impact the environment around them.

Students who intend to study senior biology, chemistry, or physics senior science courses should take this course. This course also provides fundamental scientific literacy to students that will not be pursuing senior science.

Students will be assessed by:

• Two internal assessments: The chemical investigations internal is worth 6 credits, and the microorganisms and their environment is worth 5.
• One external assessment: this topic will have an end of topic test, a grading exam, and a final exam in November. The external assessment is worth 5 credits.
• There are 16 credits overall available in the L1 NCEA science course.

Science in context is a level 1 course for those students who are interested in science to understand how the world works, and want a broad foundation in science. The three main strands of science are covered: chemistry, physics, and biology. Students will complete three internal standards. 

Students will learn about the biology and life processes of microbes, how the environment impacts their survival, and in turn, how they impact the environment. They will also learn about chemical reactions, how to identify reactants and products through observation, and how to apply this knowledge to real life contexts. Finally, students will be using a practical investigation in the context of physics to gather primary data, process it, and draw relevant conclusions linked to physics concepts.Through a range of practical science investigations students will develop their self-management and ability to communicate with others. Students will develop critical thinking skills as they link observations to theory and their daily lives. Students will explore the use of a range of scientific symbols and vocabulary.

Students will be able to take senior biology, chemistry, and general science, but will require head of physics approval to take senior physics. It is recommended that students that take this course choose one senior science subject in Y12.

Standards:

CB1.1 – Microbes and the environment (Internal – 5 credits)

CB1.2 – Chemical reactions (Internal – 6 credits)

PES1.2 – Physics investigation (Internal – 5 credits)

Total credits: 16

Year 11 Spatial Design – Course Summary (2026)

Course Overview:

Year 11 Spatial Design is an immersive, future-focused course where ākonga explore how people experience and interact with space — physically, culturally, and socially. Drawing from te ao Māori perspectives and contemporary design practices, ākonga investigate how design can support wellbeing, identity, and connection between people and place.

Throughout the year, students will engage in the Design Thinking process, moving from empathy and ideation to prototyping and refinement. They will develop a deep understanding of spatial concepts and apply visual communication skills to represent their ideas clearly and professionally.

The course encourages culturally responsive and sustainable design practice, guided by the school values of Manaakitanga (care), Kotahitanga (unity), Pūmautanga (resilience), Ako (reciprocal learning), and Arahitanga (leadership). By the end of the year, students will have produced a resolved spatial design outcome, supported by technical drawings, models, and presentation work.

Skills and Techniques Learned:

Throughout the course, students will develop a broad range of creative, technical, and collaborative skills:

Design Process and Thinking:

• Understand and apply the Design Thinking framework: Empathise → Define → Ideate → Prototype → Test → Refine
• Conduct design research and generate original, purposeful design ideas.
• Solve real-world spatial problems through iterative design and feedback.

Visual Communication Techniques:

• Freehand sketching to express early ideas and concepts.
• Use of digital tools such as SketchUp, Fusion 360, and Photoshop.
• Construction of physical models using a variety of materials.
• Development of presentation boards, portfolios, and digital displays.

Technical Drawing:

• Learn and apply instrumental drawing conventions for architectural and spatial documentation.
• Produce drawings to scale using tools such as T-squares, set squares, and digital drafting software.
• Include details such as floor plans, elevations, section views, and site layouts.

Cultural Responsiveness and Contextual Awareness:

• Understand the importance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in design.
• Integrate tikanga Māori, mana whenua values, and site-specific considerations into design thinking.
• Practice whanaungatanga (relationship-building) by engaging with the needs of users and communities.

Collaboration and Reflection:

• Work both independently and in teams to generate and refine ideas.
• Participate in peer critiques, class discussions, and self-assessment to develop reflective design practice.
• Develop time management, planning, and communication skills essential for creative industries.

Te Ao Haka, Maaori performing arts are powerful forms of expression that recognise, value, and contribute to the unique bicultural and multicultural character of Aotearoa New Zealand, enriching the lives of all New Zealanders. Performing arts have their own distinct languages that use both verbal and non-verbal conventions, mediated by selected processes and technologies. Through movement, sound, and image, performing arts transform people’s creative ideas into expressive works that communicate layered meanings.

Te Ao Haka, Maaori performing arts in Te Marautanga o Aotearoa celebrates and acknowledges the skills and knowledge of the past and empowers and challenges the thinking of the now and the future. It contributes to our intellectual knowing, and to our social, cultural, and spiritual being. 

Te Ao Haka utilises the new Te Ao Haka Achievements Standards.

This course is worth 20 credits. it covers mooteatea, waiata aa ringa, poi, and haka. A recommended part of this course is for students to participate in our school kapa haka, as there are particular credits students can gain through Polyfest.

There are 2 internals and 2 externals.  One of the externals is assessed in Term 3 and the other in Term 4.

Level 1 Te Manaaki Taangata Ki Te Maaori

Students have the option to enroll in this new course from the Maaori Qualifications Network. This has been designed to allow aakonga to gain 60 NCEA Level 2 Credits across two years of Learning. It begins in Year 11 and will conclude in Year 12. The course is taught within the parameters of Pedagogy Maaori. Learning includes practical experiences of manaakitanga, class discussions (waananga) and Te Reo Maaori learning in context. 

On completion, students will receive a certificate.

There are 5 core Elements: 

Mana Reo

Tikanga Marae

Manaaki Marae

Mana Wahine

Waiata Mai

Level 2 Te Reo Maaori achievement standard (AS) is a restricted entry course for students who wish to pursue Te Reo Maaori as an academic pathway. This course requires a foundational knowledge in Te Reo Maaori, which may be demonstrated by achievement in year 11 Te Reo Maaori (AS). Entry into this course is at the discretion of the Kaihautuu - see entry requirements below. 

This course is a pathway to university entrance.

This course is worth 20 credits. This course covers six strands of the reo, namely paanui (reading), tuhi (writing), koorero (oral), and whakarongo (listening),  maatakitaki (watching), and whaakatu (presenting).  This course includes 2 internal standards and 2 external standards.  One of the external standards is assessed in Term 3 and the other in Term 4.

Level 1 Te Reo Maaori unit standard (US) is an open-entry course for students who wish to pursue Te Reo Maaori language. It is suitable for entry-level learners and those interested in developing their understanding of Te Ao Maaori in the context of language.

There are 3 strands to the course: whakarongo (listening), tuhi (writing), and paanui (reading).  This course is worth 22 credits.

Please note that this course is NOT a pathway to university entrance.

PLEASE ENSURE YOU FILL OUT THE EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FORM WITH MRS MATTHEWS IF YOU SELECT THIS COURSE. PLACES ARE LIMITED.

Manukau Institute of Technology / Te Pūkenga is a Trades Academy provider that works with Pukekohe High School  to provide courses to help students achieve NCEA Level 2 by offering vocational courses that prepare students for higher education or employment. Students spend ONE day a week at MITTA and the remainder of their week at school, doing their regular timetabled classes at school.  This requires students to ensure they keep up with the coursework from their other subjects at school, whilst learning in a tertiary level environment that offers them Level 2 credits. Please note some courses are only for half of the year.

Depending on the course, this can range from approximately 11 to 30 credits.

• MITTA Trades Academy classes commence in February at the MIT campus for that course
• MIT courses are free to PHS students
• You will attend MIT ONE day per week of your school timetable. It will be up to you to keep up with any schoolwork you miss on the day you are at MIT
• In Term 4 -  MIT/PHS MITTA information will be sent out in a separate email upon confirmation of your placement at MIT
• You can wear mufti to MIT. You MUST wear closed toe shoes for Health and Safety.
• Protective clothing/ gear will be organized on site by MIT.
• Take note of any equipment or gear you need to take with you to your course

Trades Academy student TRANSPORT is provided by Pukekohe High School - this is provided at NO cost to the student. 

• Arrive punctually by 7:00am at the Gate 3 school entrance on Harris Road to catch the bus.
• If you are late and miss the bus, you will be sent home to change into school uniform and attend school for the day.
• The bus will collect you from the same drop off point at MIT at 2:50pm. You will arrive back to school by approximately 3:45pm, traffic dependent.

Courses offered in the 2026 programme are pending confirmation which occurs at the end of this year.

Automotive

Building (Full Year)

Electrical and Carpentry (Half Year Each)

Electrical (Half Year)

Engineering (Half Year)

Building and Landscape

Hospitality

L2 Barbering

Hairdressing

Early Childhood Education

Tourism

Skills for Living (L1 Supported Learners)

What is Accounting?

Level 2 Accounting is a practical subject that helps students understand how money is recorded, managed and used to make decisions in the real world. It is useful for anyone interested in business, finance, self-employment, management, or simply wanting to become more confident with money.

This course focuses on the financial side of businesses. Students will learn how to process financial information, use accounting software, manage records and prepare reports that help business owners and other users understand how well a business is performing.

Students will study:

• Accounting concepts - understanding the key ideas and assumptions that guide accounting decisions
• Processing financial information - turning business transactions into useful financial records
• Accounting software - using digital tools to process and present financial information
• Accounts receivable - managing money owed by customers and understanding how businesses control this
• Inventory - tracking stock, recording inventory movements, and understanding why accurate records matter
• Financial reports - preparing and interpreting reports to help users make informed decisions

This course gives students a strong foundation for Level 3 Accounting, tertiary study, business ownership and a wide range of careers. Accounting is a highly valued skill because every organisation needs people who understand money, records, decision-making, and accountability.

Students who enjoy working with numbers and solving numerical problems are likely to find this course engaging. Success in Level 1 Commerce is not required, but does provide a sound foundation for understanding the flow of businesses.

Course Requirements and Expectations

Students are encouraged to have access to a laptop, as internal assessments will involve preparing work digitally and using an accounting software package.

Students will be most successful in Level 2 Accounting if they are willing to:

• attend regularly and keep up with each topic
• practise skills throughout the year, as the topics connect together
• complete classwork and home study when needed
• ask for help early if they find something difficult
• use digital tools carefully and accurately
• develop confidence with numbers, written explanations, and financial decision-making

Pukekohe High School has a strong track record in Accounting. Students who put in consistent effort can do very well and high grades in Accounting are valuable for CVs, future study and employment in many industries.

Students will develop their understanding of current Livestock practices in New Zealand including reproductive techniques and the environmental impact of primary production practices. Students will learn about livestock behavior and how to handle and treat livestock and the key factors affecting livestock growth. 

Students will be given optional courses to develop practical skills such as fencing.

As part of this course students also have the opportunity to enroll on the L2 PITO Agriculture course. This is skills based trade academy where students are out on the farm one day a week and will learn practical skills such as setting up fences and irrigation and the movement and treatment of livestock. There are 20 credits available form this course.

The Level 2 Biology course enables students to gain an understanding of fundamental living world concepts to prepare them for further biological study. This course builds on the genetics learning from junior school and Level 1 Science, with a more in depth look at inheritance and other factors that influence the phenotypes of organisms. It introduces the biological processes that affect the expression of genes and how life processes occur at the cellular level.  Students will investigate through fieldwork patterns in an ecological community and present an internally assessed report upon this. Students will also have the opportunity to research how different organisms have adaptations for life processes that allow them to survive successfully in their habitats. Finally they will learn practically how best to use microscopes; preparing, viewing, and drawing biological material using higher definition.

We recommend students interested in  a possible career in the construction industry or those looking for skills and knowledge that will be useful in later life take this course.

Set up to give students interested in the construction industry a focussed, authentic learning environment.  Students would be building garden furniture and other indoor projects.  It continues the practical the theory skills learned in Year 11. 

It is highly recommended that students have done Level 1 Building course in order to transfer the basic skills to Level 2 Building. 

WHAT WILL I LEARN?

·    Safe workshop practice.

·    The correct use of hand tools and some power tools.

·    A range of joining and finishing methods.

·    Correct construction techniques.

What is Level 2 Business Studies?

Level 2 Business Studies is a practical, group-based course where students work together to plan, market, run, review, and refine a real business activity. A major part of the course is learning how to operate as a business team: sharing roles, managing responsibilities, solving problems, communicating clearly, and working through the challenges that come with running a business with other people.

Students will develop business ideas that meet the needs of a target market and will use market research, customer feedback, and reflection to improve their business activity. Managing group members, contributing fairly, and keeping evidence of individual involvement are key parts of the course, as students are assessed on both the business process and their own contribution to the group.

Through a combination of practical experience and critical thinking, students will develop their investigation skills both individually and as part of a group. They will also collaborate with business professionals from the community, actively listening, asking questions, and sharing ideas.

Students will gain knowledge, skills, and experience to explore how and why large businesses in New Zealand make operational decisions in response to internal and external factors. They will also come to appreciate Māori business concepts such as pūtake, tikanga, kaitiakitanga, and rangatiratanga, and consider how these ideas can influence business decisions and community wellbeing.

In this course, students will:

• gain a deeper understanding of the internal operations of a large business
• apply business knowledge to solve problems within a large business context
• conduct market research for new or existing products
• plan, market, run, review, and refine a business activity within a community context
• work collaboratively in a business group over an extended period
• gather evidence showing their individual contribution to the business project

Students need to be prepared for a high level of active participation. The major internal assessments involve group work across two terms, and success depends heavily on each group’s ability to collaborate effectively, manage challenges, and operate like a real business team.

As part of the practical business activity worth 9 credits, students will also need to be available for one weekend day across two weekends during Term 2. Adequate notice will be given so students can rearrange sports commitments, work rosters, or other responsibilities in advance.

This course is recommend for students interested in developing their practical skills in food preparation and who want to learn more about the hospitality industry. 

You will become acquainted with working in the commercial kitchen.  Food safety and personal hygiene are covered in depth throughout the year.

The first unit covers food safety methods used in a food business, which is a prerequisite for achieving any of the food related topics.  You then move onto developing skills in handling of knives, preparing fruit and vegetable cuts, baking, frying and grilling foods, making interesting salads and a range of different sandwiches.

you will also be covering a barista course

Catering is all about preparing food safely and hygienically for commercial purposes

• The course is delivered using SERVICE IQ units of work
• Workbooks are provided and each unit is internally assessed
• Workbooks, theory tests and practical assessments.
• Practical skills related to each topic as well as the associated theory
• At the end of each unit you will be assessed to check your level of understanding
• Practical observations will be carried out as if you are in a commercial kitchen
• Job opportunities for cafes, restaurants, tertiary studies at AUT and MIT

Through a range of practical chemistry investigations students will develop an understanding of fundamental material world concepts and its application.  Students will develop critical thinking skills as they link observations to theory and will explore the use of a range of scientific symbols and vocabulary.

Students will understand how chemical reactions occur and be better prepared for further science study. They will gain an understanding of oxidation-reduction reaction, solve quantitative problems, make qualitative observations and link it to species present, explain different types of bonding and structure in solids and relate this to the different uses of materials based on its properties. They will analyse chemical reactivity and understand that most reaction occur in equilibrium. Students will learn the application of the above in the real world by having hands on activities such as practical, experiments and demonstrations. Chemistry builds on the basic knowledge students gained in junior classes and in AS92021 at level 1.

Students who wish to take Level 3 Chemistry, need to take this course.

Classical Studies is our look into the ancient world. To understand ourselves, and our place in a bi-cultural society, we need to know about the societies that have laid the foundations for the world in which we live.

Classical studies is the study of the people, places, and events of the classical world and how they influence the modern world. Classical studies is an interdisciplinary subject: students engage with literature, languages, art, history, science, technology, religion, and philosophy.

Students explore community, cultural identity, values, and perspectives and think critically about human behaviour and relationships to appreciate the civilisations of ancient Greece and Rome, understand the past and the present, and to imagine possible futures.

Level 2 Classical Studies focuses mainly on the Ancient Greek world.

The Level 2 topics covered in past years:

• A basic introduction to the Ancient Greek world - religion, society, culture, myth, gods/goddesses and beyond. 
• Connections to the ancient world and Aotearoa
• A study on Pompeii - a Roman context
• Oedipus The King - Ancient Greek Tragedy
• Herakles - Ancient Greek Tragedy  
• The Odyssey - Ancient Greek Epic Poetry
• Greek Art & Architecture - The Acropolis and Parthenon 

Computer Applications

Students will develop employment entry level computing skills in a range of applications.  These skills will be valuable for school, further education, employment and leisure activities.

Microsoft Word (word processing)
Microsoft Excel (spreadsheets)
Microsoft Access (databases)
draw.io (flow charts and schematic diagrams)

Students work at their own pace and level of expertise through online workbooks and assessments.

Want to build the tech of tomorrow — and actually understand how it works? Year 12 Computer Science takes you beyond the basics and into the real heart of the digital world. In Advanced Programming, you'll sharpen your coding skills to solve complex, real-world problems like a professional developer. In Advanced Electronics, you'll get hands-on with the hardware that powers every device around you — bridging the gap between software and the physical world in a way few students ever get to experience. 

But this course isn't just about making things — it's about understanding things. You'll also explore fascinating computer science theory, diving into topics like encryption: the invisible force that protects every password, bank transaction, and private message on the planet. With a mix of practical skills and sharp theoretical thinking, Year 12 Computer Science sets you up for some of the most in-demand — and best-paid — careers on earth. If you're curious, creative, and ready for a challenge, this is the course for you. 

LEVEL 2 DANCE

Dance provides excellent opportunities for ākonga of all abilities to experience success. Dance is suitable for students of all backgrounds and prior experience.

In this course you will explore a range of dance genres and choreograph dances that express ideas relevant to you.  Ākonga will work with their peers to create, communicate and interpret movement in various ways. You are encouraged to draw on your own culture, skills and any prior dance and movement experience you have. Experience as a dancer is not required, however all students must be willing to participate in all learning activities, collaborate, and try new things. We will attend out-of-school dance workshops and watch a live performance. Throughout the year, there will be performances as well as leadership opportunities within the dance department.

Students will work individually and in groups to create dance works that draw on personal experience, and that explore concepts and events affecting society. In Dance, we strive to create an environment where all students are comfortable, welcome, and valued so that you feel supported and encouraged in your mahi.

NCEA Level 2 Dance is about refining your interests and stepping outside of your comfort zone. You must be motivated, ready work as part of a team, and be open to opportunities.

Some highlights from our Level 2 Dance students include:
"Getting to experiment and learn new styles that you may have not done before."
"The members of the dance class"
"Dance is safe, positive, good vibes and we learn a lot"
"Making our own dances"

Images: L2 student Brianna Roach performing her choreography in showcase 2022,  L2 Dance students performing an assessment dance in Showcase 2022, Showcase 2023, L2 and L3 Dance Students at University of Auckland Dance Studies workshop 2022

Welcome to the wonderful world of DESIGN! 

You get to choose your own project! (Very cool) 

This might be anything from a fashion, sports or business brand through to illustration of a children's book or graphic novel, product and packaging, concept character design through to design for functional things like currency (Yes designing money!) or postage stamps! Maybe an event or music industry collateral... The options are endless! 

You will develop a bespoke colour pallet to suit your chosen client, cause or event and you will investigate how colour can enhance and compliment your design ideas. You will learn how to generate and develop a succinct body of work that successfully promotes, communicates and engages your target audience. 

Here in Level 2 Design we use the Design Thinking model as a basis for everything we do. 

What will I be learning in this course?

This course is about developing your knowledge of design and extending your skills in a range of digital art making media.  You will learn how to create conceptual and authentic real-world design outcomes for potential or real clients. You will learn how to use a range of industry standard digital creative software including Adobe Creative Suite. Illustrators may prefer to use other software for image creation. 

Good design communicates a theme/message/emotion/information clearly with style and visual impact to capture the hearts and minds of its viewers. It can call people to action, grab their attention or entertain them. 

We will explore how colours, symbols, textures and imagery impact our mood, communicates meaning and how these can help you to represent a theme or topic in a very unique and purposeful way.

What context (theme or topic) will you be working on in this course?

You will ask yourself some 'Design Thinking' questions like: What will your design purpose be? Who will you be designing for? What will you be communicating? What function will your design need to perform? Where and how will it be viewed and interacted with? What imagery will best suit this project? These are all questions that a good designer will take into consideration when coming up with their design concept.

You will learn a wide range of graphic compositional and style based techniques. You will learn and develop an in-depth knowledge of visual communication and art theory such as colour theory, art movements and styles, symbolism, political and art history movements that will inform your creative work and bring a deeper sense of meaning to your work. 

Design is used in our everyday lives from the website design you scroll through to your album and music icon cover art on Spotify, through to your opening title sequences on your shows and movies, magazine designs, advertising billboards, product packaging, posters you see by the bus stop and on busses!, your favourite brands and screensavers on your device.... the world around us is emersed in design!

What career pathways can this lead to? 

Graphic Designer, Communications, Public Engagement, Advertising Agency, Architecture, News, Entertainment Film and Documentary Media, Commercial Photography, Real Estate, Self Employment, Social Media Management, Screen Printing, Sign Making, Magazine and Book Publishing, Commercial Printing, Game Design, Professional Illustrator, Medical Education and Research Image Making and Graphic Design, Brand Management, Merchandise Management, Business Studies - Marketing, Market Research & Sales, UX (User Experience) Design, UI (User Interface) Design, Art Director, Museum Curator, Art Gallery Curator, Multi-Media Artist, Spatial Designer, Motion Graphics, Web Design, Packaging Design, Industrial Design, Concept Designer, Interior Design and more!

The creative industry contributes a large proportion of revenue to the global economy. According to the British Department for Culture, Media & Sport the creative industry is the largest growing industry in the country! Here is what the UK government has to say:

Are you a passionate creative who wants to turn ideas into animated worlds? Year 12 Digital Design gives you hands-on experience with industry-standard tools — Blender and Adobe software — blending both 2D and 3D techniques to take your creative vision from concept to screen. You'll design original characters, develop visual narratives, and build immersive environments using a combination of digital drawing, illustration, and 3D modelling.

Through specialised rendering techniques, custom shaders, and post-processing, you'll discover how 3D software can be pushed to look like something else entirely — a hand-painted illustration, classic anime, or tactile stop-motion claymation. The fusion of 2D and 3D workflows means you're not locked into one style; instead you'll experiment across the full spectrum of digital art, finding a visual language that's uniquely yours.

This course walks you through the full creative pipeline, from initial character briefs and storyboards through to cinematic visual effects and polished final renders. At the end of the year, you'll complete an external assessment presenting a design process portfolio — showcasing not just your finished work, but the creative thinking, experimentation, and style exploration that shaped it. If you're into art, storytelling, gaming, or film, this is the subject that brings it all together.

Year 12 Drama will advance the knowledge and skills introduced in Year 11 Drama, enabling you to explore and express more ideas in more complex ways.  In Year 12 you will learn about new theatre forms, genres, and fresh scripted works.  

Year 12 Drama is a practical participation course that explores these four areas: 

* developing your understanding and use of the elements, techniques, conventions and technologies of Drama; 

* developing ideas through innovation, imagination and the use of personal experiences. 

* learning to co-operate and collaborate with others to execute these ideas into action. 

* Drama is concerned with communicating and interpreting.  We do this through discussion, writing about our own and others’ work, and then by making drama.  

What will I learn and how will I learn?

Drama learning unfolds through a variety of ways, including devising, workshops, impromptu work,  scripted work and attending live theatre performances.  This Level 2 course extends core skills in Drama. Students must be willing to actively participate in all activities. Students will work in groups, learning to co-operate and collaborate. They will work with and grow advanced knowledge and awareness of dramatic techniques, elements and conventions, using these to create strong performance pieces. Students will devise original drama, bring to life scripted works, expand their skills and confidence as performers. Students will extend their knowledge of theatre forms, dramatic elements and conventions, and use these in increasingly effective ways.

There are many ways in which Drama education leads to your success:

Social Awareness  -   Legends, myths, poems, stories, and plays used in drama teach students about social issues and conflicts from cultures – past and present – all over the world.

Self-Confidence  -   Taking risks in class and performing for an audience teaches students to trust their ideas and abilities. The confidence gained in drama applies to school, university, careers, and life in general.

Imagination   -  Making creative choices, thinking of new ideas, and interpreting familiar material in new ways are essential to drama. Einstein said: ‘Imagination is more important than knowledge’.

Empathy   -  Acting roles from different situations, time periods, and cultures promotes compassion and tolerance for others’ feelings and viewpoints.

Cooperation & Collaboration  -  drama combines the creative ideas and abilities of its participants. This cooperative process includes discussing, negotiating, rehearsing, and performing.

Communication Skills  -   Drama enhances verbal and nonverbal expression of ideas. Listening and observation skills develop by playing drama games, being an audience, rehearsing, and performing.

Concentration   -  Playing, practicing, and performing develop sustained focus, body, and voice, which also helps in other subjects and courses, and, again, life in general.

Problem solving  -   Students learn how to communicate the who, what, where, and why to the audience. Improvisation fosters quick-thinking solutions, which leads to greater adaptability in life.

Fun  -   Drama brings play, humour, and laughter to learning; this improves motivation and reduces stress.  Emotional Outlet  -   Pretend play and drama games allow students to express a range of emotions.  Many drama activities reduce stress by releasing mental, physical, and emotional tension.

Self-discipline  -   The process of moving from ideas to actions to performances teaches the value of practice and perseverance. Drama games and creative movement improve self-control.

Students will develop an understanding of the causes of natural hazards using examples around Aotearoa such as the Tarawera eruption. Students will gain investigation skills as they analyse data to deduce complex trends and relationships about meteorite impact craters. Students will analyse the suitability of scientific texts to explain the colonization of Mars.

Through a range of practical earth science investigations and research students will develop their self-management and ability to communicate with others. Students will also develop critical thinking skills as they link field work observations to theory. Students will explore the use of a range of scientific symbols and vocabulary.

What is Level 2 Economics?

Level 2 Economics is for students who are interested in understanding how New Zealand’s economy works and why economic decisions affect everyday life. This course helps students make sense of real issues such as rising prices, trade with other countries, economic growth, government decisions, and how these impact households, businesses, and society.

Students will learn how economists use models to explain what is happening in the economy and to predict what might happen next. They will apply these models to real New Zealand situations and think critically about how the government, businesses, and individuals respond to economic challenges.

Students will explore:

• Inflation — why prices rise, how this affects people and businesses, and what the government or Reserve Bank can do about it
• International trade — why countries trade, how trade benefits New Zealand, and how global events can affect our economy
• Economic growth — how New Zealand’s productive output changes over time and why growth matters for living standards
• Government intervention — how economic policies can be used to reduce negative impacts and improve outcomes
• Economic decision-making — how models and evidence can be used to recommend responses to real economic issues

This course encourages students to think critically, discuss ideas, and develop their own economic policies in response to real-life situations. It is useful for students interested in business, finance, banking, government, politics, current events, or understanding how decisions made in the economy affect people’s lives.

Level 2 Economics is a strong pathway for students considering Economics, Commerce, Business, Finance, Law, Politics, or related tertiary study and careers.

“Year 12 Engineering (2TEGR) is a practical, industry-aligned course that builds on part of junior Technology learning. Students develop skills in four key areas: 

1. Workshop safety.
2. Basic engineering workshop skills.
3. Engineering drawing.
4. Engineering communication (both written and verbal). 

Across the year, students’ complete practical tasks and small projects while learning to use tools, equipment, and selected machines safely and accurately. The course also includes a moderate amount of written work and a significant drawing component which requires both instrumental drawing and geometric construction. This course suits students who enjoy practical learning, problem solving, and making projects. Students must be prepared to work safely, communicate clearly, and develop accuracy in both workshop and drawing tasks.”

This course serves as an excellent pathway for individuals aiming to pursue an apprenticeship in engineering rather than advancing to Year 13.

Level 2 Contemporary Literature

Contemporary Literature

Credits: 15 

Structure: 2 Internals, 2 Externals

The course offers opportunities to refine and further develop your reading and writing skills while engaging with contemporary short stories, song lyrics, films, and at least one extended text. 

Why Choose This Course? 

Ideal for students who are undecided about their academic future and want to keep options open. Enhances Reading and Writing skills for various pathways.

Level 2 World Literature

World Literature

Credits: 21 

Structure: 3 Internals, 2 Externals

The course offers opportunities to engage with stories, lyrics, films, and extended texts in a range of genres from a variety of times and places. Whether you want to read and write about ordinary events and people, fantasy worlds, dystopian futures, science fiction, or critically examine the seemingly commonplace, this course is for you.

Why Choose This Course? 

Perfect for those interested in exploring diverse narratives and testing their interests across different genres. A strong foundation for further academic studies.

This is a general English language course for students who speak English as an additional language. It covers reading, writing, listening and speaking. The aim is to improve English language skills for everyday life and to develop language skills to support achievement in other learning areas. Support towards achieving the level 1 literacy co-requisite will also be provided if required.

This course is recommend for students interested in the study of Nutrition and Food related issues.

You will be introduced to the main topics that are studied in nutrition which includes basic nutrition, we then develop an understanding of influences on food choices.  As you become more familiar with these, we can then apply these to real life situations where you can develop your meal planning skills and justify food choices based on the Food and Nutrition Guidelines.  Evaluating choices against individual needs. 

• Food and Nutrition is all about the foods we eat and the choices made about food.
• Level 2 Food and Nutrition looks at issues related to food choices and society
• Choosing the right foods to suit different gender and lifestyle, medical issues and issues affecting New Zealand.

WHAT WILL I LEARN?

·    Human nutrition

·    The impact of a national food issue on New Zealand families.

·    How food related issues affect individual and their families.

·    The use of health promotional materials.

Students will:

• be able to respond to and use a wider variety of more complex language.
• be able to organise and analyse language which expresses information and justifies personal opinions and ideas.
• continue to build their confidence in using the language by participating in and contributing to a variety of language activities.
• continue to make connections within the French language and culture and with their own.

Focus is :

a) on speaking being able to use more complex French sentence patterns to express ideas and opinion in simple conversations,  video recordings on topics such as healthy life styles and diets, film reviews, traditions, plans for the future

b) on reading from authentic texts such as magazines, online articles, lyrics on songs and videos.

c) on experiencing the diversity of cultural practices from the various French-speaking countries such as Canada, New Caledonia, French Polynesia, Senegal and Morocco.

d) experiencing real life situations connecting with the French language ie the French film festival, dinner at a French restaurant, having a pétanque game

Assessment: Minimum of 3 standards worth 15 credits

2 Internally assessed standards : 2.2 Oral presentation and 2.5 Writing 

and a choice of 1 externally assessed standards  either  2. 1 Listening and 2.4 Reading

This course is for students who would like a range of understanding of the key skills in mathematics. This course allows students to develop problem-solving skills and think about the application of mathematics in a range of realistic contexts.

Students who Study Level 2 General Maths will gain a good overview of Algebra and Calculus, Geometry, and Statistics and how they applies to the world around them. Level 2 Maths general creates opportunities for students to continue their study of mathematics into year 13 and provides a strong foundation in mathematics to support further study in a range of areas.

The course consists of 4 internals assessments and 2 external assessments.

Through a range of practical science investigations students will develop their self-management and ability to communicate with others. Students will develop critical thinking skills as they link observations to theory. Students will explore the use of a range of scientific symbols and vocabulary.

Students will develop an understanding of the causes of natural hazards using examples around Aotearoa such as the Tarawera eruption. Students will investigate patterns in an ecological community and present their findings. Students will develop an understanding of qualitative chemistry and use observations to identify chemical species acting as pollutants, and their impact on humans and the environment. Students will use microscopes to investigate life at the cellular level.

This course provides a pathway for students who wish to continue a broad science learning. This course is not suitable for students wishing to progress into an engineering or medical pathway.

A personal device is highly recommended to support learning. 

Geography is the study of the world and how people and places interact. If you want a deeper understanding of the world and how it works, then Geography is for you.  

Course outline:

Welcome to an exhilarating journey through the wonders of geography! In this Level 2 Geography course, high school students will embark on an exciting exploration of our planet's diverse landscapes and intricate social structures. Throughout the course, students will develop a powerful set of skills, including analytical writing, compelling oral communication, and captivating visual presentation, which will enable them to convey geographic information to others effectively.

But this isn't just your typical geography class. Get ready for an extraordinary adventure as we delve deep into the mysteries of Tongariro National Park! During an unforgettable four-day field trip, we'll study the environment, conduct valuable research, and immerse ourselves in the natural beauty of this awe-inspiring location. As we navigate the park's majestic terrain, students will learn to appreciate the delicate balance between human activities and environmental preservation.

Our learning journey won't stop there. We'll employ cutting-edge Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to learn about and tackle the issue of Homicides in Chicago.

Our objectives are ambitious, but we're up to the challenge! By the end of this course, you will emerge as a skilled and informed global citizen, capable of thinking critically and communicating effectively.

Through this course students will analyse health issues that affect the well-being of individuals, others and society. Students will learn to take collective action to enhance student well-being within our school or community. Gender and sexual identity issues that impact our society are explored and students are encouraged to develop strategies that promote social justice for all. Students will evaluate risk and protective factors associated with a resilient role model and evaluate how they manage change, build resilience and enhance their mental health. Other adolescent health issues covered within this course may include but not limited to teenage drinking, social media, drug use, stress management, and managing relationship conflict.  

Digital technology is strongly utilised within this course with teachers using Microsoft teams and OneNote to deliver learning. Students are expected to undertake their own research into current health issues impacting our society so a device is essential.

Students will develop the skills of critical thinking, collaboration, research skills and health promotion. 

Through the study of history students will develop skills in research, interpretation, evaluation, empathy and analysis; vital skills for your next stage in education. You will also be encouraged to examine each event/time period we study to evaluate its significance to New Zealand society today. In particular, you should consider how much these events have shaped your life and you may not have even realised it.  

You will become an Historian, not just a student of history.  You will work on your own research topic looking at the causes and consequences of a significant event. This independent project will be built around three tasks - Planning, Conducting and Evaluating your own historical research. 

Another topic still to be determined will be used for an internal assessment on the perspectives of two sides of a historical argument and the development, justification and actions of each.  This year the focus was attitudes to the Vietnam War.

This will be followed by a study on the Rise of Hitler and Nazi Germany. This topic will also be the main focus of the external exams in November.

Students will develop their understanding of plant propagation and horticulture management practices. Students will learn health and safety skills. Through a range of learning experiences students will develop their understanding of soil management, the environmental impact of horticulture, plant reproduction, growth and development. Students will also develop landscape design skills.

There will be  practical activities including managing the school garden beds and their own vegetable garden bed, and experiments.  Students will be expected to work in groups and maintain garden beds around the school grounds for the whole year. Students will develop personal responsibility and group-work skills as they manage their garden beds.

Students will work with the teacher to select relevant standards from the selection listed below to gain approximately 20 credits. Students may select a combination of Achievement Standard and Unit Standard assessments. Note that students will not be offered all credits from the list below.

Students will also have the opportunity to participate in work experience/ taster days with local Horticulture business and growers. This can be used for their future pathways course.

Learning a language provides many opportunities for critical, creative and logical thinking.

Students will

• be able to respond to and use a wider variety of more complex language. 
• be able to organise and analyse language which expresses information and justifies personal opinions and ideas.
• be introduced to informal language.
• continue to build their confidence in using the language by participating in and contributing to a variety of language activities.
• continue to make connections within the Japanese language and with their own language.
• develop and clarify their own values and beliefs and demonstrate respect and sensitivity to people whose values, attitudes and customs may differ from our own. 

Topics covered are:

Home and Family

Eating and drinking

Education

Leisure

Assessment: Minimum of 3 standards worth 15 credits

2 Internally assessed standards : 2.2 Oral presentation and 2.5 Writing 

and a choice of 1 externally assessed standards  either  2. 1 Listening and 2.4 Reading

Possibility of  4 week immersion stay with our future sister school in Fukuoka during the Christmas break at the end of Y12.

What is Level 2 Legal Studies?

Level 2 Legal Studies is for students who are interested in law, justice, rights, responsibilities, crime, government, and how legal decisions affect people’s everyday lives. This course helps students understand how New Zealand’s legal system works and why laws are important in society.

Students will explore real-world legal issues and learn how the law affects individuals, businesses, communities, and the wider country. They will consider questions such as why people commit crime, how justice is delivered, what rights and responsibilities young people have, how consumer law protects people, and how governments are formed.

Legal Studies encourages discussion, debate, critical thinking, and respect for different viewpoints. Students will learn in a collaborative environment and consider how people’s opinions about law and justice may differ because of their cultural, moral, ethical, political, environmental, and social backgrounds.

Students will develop skills in:

• understanding rights, responsibilities, laws, and legal processes
• explaining how New Zealand’s legal system and government work
• applying legal ideas to real-life situations
• discussing crime, justice, and consumer law
• considering different viewpoints and supporting ideas with evidence
• developing confidence with legal language and written explanations
• thinking critically about fairness, justice, and decision-making

Students may also have opportunities to hear from guest speakers, such as lawyers or law students from the local Franklin community, to see how legal knowledge is used in real life.

Level 2 Legal Studies is useful for students interested in law, policing, social work, business, government, politics, advocacy, human rights, or simply understanding how the law affects them and the people around them.

This course is for students who wish to be extended in their learning of mathematics. With a focus on algebra and calculus this course allows students to develop their critical thinking and problem solving and how to apply mathematics to solve complex problems.

This course  develops students higher level thinking and ability to solve problems, spot patterns and make generalisations. Students should pick this course if they wish to continue their study of maths to a higher level or have plans to go into professions involving mathematics, science or engineering.Students will be introduced to Calculus which is a very powerful tool that mathematicians use to model situations and solve problems. Students will also  develop deeper understanding of algebra and how it relates to other areas of mathematics.

This course can be taken at the same time as Level 2 Statistics.

Statistical knowledge helps you use proper methods to collect data, employ correct analyses, and effectively present the results. Statistics is a crucial process behind how we make discoveries in other subject areas. This subject develops the student's ability to make decisions based on data, and make predictions based on this information. Statistics allows you to understand a subject much more deeply.

Students develop the ability to understand how data is collect and used to both inform and influence decisions, this helps understand data and information they encounter in the world around. Critical thinking skills are developed along with the ability to investigate data and use tools to find the answer the unknown dilemmas. Students are expected to write reports around their findings, and will develop their analytical writing skills along with their statistical understanding.

It is recommended that students bring their own device to school for this subject.

This course can be taken along side Level 2 Maths with Algebra

Media is one of the most powerful forces in today’s world, shaping opinions, spreading information, and influencing culture. In this course, students don’t just study media — they create it.

Success in Media Studies requires creativity, a willingness to try new ideas, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively. Students must also have their own digital device from the start of the year, as access to technology is essential for planning, research, and media production.

Students will plan and produce a media product designed for a specific target audience, making sure it clearly reflects the conventions of its form (e.g. music video, short film, advertisement). Alongside this, students will study key narrative features and apply their understanding to modern texts. Later in the year, they will complete a Genre Study focused on the Horror genre, examining how it has evolved over time in response to changing audiences, technologies, and social concerns.

Career Pathways:
Media Studies develops practical and creative skills relevant to a wide range of careers, including journalism, filmmaking, advertising, social media, broadcasting, and public relations. Students gain early experience using digital tools and media concepts that are increasingly vital in the modern world.

Welcome to the world of Storytelling!

This course will develop sophisticated skills and advanced knowledge in the field of Motion Special Effects and is an ideal foundation for students interested any creative field such as the movie industry, Digital Special Effects, Storytelling, Creative World building, Game Design, Animation, Virtual Reality, Interactive Moving Image, Gaming and Film editing using up to date industry standard software such as Adobe Creative Cloud (motion graphics, film, opening title sequences, trailers, advertising), Procreate (2D Animation) and Blender (3D Animation) Design thinking is at the heart of everything we do. We use this to learn about concept development for storytelling. This then generates strong ideas and links to the wider narrative to clearly communicate to the viewer. It's all about who we are designing for and how they will understand and engage with our designs. How can we best create a characters, environments, props etc that will engage with the viewer and transport them into the story? How can we transport them into another world through our design work? 

The course is a perfect pathway for moving on to study creative tertiary pathways both in Wellington (Massey University's Screen Arts Degree) and in Auckland (AUT and Media Design School). Through trips to Weta Workshop and experience working with industry artists and filmmakers, students will gain a practical understanding of the possibilities of Special Effects for both film and gaming industries   

Students should have an eagerness to develop skills in moving images, stop motion, 2D or 3D animation, interactive and creative outcomes using industry-standard digital applications (such as motion capture, green screen technology, and virtual reality), some traditional animation techniques, conceptual design for moving image, and gaming, editing and special effects, imaginative storytelling. You will see your work realised in a real-world, spatial context.

What knowledge will I develop?

Students will develop knowledge of the Digital Special Effects genre, incorporating a practical and theoretical understanding of how films are created traditionally, and how developed technology has advanced with the use of green screen technology, motion capture, and virtual reality in the areas of film and gaming. Students will develop their knowledge and understanding of visual storytelling, writing, and editing, and broaden their practical knowledge of the latest special effects techniques within contemporary moving image culture. Students will enhance their experience by visiting working film/animation studios and receiving guidance from studio-based professional practitioners visiting the school.

Students can choose from the following ways to work: (Which are all jobs within the Media and Special Effects Industry)

• Practical / tangible (real model making that you make with your hands)
• 3D digital modeling in Blender leading to 3D Animation
• 2D illustration and sequencing leading to 2D Animation
• Film Making and Motion Graphics leading to Opening Title Sequence Design
• Physical (practical) Model and Set Design leading to Stop Motion Animation

Please note while it is not compulsory for students to know about this type of creative art making practice - it is expected that students would have some knowledge and or the self motivation to learn and continue to develop their skills in these various moving image specialty areas.

The creative industry contributes a large proportion of revenue to the global economy. According to the British Department for Culture, Media & Sport the creative industry is the largest growing industry in the country! Here is what the UK government has to say:

NCEA Level 2 Toi Māori Visual Art 

This course is all about expressing your identity, whakapapa, and worldview through art that is grounded in Te Ao Māori.

In Year 12 Toi Māori Visual Art, you’ll begin with an inspiring introduction project to ignite your creativity and decide the unique direction of your mahi toi (artwork). 

You’ll explore and be inspired by the work of Māori artists, drawing on kōrero tuku iho (stories, traditions), symbolism, and values to shape your own visual voice. The learning is personal and connected.  Your art will reflect who you are and where you come from.

Across the year, you’ll work towards three Achievement Standards (2.2, 2.3, and 2.4) worth a total of 20 credits. Your learning will involve creating sequential artworks that weave together technique, story, and meaning, reflecting both personal and cultural narratives. 

* We start with portrait drawing, exploring themes of self and belonging, before developing your ideas into sequences of artworks that lead to two powerful folio boards.   

* After starting with drawing, you will move into a focus on painting and / or printmaking..

* You will research and respond to the work of leading Māori artists, using their inspiration to explore your own identity and culture through art-making. 

* You will present your thinking in your own way – through slideshows, workbooks, or visual journals – showing the whakapapa and development of your ideas. Along the way, you’ll take part in classroom excursions designed to inspire you and connect your mahi with the wider world.

This is a creative, challenging, and culturally rich course where your mahi will be something you and your whānau can be proud of. By the end of the year, you will have a professional-quality folio that celebrates your identity and contributes to the legacy of Toi Māori.

Level 2 Toi Māori Visual Art – share your story, honour your roots, and create with purpose.

Through journey-based experiences, students will learn the practical skills needed to take part in outdoor activities like rafting, mountain biking, camping, rock climbing and tramping.  They will develop leadership skills and the ability to relate to others, confidence in managing themselves as they participate and contribute in group settings, competence, perseverance and resilience, while connecting to the natural environment. They will learn to 'think outside the box' as they are challenged physically, mentally and emotionally throughout the course. 

Students will develop safe outdoor practices through the use of practical and active learning experiences.  They will learn the necessary steps for planning expeditions, managing risk and navigation.  Students will also develop problem solving skills that contribute to good leadership practices, while deepening their understanding and appreciation of the outdoors.

This course will extend your art-making skills and the way in which you see and respond to the world.  Students are encouraged to honour and express their own culture and interests as you develop your work, and to explore the cultural perspectives and experiences of others. 

In Term 1 Aakonga (students) will participate in a series of short units of work to develop and extend skills using a wide range of drawing and painting media.  You will learn new techniques that advance your skills in a range of media, including water colour, acrylics, open acrylics, oil painting, dyes, high flow acrylics, paint pens, spray paints or digital painting.  You will also be introduced to other medium that extend painting options and effects, such as gesso, gel medium or primal.  Experimentation will include a wide range of painting and drawing tools and technologies. 

By the end of Term 1 each student will have been guided to select a personal theme for their art-making, and will begin to make sequences of drawings and paintings that explore and express ideas on that theme.  You will learn how to research ideas in divergent and creative ways.  Students learn to generate, extend, analyse, clarify and regenerate ideas that are personally relevant.  You learn how to support and extend your art practice using an art journal.  You will learn how to look at the works of artists of all different kinds, from the past and the present, and take inspiration from their work as you develop and extend your own ideas and skills.   You will engage with unexpected outcomes and explore multiple solutions.  By the end of this course, you will have developed an individual artistic approach and style in drawing & painting media and technologies.

Throughout this course, ākonga will have the opportunity to participate in exhibitions, competitions and trips to galleries or other sites. You will have the opportunity to take your work into different fields of practice - collage, digital art, installation, site specific art, 3D art forms and photography - enabling you to extend your thinking and deepen your art-making practice.

Visual Art is not only an art form but is a way of seeing the world. We teach in a way that encourages ākonga (students) to examine and respond to your world. In this course, you learn to work independently, experiment with media, make meaningful artworks, and respond to and value others' feedback and criticism. You will learn to use imagination, observation, research and practical investigation to develop a theme and ideas with increasing depth.  You develop skills in a wide range of media, processes and techniques, engaging with unexpected outcomes and exploring multiple solutions.  This course is mostly practical, but also develops high level thinking and research skills.  These capabilities are relevant to any future pathway.  

i

Throughout this course, ākonga will have the opportunity to participate in exhibitions, competitions and trips to galleries or other sites. They will have the opportunity to take their work into different fields - collage, digital art, installation, site specific art, 3D art forms and photography as they extend their thinking and deepen their work in paint and/or print.

Study of Painting and the visual arts equips you with transferable skills that can be used in a wide range of contexts, future pathways, tertiary courses and careers.  Painting is a hands-on learning subject that inspires and excites. This course will develop essential skills and competencies such as: communication, critical and creative thinking, problem-solving, the ability to research and analyse, adaptability, resilience, independence, and innovation.

Image credits - student work featured by the following students: Jessica Pressnell, Jarney Proctor, Hannah Robinson, Toni Lafaele, Tessa Bryant, Sala Deng, Cass Elley, Sophia Toop.

You can take this course without having studied it in Level 1.

Explore the World. Find Your Voice. Make an Impact.

Level 2 Social Studies is an exciting course that helps you understand people, cultures, communities, and the forces that influence society. You will investigate real-world issues, explore diverse perspectives, and develop the skills to become an informed and active citizen. This course allows you to:

•  Investigate Real Issues Explore topics that matter, such as human rights, social justice, environmental sustainability, inequality, migration, culture, identity, and global challenges

• Have Your Voice Heard Learn how to analyses issues, debate ideas, and confidently express your opinions using evidence and research

• Understand Different Perspectives Discover how people's values, beliefs, and experiences influence the way they see and respond to the world.

• Take Action Move beyond learning about issues explore ways to create positive change and make a meaningful impact in your community.

Be Curious. Be Informed. Be a Changemaker.

Level 2 Social Studies is for students who want to understand society, challenge ideas, and make a positive difference in the world.

This Level 2 Music course builds on the skills you developed in Year 11. It combines practical and theoretical tasks to enhance your musicianship, understanding, and interpersonal skills. The course includes both compulsory and optional Achievement Standards, allowing you to tailor your studies to your strengths and interests.

All students will complete units in composition and solo performance. Additionally, you can choose from optional assessments such as Arranging, Group Performance, Second Instrument, and Music Technology. This flexibility helps you build confidence and express your unique musical experiences and cultural background.

You'll work both independently and in collaboration with others to create and perform music. The course allows you to select Achievement Standards that align with your abilities and future career goals. Students will be encouraged to participate in extra-curricular activities and will be given opportunities to perform in the community.

We look forward to supporting you to take your musicianship to the next level. 

Students in this Year 12 photography course will explore the technical and creative possibilities of photography as an art form and build their visual literacy and understanding of the creative process.

They will learn how to use a camera and build their understanding of image making and visual communication. This will include learning the technical skills of how to operate a digital SLR camera, the operation of studio lighting and techniques for post production using Adobe Suites.

The focus is on original and creative thinking, using a range of experimental approaches and photographic conventions. Students will work towards a printed or digital folio submission of their own photographic images.  This could be a moving image submission, or sequences of still photographs presented on a two-panel folio board.

This course introduces contemporary technologies for producing photographic images. The fundamentals of using a digital single reflex camera are stressed. But the camera itself is redefined in this class and can utilise everything from cell phones, the scanner as a camera, disposable cameras, film cameras, video cameras - all as legitimate tools for creating photographic images.

This course introduces students to seeing, thinking and creating with a critical mind and eye on the world in which they live.  They bring this to the crafting and manipulation of photographic forms and meaning.  Students will become far more aware of and attentive to the richness and complexity of the physical world, culture and societies in which we live.  This subject will develop students as thinkers, deepening connections and awareness of themselves and others.  It has value beyond the development of Photography skills only.

Students need to be committed to being active learners, and to taking photographs outside the classroom.  You will need to participate in interesting, challenging class and homework tasks throughout the year.  This will ensure that all students complete their portfolio of work to a high standard.  Do not take this course if you are a passive learner ... you must participate actively.

Students will learn to apply the principles of anatomy and biomechanics when learning to perform skills and how to apply the principles of sports psychology to improve their performance.  They will learn how to apply appropriate methods and principles of training to improve skill performance.  Students will also perform skills in an applied setting and demonstrate social responsibility when participating in physical activity.  They will also research the role and significance of physical activity in the lives of young people in New Zealand. 

In Physical Education the focus is on movement, and the aim is to encourage students to engage in movement experiences that promote and support the development of physical and social skills.  It fosters critical thinking and action and enables students to understand the role and significance of physical activity for individuals and society.

This course is more sports science in nature and develops theoretical understanding of sport in society and bio-physical knowledge. 

Students will gain an understanding of fundamental physical world concepts and laws to solve quantitative, real-world, problems. This will prepare them for further study in Physics. Students will develop their understanding of nuclear and atomic physics, mechanics, and electricity. They will learn the application of the above  via a range of practical activities, experiments and demonstrations. 

In Nuclear Physics, students will learn about the theree main types of radiation and learn an appreciation of why radiation is both beneficial and harmful. In Mechanics, students will learn about free-fall, circular motion, inertia, momentum and projectile motion. In Electricity students will learn about DC circuits, electric fields and magnetic fields. 

This course is essential for students who intend to Science, Engineering or Biomedical Science at University should take this course.

This course will extend your art-making skills  and the way in which you see and respond to the world.  Students are encouraged to honour and express their own culture as they develop their work, and to explore the cultural perspectives and experiences of others. Throughout this course, ākonga will have the opportunity to participate in workshops with artists, exhibitions, competitions and trips to galleries or other locations.

In Term 1 Aakonga (students) will participate in a series of short units of work to develop and extend skills using a wide range of drawing and printmaking media.  You will learn new techniques that advance your skills in a range of media, including new drawing techniques, mono-printing, gelli-plate printing, dry point etching, chine collé , screen printing, lino cuts and woodcuts, pronto plate, silk-mezzo tint, tetra-pack prints, and collographs.  You will also be introduced to technologies that extend printmaking options, including 3D work, installation, sculptural objects, scanography  and using Photoshop.  Students will develop skills in composition by using Adobe Photoshop to design art works and to make digital prints.  Students will  experiment with printmaking processes and materials to explore lots of different effects and ways of making works.  Students in this course can learn to make high level art works without needing to be good at drawing. 

By the end of Term 2 each student will have been guided to select a personal theme for their own art-making, and will begin to make sequences of drawings and prints that explore and express ideas on that theme.  You will learn how to research ideas in divergent and creative ways.  You learn to generate, extend, analyse, clarify and regenerate ideas that are personally relevant.  You learn how to support and extend your art practice using an art journal.  You will learn how to look at the works of artists of all different kinds, from the past and the present, and take inspiration from their work as you develop and extend your own ideas and skills.   You will engage with unexpected outcomes and explore multiple solutions.  By the end of this course, you will have developed an individual artistic approach and style in drawing & print media and technologies.

Visual Art equips ākonga with transferable skills that can be used in a wide range of tertiary courses and careers, while engaging in a subject that inspires and excites. This course will develop essential skills and competencies such as:  communication, critical and creative thinking, problem-solving, the ability to research and analyse, adaptability, resilience, independence, and innovation.

Psychology is the study of how people think, feel, and behave. In this course, you’ll learn about three key approaches to psychology and how to use them to explain behaviour. You’ll also carry out your own research, look at how a big debate in psychology has changed over time, and learn about ethics by studying an experiment that went too far.

There is a lot of reading and writing in this subject. You’ll need to be ready to read about theories and studies, and write clear explanations using evidence. To do well, you must attend at least 90% of classes, as each lesson builds on the last and all lesson notes are written by hand.

Psychology helps you build skills in understanding others, thinking critically, and communicating clearly. You’ll also learn how to look at research and use facts to back up your ideas.

This course is a great start for future careers in areas like counselling, social work, teaching, marketing, and human resources. It also helps you grow personally by learning more about yourself and the people around you.

This option has been put in place to allow students who take one of the two digital technologies classes at Year 12 to sign up for the P-Tech programme as part of which they will be going to MIT one day a week. In order to sign up for the P-Tech programme students must select either 2TDID or 2TCOS or both subjects.

NOTE: if you want to go on this 1 day a week course you must select it in your backup subject slot.

NCEA Level 2 Spatial Design

Course Description

This Year 12 Spatial Design course is an integrated project-based learning experience where ākonga (students) explore and apply spatial design processes through the development of a meaningful and contextually relevant architectural solution. The project centres on the design of your choice, using a selected design movement or era as a creative influence.

Students begin by investigating the characteristics and historical context of a chosen design movement (e.g. Bauhaus, Deconstructivism, pre-European Māori), then generate and refine spatial concepts. They apply architectural thinking, spatial design tools, and visual communication strategies to create a resolved design solution. The course culminates in either a set of working drawings or an external visual ideation portfolio, and a final presentation board or exhibit that communicates their design intent clearly and persuasively.

Skills and Techniques Students Will Learn

Design Literacy & Aesthetic Understanding

• Investigate historical, cultural, and social influences of a design movement or era.
• Interpret and embed stylistic characteristics (e.g. form, rhythm, balance, colour, proportion).
• Critique design decisions using aesthetic and functional criteria.

Spatial Design Development

• Respond to a brief through ideation, concept sketches, and research.
• Use bubble diagrams, paper architecture, and symbolism to explore design ideas.
• Consider site-specific constraints like orientation, weather, and access.

Technical & Functional Thinking

• Apply technical knowledge of building materials, sustainable practices, and environmental considerations.
• Demonstrate understanding of spatial ergonomics, lighting, and circulation.

Visual Communication Techniques

• Produce visual outputs such as:
  • Freehand and instrumental drawings (plans, elevations, sections)
  • Physical models and mock-ups
  • CAD or digital models and renders
  • Annotated sketches and photo-montages

Presentation and Promotion

• Apply compositional principles (hierarchy, alignment, balance, negative space).
• Develop an effective A2 presentation board or digital exhibit showcasing final design outcomes.
• Use modes such as digital collage, photography, 3D renders, and layout design to promote the essence of the spatial design to an intended audience.

EXTERNALS - Working Drawings OR Visual Communication 

• Either:
  • AS91338: Create a coherent set of scaled working drawings showing technical and assembly details using correct architectural conventions,
  • Or
  • AS91337: Submit an external visual portfolio that explores design possibilities through divergent and reflective ideation.

This course will provide students with opportunities to develop an understanding of the role of sport in society.  It includes a combination of achievement standards as well as unit standards.  It will focus on participating and contributing from an individual perspective as well as encompassing a community view of sport and physical activity. It will provide students with opportunities to enhance their ability to relate to others through activities such as coaching and group-based problem-solving activities. 

Students will develop an understanding of the place of sport in society and the place of coaching groups as a part of sport.  They will also develop their interpersonal skills by working effectively as a part of a group in challenging adventure-based activities.  Students will also learn about body function in relation to sports-related movement as well as being provided with the opportunity to demonstrate skill performance in an applied setting.

 This course is more practical in nature than Level 2 Physical Education and students need to be aware that it is largely unit standards-based. 

This course covers a more indepth approach to Mōteatea, Waiata aa-ringa, Poi and Haka. Students have the opportunity to gain up to 20 level 2 credits through 2 internal assessments and 2 external assessments. 

In addition, students are encouraged to participate in our school kapa haka as there are particular credits that students gain through performing at Polyfest. 

Te Ao Haka, Maaori performing arts are powerful forms of expression that recognise, value, and contribute to the unique bicultural and multicultural character of Aotearoa New Zealand, enriching the lives of all New Zealanders. The arts have their own distinct languages that use both verbal and non-verbal conventions, mediated by selected processes and technologies. Through movement, sound, and image, the arts transform people’s creative ideas into expressive works that communicate layered meanings.

The learning area of Te Ao Haka, Maaori performing arts in Te Marautanga o Aotearoa celebrates and acknowledges the skills and knowledge of the past, and empowers and challenges the thinking of the now and the future. It contributes to our intellectual knowing, and to our social, cultural, and spiritual being. The Arts is forever changing, and therefore the achievement objectives in this learning area allow for, and support that changing notion.

Level 2 Manaaki Taangata Ki Te Marae

Students have the option to enroll in this new course from the Maaori Qualifications Network. This has been designed to allow aakonga to gain 60 NCEA Level 2 Credits across two years of Learning. It begins in Year 11 and will conclude in Year 12. 

The course is taught within the parameters of Pedagogy Maaori. Learning includes practical experiences of manaakitanga, class discussions (waananga) and Te Reo Maaori learning in context. 

On completion, students will receive a certificate.

There are 5 core Elements: 

Mana Reo

Tikanga Marae

Manaaki Marae

Mana Wahine

Waiata Mai

Level 2 Te Reo Maaori achievement standard (AS) is a restricted entry course for students who wish to pursue Te Reo Maaori as an academic pathway. This course requires a foundational knowledge in Te Reo Maaori, which may be demonstrated by achievement in year 11 Te Reo Maaori (AS). Entry into this course is at the discretion of the Kaihautuu.

The course covers four strands of Te Reo namely Paanui (reading), Tuhi (writing), koorero (speaking) and Whakarongo (listening). Learning is assessed with 2 internal and 2 external achievement standards. One of the internals is assessed in Term 1 and one in Term 3. 

This course is worth 22 credits and is a pathway to level 3 and university entrance. 

NCEA Level 2 Te Reo Maaori U.S.

Level 2 Te Reo Maaori unit standard (US) is an open entry course for students who wish to pursue Te Reo Maaori learning. It is suitable for those interested in developing their understanding of Te Ao Maaori in the context of language learning.

Please note that this course is NOT a pathway to university entrance.

There are 3 strands to this course: Whakarongo (listening), Tuhi (writing) and Paanui (reading). 

This course is worth 22 credits - all assessments are assessed internally. 

This subject offers Tourism Unit Standards that can add credits towards the hospitality and tourism pathway.

It covers researching and understanding of both world tourist destinations as well as in Aotearoa New Zealand. You will also gain an understanding of tourist characteristics and needs. It will provide you with great general knowledge about tourist locations in the world.

This subject is very complementary for students that are looking at doing hospitality in the future. It is also approached in a way that you can work at your own pace, so is well suited to complement students that are attending MIT one day courses.

There will also be opportunity to complete other standards on CV writing and financial literacy if this suits the needs of individual students.

What is Level 3 Accounting?

Level 3 Accounting is for students who want to understand how businesses use financial information to make important decisions. This course builds on Level 2 Accounting and takes students into more advanced, real-world accounting situations involving businesses, partnerships, companies, costing and financial reporting.

Students will learn how accounting information is used by business owners, managers, investors, and other stakeholders to understand performance, make decisions, and plan for the future.

Students will study:

• Company financial statements - preparing financial reports for companies, including taxation, dividends, share equity, and cash flow
• Partnerships - learning how partnerships are formed, how profits are shared, and how financial information is reported
• Job costing - working out the cost of producing a product or providing a service for a specific job or customer
• Management decision-making - using financial and non-financial information to make informed business decisions

Students will also develop the ability to interpret accounting information, explain what it means, and make recommendations based on evidence.

This course is valuable for students interested in accounting, business, management, finance, entrepreneurship, or tertiary study. It is also useful for anyone who may one day be self-employed, manage a business, or need to understand how organisations make financial decisions.

Level 3 Accounting develops strong skills in accuracy, problem-solving, analysis, communication, and decision-making. These are highly valued skills in many careers and industries.

PLEASE ENSURE YOU FILL OUT THE EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FORM WITH MRS MATTHEWS IF YOU SELECT THIS COURSE. PLACES ARE LIMITED.

Manukau Institute of Technology / Te Pūkenga is a Trades Academy provider that works with Pukekohe High School  to provide courses to help students achieve NCEA Level 2 by offering vocational courses that prepare students for higher education or employment. Students spend ONE day a week at MITTA and the remainder of their week at school, doing their regular timetabled classes at school.  This requires students to ensure they keep up with the coursework from their other subjects at school, whilst learning in a tertiary level environment that offers them Level 2 credits. Please note some courses are only for half of the year.

Depending on the course, this can range from approximately 11 to 30 credits.

• MITTA Trades Academy classes commence in February at the MIT campus for that course
• MIT courses are free to PHS students
• You will attend MIT ONE day per week of your school timetable. It will be up to you to keep up with any schoolwork you miss on the day you are at MIT
• In Term 4 -  MIT/PHS MITTA information will be sent out in a separate email upon confirmation of your placement at MIT
• You can wear mufti to MIT. You MUST wear closed toe shoes for Health and Safety.
• Protective clothing/ gear will be organized on site by MIT.
• Take note of any equipment or gear you need to take with you to your course

Trades Academy student TRANSPORT is provided by Pukekohe High School - this is provided at NO cost to the student. 

• Arrive punctually by 7:00am at the Gate 3 school entrance on Harris Road to catch the bus.
• If you are late and miss the bus, you will be sent home to change into school uniform and attend school for the day.
• The bus will collect you from the same drop off point at MIT at 2:50pm. You will arrive back to school by approximately 3:45pm, traffic dependent.

Courses offered in the 2026 programme are pending confirmation which occurs at the end of this year.

Automotive

Building (Full Year)

Electrical and Carpentry (Half Year Each)

Electrical (Half Year)

Engineering (Half Year)

Building and Landscape

Hospitality

L2 Barbering

Hairdressing

Early Childhood Education

Tourism

Skills for Living (L1 Supported Learners)

PLEASE ENSURE YOU FILL OUT THE EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FORM WITH MRS MATTHEWS IF YOU SELECT THIS COURSE. PLACES ARE LIMITED. 

Manukau Institute of Technology  is a Trades Academy provider that works with Pukekohe High School to help students achieve NCEA Level 3 by offering vocational courses that prepare students for higher education or employment. Students spend ONE/TWO days a week at MITTA and the remainder of their week at school to fulfil their Level 3 studies towards NCEA Level 3.

• MITTA Trades Academy classes commence in February at the MIT campus for that course
• MIT courses are free to PHS students
• You will attend MIT TWO days per week of your school timetable. It will be up to you to keep up with any schoolwork you miss on the day you are at MIT
• In Term 4 -  MIT/PHS MITTA information will be sent out in a separate email upon confirmation of your placement at MIT
• You can wear mufti to MIT. You MUST wear closed toe shoes for Health and Safety.
• Protective clothing/ gear will be organized on site by MIT.
• Take note of any equipment or gear you need to take with you to your course

Trades Academy student TRANSPORT is provided by Pukekohe High School - this is provided at NO cost to the student. 

• Arrive punctually by 7:00am at the Gate 3 school entrance on Harris Road to catch the bus.
• If you are late and miss the bus, you will be sent home to change into school uniform and attend school for the day.
• The bus will collect you from the same drop off point at MIT at 2:50pm. You will arrive back to school by approximately 3:45pm, traffic dependent.

Courses offered in the 2026 programme are pending confirmation which occurs at the end of this year.

Automotive

Construction (BCATS)

Electrical

Engineering

Building and Landscape

Study & Career Preparation (Police Studies)

Tourism

Hospitality

Early Childhood Education

Bakery

Workplace Office Administration

What is Accounting?

Level 2 Accounting is a practical subject that helps students understand how money is recorded, managed and used to make decisions in the real world. It is useful for anyone interested in business, finance, self-employment, management, or simply wanting to become more confident with money.

This course focuses on the financial side of businesses. Students will learn how to process financial information, use accounting software, manage records and prepare reports that help business owners and other users understand how well a business is performing.

Students will study:

• Accounting concepts - understanding the key ideas and assumptions that guide accounting decisions
• Processing financial information - turning business transactions into useful financial records
• Accounting software - using digital tools to process and present financial information
• Accounts receivable - managing money owed by customers and understanding how businesses control this
• Inventory - tracking stock, recording inventory movements, and understanding why accurate records matter
• Financial reports - preparing and interpreting reports to help users make informed decisions

This course gives students a strong foundation for Level 3 Accounting, tertiary study, business ownership and a wide range of careers. Accounting is a highly valued skill because every organisation needs people who understand money, records, decision-making, and accountability.

Students who enjoy working with numbers and solving numerical problems are likely to find this course engaging. Success in Level 1 Commerce is not required, but does provide a sound foundation for understanding the flow of businesses.

Course Requirements and Expectations

Students are encouraged to have access to a laptop, as internal assessments will involve preparing work digitally and using an accounting software package.

Students will be most successful in Level 2 Accounting if they are willing to:

• attend regularly and keep up with each topic
• practise skills throughout the year, as the topics connect together
• complete classwork and home study when needed
• ask for help early if they find something difficult
• use digital tools carefully and accurately
• develop confidence with numbers, written explanations, and financial decision-making

Pukekohe High School has a strong track record in Accounting. Students who put in consistent effort can do very well and high grades in Accounting are valuable for CVs, future study and employment in many industries.

What is Level 2 Business Studies?

Level 2 Business Studies is a practical, group-based course where students work together to plan, market, run, review, and refine a real business activity. A major part of the course is learning how to operate as a business team: sharing roles, managing responsibilities, solving problems, communicating clearly, and working through the challenges that come with running a business with other people.

Students will develop business ideas that meet the needs of a target market and will use market research, customer feedback, and reflection to improve their business activity. Managing group members, contributing fairly, and keeping evidence of individual involvement are key parts of the course, as students are assessed on both the business process and their own contribution to the group.

Through a combination of practical experience and critical thinking, students will develop their investigation skills both individually and as part of a group. They will also collaborate with business professionals from the community, actively listening, asking questions, and sharing ideas.

Students will gain knowledge, skills, and experience to explore how and why large businesses in New Zealand make operational decisions in response to internal and external factors. They will also come to appreciate Māori business concepts such as pūtake, tikanga, kaitiakitanga, and rangatiratanga, and consider how these ideas can influence business decisions and community wellbeing.

In this course, students will:

• gain a deeper understanding of the internal operations of a large business
• apply business knowledge to solve problems within a large business context
• conduct market research for new or existing products
• plan, market, run, review, and refine a business activity within a community context
• work collaboratively in a business group over an extended period
• gather evidence showing their individual contribution to the business project

Students need to be prepared for a high level of active participation. The major internal assessments involve group work across two terms, and success depends heavily on each group’s ability to collaborate effectively, manage challenges, and operate like a real business team.

As part of the practical business activity worth 9 credits, students will also need to be available for one weekend day across two weekends during Term 2. Adequate notice will be given so students can rearrange sports commitments, work rosters, or other responsibilities in advance.

What is Level 2 Economics?

Level 2 Economics is for students who are interested in understanding how New Zealand’s economy works and why economic decisions affect everyday life. This course helps students make sense of real issues such as rising prices, trade with other countries, economic growth, government decisions, and how these impact households, businesses, and society.

Students will learn how economists use models to explain what is happening in the economy and to predict what might happen next. They will apply these models to real New Zealand situations and think critically about how the government, businesses, and individuals respond to economic challenges.

Students will explore:

• Inflation — why prices rise, how this affects people and businesses, and what the government or Reserve Bank can do about it
• International trade — why countries trade, how trade benefits New Zealand, and how global events can affect our economy
• Economic growth — how New Zealand’s productive output changes over time and why growth matters for living standards
• Government intervention — how economic policies can be used to reduce negative impacts and improve outcomes
• Economic decision-making — how models and evidence can be used to recommend responses to real economic issues

This course encourages students to think critically, discuss ideas, and develop their own economic policies in response to real-life situations. It is useful for students interested in business, finance, banking, government, politics, current events, or understanding how decisions made in the economy affect people’s lives.

Level 2 Economics is a strong pathway for students considering Economics, Commerce, Business, Finance, Law, Politics, or related tertiary study and careers.

What is Level 2 Legal Studies?

Level 2 Legal Studies is for students who are interested in law, justice, rights, responsibilities, crime, government, and how legal decisions affect people’s everyday lives. This course helps students understand how New Zealand’s legal system works and why laws are important in society.

Students will explore real-world legal issues and learn how the law affects individuals, businesses, communities, and the wider country. They will consider questions such as why people commit crime, how justice is delivered, what rights and responsibilities young people have, how consumer law protects people, and how governments are formed.

Legal Studies encourages discussion, debate, critical thinking, and respect for different viewpoints. Students will learn in a collaborative environment and consider how people’s opinions about law and justice may differ because of their cultural, moral, ethical, political, environmental, and social backgrounds.

Students will develop skills in:

• understanding rights, responsibilities, laws, and legal processes
• explaining how New Zealand’s legal system and government work
• applying legal ideas to real-life situations
• discussing crime, justice, and consumer law
• considering different viewpoints and supporting ideas with evidence
• developing confidence with legal language and written explanations
• thinking critically about fairness, justice, and decision-making

Students may also have opportunities to hear from guest speakers, such as lawyers or law students from the local Franklin community, to see how legal knowledge is used in real life.

Level 2 Legal Studies is useful for students interested in law, policing, social work, business, government, politics, advocacy, human rights, or simply understanding how the law affects them and the people around them.

What is Level 3 Accounting?

Level 3 Accounting is for students who want to understand how businesses use financial information to make important decisions. This course builds on Level 2 Accounting and takes students into more advanced, real-world accounting situations involving businesses, partnerships, companies, costing and financial reporting.

Students will learn how accounting information is used by business owners, managers, investors, and other stakeholders to understand performance, make decisions, and plan for the future.

Students will study:

• Company financial statements - preparing financial reports for companies, including taxation, dividends, share equity, and cash flow
• Partnerships - learning how partnerships are formed, how profits are shared, and how financial information is reported
• Job costing - working out the cost of producing a product or providing a service for a specific job or customer
• Management decision-making - using financial and non-financial information to make informed business decisions

Students will also develop the ability to interpret accounting information, explain what it means, and make recommendations based on evidence.

This course is valuable for students interested in accounting, business, management, finance, entrepreneurship, or tertiary study. It is also useful for anyone who may one day be self-employed, manage a business, or need to understand how organisations make financial decisions.

Level 3 Accounting develops strong skills in accuracy, problem-solving, analysis, communication, and decision-making. These are highly valued skills in many careers and industries.

Students will develop their knowledge of current trends and innovations in the Agriculture and Horticulture Sectors through analysis of a primary production environmental issue. Students will investigate primary production process and factors affecting profitability of a primary product.

There will be experiments as part of the investigation. Students will be expected to complete independent self-directed research on a primary product of their choice.

Art History makes you think and question “what is culture?” Students will participate in discussions and contribute to the classes collective, growing knowledge and understanding of the meaning and styles of art and how this fit into broader context of history and culture. 

Art History develops sophisticated skills in visual literacy, making you examine, argue, respond, critique, analyse and interpret images in a world that is saturated with imagery.  Broad and deep research provides a deeper understanding of different cultural traditions and historical periods and teaches us the importance of creativity, freedom of imagination and art. It helps us understand the theories, contexts and values of different times and places.  Although the course is named 'Art History', much of the work studied links to the recent past and contemporary work and societies.

You will discover visual evidence of who and where you came from through artworks from a variety of cultures, including New Zealand, developing confidence and a strong cultural identity.  

Art History will help you appreciate art, know what is “good art,” visit exhibitions, buy and collect art and appreciate the sights and the art of other cultures when you travel. It will broaden your mind to embrace new perspectives and ways of seeing. Along the journey you may discover a passion for the scientific aspects of art restoration, or curating exhibitions or writing about art.

Students complete three internals during the year worth four credits each, focusing on research, theory (post-colonial theory) and forming an argument.  At the end of the year students can sit one or two external exams, focusing on style or iconography (symbolism in Art), or the context of the art.  In Art History we cover parts of Three Topics of study:

• The Early Italian Renaissance
• Modernism to Post-Modernism
• Contemporary Diversity - Art after 2000

Each topic has a set-list of artists to be studied. These areas will be the focus of internals and at the same time prepare students for external exams.

Art History is a challenging subject that requires spelling names correctly, remembering dates, facts and details about artworks. To be successful students must attend class regularly and take good notes during class. They will also need to read and revise the notes provided in class and on Teams for homework. In their internal assessments students need to source all their quotes and reference them correctly (like they would be required to do at University).  This course is an excellent preparation for University level thinking and working, whatever your pathway forward.  Art History is a Level 3 NCEA literacy subject, and a list A University entrance subject.

The Level 3 Biology course enables students to gain an understanding of fundamental living world concepts to prepare them for further biological study at university.  Students will use scientific evidence and develop critical thinking skills to link these observations to theory. The course introduces the biological evidence and ideas that explain how an organism’s responses provide a selective survival advantage in its niche, the evolutionary processes that lead to speciation, and trends in human evolution. Students will plan, conduct and report on a practical investigation, and through research, explain how and why a mammal maintains a stable internal environment despite fluctuating environmental conditions.

What is Level 3 Business Studies?

Level 3 Business Studies is a high-level, practical business course for students who are ready to think, work and operate like real entrepreneurs. This course is built around the Young Enterprise Scheme (YES), where students work in a business group for the entire year to develop, market, sell, review and refine an innovative and sustainable product or service.

This is not a short-term group project. Students will work under group conditions throughout the year, managing real responsibilities, deadlines, production, finances, marketing, customer feedback, and team relationships. A major part of the learning is understanding how to operate successfully in a business team, including how to manage group members, solve problems, communicate professionally, and keep the business moving even when challenges arise.

Students will be expected to attend six market events across three months, as well as spend time outside of school producing their product, preparing for sales, meeting YES deadlines, and completing assessment evidence. This course has a heavy workload and requires excellent attendance, strong self-management, initiative, and commitment.

Pukekohe High School has a strong and successful legacy within YES, and students entering this course are expected to maintain the high standards built by previous groups.

This course offers 19 Achievement Standard credits, including 15 internal credits and 4 external credits and is recognised as a University Entrance course. 

Students will study:

• Young Enterprise Scheme business activity - planning, developing, running, reviewing, and refining a real business over the year
• Innovative and sustainable product development - creating a product or service that has a clear point of difference and considers sustainability
• Marketing and sales - developing a marketing plan, promoting the business, attending markets, selling to customers, and responding to market feedback
• Business teamwork - working in a group for the full year, sharing roles, managing responsibilities, and keeping evidence of individual contribution
• Business decision-making - using research, feedback, financial information, and reflection to make improvements
• Large business analysis - analysing how internal and external factors influence business decisions in a New Zealand business operating in a global context
• Quality management, innovation, and change management - exploring how successful businesses improve, adapt, and remain competitive

The two internal standards involve active participation in the Young Enterprise Scheme (YES) Challenges. Students will work in groups to:

• create, produce, market, sell, and refine a real product or service
• complete YES Challenges by strict deadlines
• attend market events and engage with real customers
• develop a comprehensive marketing plan
• gather evidence showing their personal role in the business
• review business performance and make recommendations for improvement

Student success depends heavily on the group’s ability to collaborate effectively. However, students are also assessed on their individual contribution, so each person must be reliable, proactive and able to show clear evidence of their work.

Students choosing this course must understand that Level 3 Business Studies requires commitment beyond the classroom. It is a rewarding and exciting course for students who are ready to take responsibility, work hard, and contribute fully to a real business team.

Calculus is the study of how things change. It provides a framework for modelling systems in which there is change, and a way to deduce the predictions of such models. It develops the ability to think and solve problems.  By studying calculus students learn to structure, to organise and to carry out procedures flexibly and accurately, to process and communicate information, and to enjoy intellectual challenge. They also learn to create models and predict outcomes, to conjecture, to justify and verify, and to seek patterns and generalisations. They get insight in to estimate with reasonableness, calculate with precision, and understand when results are precise and when they must be interpreted with uncertainty.  Mathematics and statistics have a broad range of practical applications in everyday life, in other learning areas, and in workplaces. Some of the areas of applications are  in Engineering, Medical science, Research Analysis, Graphics, Chemistry, Physics.

This course can be taken along side Level 3 Statistics.

This course is recommend for students interested in developing their practical skills in food preparation and who want to learn more about the hospitality industry. You will become acquainted with working in the commercial kitchen.  Food safety and personal hygiene are covered in depth throughout the year.

You will become acquainted with working in the commercial kitchen with time pressure and actual customers.  Basic nutrition, complex sandwiches and some coffee units will be covered in the course content.

• 
• Catering is all about preparing food safely and hygienically for commercial purposes.
• The course is delivered using SERVICE IQ and EATucation units of work
• Workbooks are provided and each unit is internally assessed
• Workbooks, theory tests and practical assessments.
• Participating in events out of school “hours” is compulsory.   This could include a lunchtime café for staff, sports exchange lunches and other catering events

Students will gain an understanding of fundamental material world concepts to prepare them for further science study at tertiary level. Students will develop/modify a plan to carry out a quantitative investigation, do calculations and write a report based on the trend of their independent variable.  They will form links between oxidation-reduction reaction, understand shapes and polarity and properties of molecules, carry out calculations involving thermochemistry, understand structure, properties and reactivity of organic molecules and determine structure of molecules using spectroscopy data.  They will learn the application of the above in the real world by having hands on activities such as practicals, experiments and demonstrations.

The Chemistry 3.6 external is an optional course, which students can learn outside of class with teacher support.

Classical Studies is our look into the ancient world. To understand ourselves, and our place in a bi-cultural society, we need to know about the societies that have laid the foundations for the world in which we live.

Classical studies is the study of the people, places, and events of the classical world and how they influence the modern world. 

Classical studies is an interdisciplinary subject: students engage with literature, languages, art, history, science, technology, religion, and philosophy.

Students explore community, cultural identity, values, and perspectives and think critically about human behaviour and relationships to appreciate the civilisations of ancient Greece and Rome, understand the past and the present, and to imagine possible futures.

Level 3 Classical Studies focuses mainly on the Ancient Roman world.

The Level 3 course covers,

•  A basic introduction to the Ancient Rome world - religion, society, leadership, culture, myth, gods/goddesses and beyond. 
• Connections to the ancient world and Aotearoa 
• Alexander the Great- a Greek/Macedonian context
• Ancient Greek and Roman Comedy - Aristophanes' The Wasps and Plautus' The Swaggering Soldier
• Development of comedy over time
• Roman Art & Architecture

Computer Applications

Students will develop advanced skills in a range of Microsoft applications which will be useful at school, for further education, employment and leisure activities:

Microsoft Word (Word Processing)
Microsoft PowerPoint(Presentations)
Microsoft Excel (Spreadsheets)
Microsoft Access (Databases

Students undertake a course of online learning and assessment, working on applications relevant for them, at their own pace.

You've already proven you can think like a computer scientist — now it's time to think like an innovator. Year 13 Computer Science takes everything you mastered in Y12 and pushes it into genuinely complex territory, with programming and electronics challenges that mirror what professionals face in cutting-edge industries. You'll also grapple with some of the biggest ideas shaping our world — from Big Data to computing complexity — the mathematical and conceptual forces driving breakthroughs in AI, cybersecurity, and beyond. Y13 isn't just the next level; it's where you discover how far your potential can truly take you.   

LEVEL 3 DANCE

Dance provides excellent opportunities for success for students of all abilities. Dance is suitable for male and female students of all backgrounds and prior experience, and is a University Entrance approved subject.

In this course, you will explore a range of dance genres, exploring movement and ideas you are personally interested in. Students will be required to collaborate, create, communicate and interpret dance in various ways, turning ideas into visual experiences. You are encouraged to draw on your own culture, skills and prior dance experience.  In this class, we create a safe space where we are supportive of our peers and receive support in return. Experience as a dancer is NOT required, however you must be actively willing to participate in all learning activities, to extend yourself, and try new things.  

Ākonga will draw on present and past experience, and explore concepts linked to current society as they create, perform and respond to dance, working as individuals and in groups. 

We will engage with Parkside students, expanding our understanding of how we can use dance to build connection. As part of this course you may have the opportunity to be involved in out-of-school events, these can include attending performances, participating in workshops with industry professionals or tertiary providers. You will also be encouraged to take on leadership roles within the subject with the support of your teacher.

NCEA Level 3 Dance is largely about a consolidation and presentation of your skills and creativity. You will need to be self-managed, forward-thinking and open to feedback and professional conversations about your work.

Some highlights from Level 3 Dance students include:
"Having a class that I am genuinely passionate about and makes me happy to be expressive and creative."
"Dance makes me feel comfortable and makes me feel happy"

Images: L3 Dance students rehearsing and performing assessment dances 2022 and 2023

Think Gig Posters & Tickets for a Concert!

You will learn how to design and develop concepts, brand identity and marketing material for a business of your own creation.  You will evolve digital design concepts, and create a music video using the Adobe Creative Suite, and will as extend your knowledge of motion graphics and green screen studio technology. Your best work will be combined to form a digital folio, including a moving image submission for external assessment.  It will showcase your abilities and ideas for the ever-changing world of digital creativity, and will make an ideal show reel of your creative skills when you are applying for jobs or tertiary courses.

There will be an opportunity for students who are more advanced to present their own project ideas outside of the above Gig Posters & Music Event scope. If you have an idea about promoting a business, product, event or championing a cause..... We want to know.... Talk to Mrs Purda about creating your own project that engages and inspires you! 

The context for the work you will design and make in Year 13 Art Design is to choose an exciting brand idea for the highly creative and varied music industry.  Students can choose to establish a unique new music artist within a genre of their choice (Hip Hop, RnB, Dance, Chill Out, Classical, Indie Pop, Blues, Jazz, Reggae, Heavy Metal, etc).  Throughout the year students will extend their graphic and illustration knowledge and skills. They will extend their work further by taking it into a moving image based promotional reel as they create original work that promotes their concept, brand and artists in the context of the music industry. 

What knowledge will I develop? Students will learn how to generate and develop independent creativity, building lateral and in-depth thinking skills which are transferable to other disciplines across the arts and other subject disciplines. Students will learn how to develop music company branding and identity, making interactive designs such as posters, interactive music branding using Adobe video editing software such as Premier Pro, After Effects, and Photoshop. You will also learn a wide range of graphic animation and filmmaking techniques for advertising, aided by the study of practical and theory sessions with the genre of music videos and interactive design (augmented and virtual reality and infographic.

The creative industry contributes a large proportion of revenue to the global economy. According to the British Department for Culture, Media & Sport the creative industry is the largest growing industry in the country! Here is what the UK government has to say:

In this course you'll use Blender, the industry-standard 3D software also used by studios working on games, film VFX, and product design, to design, model, texture, rig, and animate your own 3D outcomes. You'll go from concept sketches to a finished character, environment, or animated sequence — and everything in between: sculpting, shading, lighting, rigging, and rendering.

This isn't a "follow the tutorial" course. You'll research real user experience methods to design how people interact with your work, run your own production like a studio would — using project management tools, sprints, and version control — and build a portfolio piece that actually reflects your own creative decisions.

By the end of the year you'll walk away with:

• A refined 3D showreel/portfolio piece you can show to employers, universities, or game studios
• Real experience with industry-standard tools and workflows
• 16 NCEA Level 3 credits across four standards, contributing to University Entrance
  
  

Student Animations

Drama is concerned with communicating and interpreting - through workshops, devising, performance, discussion and writing about our own and others’ work, as well as through the study and performance of play scripts.  

This is a practical course that explores four areas: the purpose of Drama in our lives and communities; developing understanding and use of the elements, techniques, conventions, and technologies of Drama; developing ideas through innovation, imagination, and the use of personal experiences.  Students learn how to co-operate and collaborate with others to execute these ideas into action.  

What will I learn and How will I learn?
This Level 3 course extends students' abilities from foundational to complex skills in Drama. Students must be willing to actively participate in all activities.  You will work in groups, learning to co-operate and collaborate.  You will extend and refine your knowledge and awareness of dramatic techniques, elements and conventions and how to use these to create performance pieces.  Students will develop their acting and theatre skills.  You will learn how to devise drama, how to interpret a script, and how to perform in front of others using different theatre forms, elements and conventions.  Preparation for an external standard is done in class time as part of the course.  

There are many ways in which Drama education leads to your success:

Social Awareness  -   Legends, myths, poems, stories, and plays used in drama teach students about social issues and conflicts from cultures – past and present – all over the world.

Self-Confidence  -   Taking risks in class and performing for an audience teaches students to trust their ideas and abilities. The confidence gained in drama applies to school, university, careers, and life in general.

Imagination   -  Making creative choices, thinking of new ideas, and interpreting familiar material in new ways are essential to drama. Einstein said: ‘Imagination is more important than knowledge’.

Empathy   -  Acting roles from different situations, time periods, and cultures promotes compassion and tolerance for others’ feelings and viewpoints.

Cooperation & Collaboration  -  drama combines the creative ideas and abilities of its participants. This cooperative process includes discussing, negotiating, rehearsing, and performing.

Communication Skills  -   Drama enhances verbal and nonverbal expression of ideas. Listening and observation skills develop by playing drama games, being an audience, rehearsing, and performing.

Concentration   -  Playing, practicing, and performing develop sustained focus, body, and voice, which also helps in other subjects and courses, and, again, life in general.

Problem solving  -   Students learn how to communicate the who, what, where, and why to the audience. Improvisation fosters quick-thinking solutions, which leads to greater adaptability in life.

Fun  -   Drama brings play, humour, and laughter to learning; this improves motivation and reduces stress.  Emotional Outlet  -   Pretend play and drama games allow students to express a range of emotions.  Many drama activities reduce stress by releasing mental, physical, and emotional tension.

Self-discipline  -   The process of moving from ideas to actions to performances teaches the value of practice and perseverance. Drama games and creative movement improve self-control.

What is Level 3 Economics?

Level 3 Economics is for students who want to understand how markets work, why prices change, and how government decisions affect businesses, consumers, and society. This course encourages students to think critically, discuss ideas, and apply economic concepts to real-life New Zealand situations.

Students will explore whether markets for everyday goods and services are working efficiently, and what happens when markets do not provide the best outcomes for producers, consumers, or society. They will investigate how government intervention can improve market outcomes, while also considering the impact on efficiency and fairness.

Students will study:

• Market efficiency - assessing whether markets are working well for producers, consumers, and society
• Government intervention  -  evaluating how government actions can improve or affect market outcomes
• Market failure  -  investigating situations where markets do not provide the best outcomes
• Demand and prices  -  understanding how consumers respond to price changes and how demand curves are created
• Firms and market structures  -  comparing perfectly competitive firms and monopolies, including how they decide how much to produce
• Efficiency and fairness  -  making judgements about whether economic outcomes are both effective and fair

Level 3 Economics is useful for students interested in economics, business, finance, banking, real estate, insurance, economic research, government, politics, law, or running their own business. It is also a strong pathway for students considering tertiary study in Economics, Commerce, Business, Finance, Politics, or related fields.

The Level 3 Engineering course has been carefully developed in collaboration with industry experts, Competenz (Engineering ITO), and schools. Together, we have crafted three unit standards that align with industry requirements, giving you the essential knowledge and skills necessary for success in the engineering workforce.

The Level 3 Engineering course consists of three unit standards, each focusing on a different aspect of the field:

Unit Standard 32052 - L3 Engineering Drawing: In this unit, you'll learn how to produce development drawings and patterns for three-dimensional objects in a MaPS environment. Enhance your visualization and communication skills to effectively convey engineering designs.

Unit Standard 32054 - L3 Mechanical Engineering: Get ready to dive into the world of mechanical engineering. This unit will guide you through performing engineering machining operations in a MaPS environment. Discover the precision and craftsmanship involved in shaping raw materials into functional mechanical components.

Unit Standard 32056 - L3 Engineering Fabrication: This unit will provide you with hands-on experience in engineering fabrication. Learn the techniques involved in performing fabrication operations, including cutting, bending, welding, and more, to bring designs to life.

The Level 3 Engineering course offers you the chance to expand your knowledge, refine your skills, and become industry-ready for a futuer in all aspects of the Engineering field.

Level 3 English helps students to develop and advance judgement, evaluation, critical response, comparison, and synthesis skills. These are important for university and the working world.

At Curriculum Level 8, students will critically respond to and evaluate visual and written texts, developing their own perspectives through their reading. They will show an insightful understanding of why and how an audience is positioned and how a text relates to other texts and contexts. Students will further integrate their knowledge of ideas, purpose, language features, and structure through their own writing.

Level 3 English is ideal for students who want to be prepared for university-level reading, writing, and evaluation, as it builds high-level academic and communication skills.

This is a general English language course for students who speak English as an additional language. It covers reading, writing, listening and speaking. The aim is to improve English language skills for everyday life and to develop language skills to support achievement in other learning areas. Support towards achieving the level 1 literacy co-requisite will also be provided if required. 

This course is recommended for  students interested in  developing their creative ability and scientific inquiry when working with food, with a focus on the nutritional and developmental requirement of people with altered food needs.

You will be introduced to the main topics that are studied in nutrition.  Starting with basic nutrition, we then develop an understanding of influences on food choices.  As you become more familiar with these, we can then apply these to real life situations where you can develop your meal planning skills and justify food choices based on the Food and Nutrition Guidelines.  Evaluating choices against individual needs. 

• Food and Nutrition is all about investigating nutritional issues affecting the well-being of NZ society.
• Level 3 Food and Nutrition focusses on the implementation of an action plan to address a nutritional issues.
•  Analysing the influence of food advertising on the well-being of society.

WHAT WILL I LEARN?

·    Nutritional needs of people with altered food needs

·    The impact of a national food issue on New Zealand families.

·    How food related issues affect individual and their families.

·    The use of health promotional materials.

Students will

• become more independent learners as they manage their own programs using a range of resources
• be able to respond critically to more complex and varied texts and share and justify their own ideas and opinions as well as explore the views of others.
• be able to analyse how the language is organised in different texts and for different purposes and how it expresses cultural meanings.
• be able to guess unfamiliar language from its use in context and have some understanding of authentic material in supported situations.

Topics covered are:

The work place  and working in France as a Language Assistant

Understand the role of the medias through social medias and famous people

The impact of technology on the environment and the people

Assessment: 

Minimum of 3 standards worth 13 credits

2 Internally assessed standards : 3.2 Oral presentation and 3.5 Writing 

and a choice of 1 externally assessed standards  either  3. 1 Listening and 3.4 Reading

This course is for students who wish to continue their study of mathematics, but do not wish to specialise in Calculus or Statistics. Students will cover a range of Mathematics and Statistics topics, consisting of three internal in class tests, a statistical report and one external. 

Students will develop their skills in statistical analysis, mathematical reasoning and communication of ideas. They will work both individually and in groups using a range of technology to further their understanding and see the relevance of their learning in a real life context.

It is recommended that students have their own device for this subject.

Through a range of science investigations students will develop their self-management and ability to communicate with others. Students will develop critical thinking skills as they link observations to theory. Students will explore the use of a range of scientific symbols and vocabulary.

This course will allow students to learn aspects of Biology, Chemistry, and Earth and Space Science.

Students will use microscopes to carry out a biology investigation. Students will learn about human evolution and the development of biological features and culture. Students will learn about changes in the ocean and the impact this has on ocean chemistry and the physical environment.  

This course provides a pathway for students who wish to continue a broad science learning. This course is not suitable for students wishing to progress into an engineering or medical pathway.

Geography is the study of the world and how people and places interact. If you want a deeper understanding of the world and how it works, then Geography is for you.   

Embark on a thrilling adventure into the captivating world of geography with our NCEA Level 3 course. This exhilarating course not only cultivates essential geography skills but also unveils the fascinating realm of significant event organization, the pressing global concern of sea-level rise caused by climate change, and the process of tourism development and how it created and shaped one of our most well-known cities.

Exploring Polyfest

From a geographic perspective, learn about Polyfest as a significant contemporary event - why it's important, how it's planned and what impact it has. This will include a visit to the festival where you will observe the impacts first-hand and in groups you will also collect data for your geographic research.

Sea level rise

We will then turn our attention to the increasingly urgent issue of sea-level rise and its profound effects on the world's coastlines. Delve into rising sea levels' socio-economic and environmental implications, and explore strategies to mitigate its impact on vulnerable communities.

Roto-vegas here we come

To enrich your learning experience, we have planned an unforgettable 2-night field trip to Rotorua. Engage firsthand with the region's diverse landscapes, witness the awe-inspiring geothermal activity, and gain valuable insights from local experts and stakeholders. This immersive adventure will deepen your understanding of the complexities surrounding tourism development and its environmental impacts.

Enrol now!

Throughout this course, you will hone essential geography skills such as data analysis, critical thinking, and effective communication. Embrace the opportunity to develop your research, analytical, and presentation abilities while fostering a deep appreciation for the intricate interplay between humans and their environment.

Students consolidate their understanding of the holistic Māori model of Hauora (Well-being) te whare tapa wha and investigate current New Zealand Health issues impacting individuals, others and society. Students investigate different Health practices used to treat or manage a particular health condition of their choice by researching the philosophies behind Western Scientific Medicine, Complementary and Alternative Medicine and Traditional Medicine. Students come to understand the different viewpoints forming current ethical health issues impacting our society such as the euthanasia, vaccinations and abortions for example . Students develop greater understanding of the determinants affecting our health such as social, political, economic, cultural and environmental implications. Students come to show comprehensive knowledge of the four underlying concepts of health well-being (hauora), socio-ecological perspective, attitudes and values and health promotion.

Through theoretical learning students will develop competency in critical thinking by investigating and analysing relevant research around Health issues affecting individuals and societal well-being. Students will develop skills of relating to others through their analysis of health issues on the impacts on self, others and society. Through working with health practitioners in our local community students will learn to manage their own learning through organising interviews, workshops and presentations on current health practices.  

This is a high literacy demanding subject so students needs to be prepare to write well and use researching skills. Having a device is strongly recommended. 

Through the study of history, students will develop skills in research, interpretation, evaluation, empathy and analysis; vital skills for your next stage in education. You will also be encouraged to examine each event/time period we study to evaluate its significance to New Zealand society today. In particular, you should consider how much these events have shaped your life and you may not have even realised it.

The course includes an in-depth study of a contested event. Students will look at how and why the event is contested, different historical perspectives of the event, and how it is of significance to New Zealanders. Previous events studied have included The Israel Palestine Conflict and The Decision to Drop the Bomb on Japan. 

Students will become an Historian, not just a student of history.  They will work on their own research topic - an event of significance to New Zealand that sparks their interest. This independent project will be built around three tasks - planning, conducting research, and evaluating their research process. 

Students will develop skills in research, writing, and making arguments, whilst using evidence to assess validity and form conclusions. 

Learning a language provides many opportunities for critical, creative and logical thinking.

Students will

• become more independent learners as they manage their own programs using a range of resources
• be able to respond critically to more complex and varied texts and share and justify their own ideas and opinions as well as explore the views of others.
• be able to analyse how the language is organised in different texts and for different purposes and how it expresses cultural meanings.
• be able to guess unfamiliar language from its use in context and have some understanding of authentic material in supported situations.

Topics covered are:

Leisure

Land and People

Travel and Tourism

Assessment: Minimum of 3 standards worth 15 credits

2 Internally assessed standards : 3.2 Oral presentation and 3.5 Writing 

and a choice of 1 externally assessed standards  either  3. 1 Listening and 3.4 Reading

Possibility of  4 week immersion stay with our future sister school in Fukuoka during the Christmas break at the end of Y13.

What is Level 3 Legal Studies?

Level 3 Legal Studies is for students who are interested in law, justice, rights, government, decision-making, and how legal rules shape everyday life. This course helps students understand how laws are created, interpreted, challenged, and applied in New Zealand and overseas.

Students will learn how to read and understand legislation, case law, and legal principles. They will explore real legal issues and apply legal ideas to real-life New Zealand situations. This makes the course valuable for students who enjoy discussion, debate, critical thinking, research, and analysing different points of view.

Legal Studies is useful for students interested in law, politics, policing, business, human rights, social work, advocacy, public service, policy, or government. It is also helpful for students who may one day manage a business, work with contracts, support others, or simply want to better understand their rights and responsibilities.

Students will develop skills in:

• reading and interpreting legislation
• understanding case law and legal decisions
• applying legal principles to real situations
• discussing legal issues and different viewpoints
• using evidence to support arguments
• thinking critically about fairness, justice, rights, and responsibilities
• understanding how law and government influence people’s lives

While Legal Studies is not a University Entrance approved subject and does not directly provide entry into law school, it is excellent preparation for students who may study law or legal papers at university. It helps students build confidence with legal language, legal reasoning, and the types of thinking used in law-related study and careers.

Media is one of the most powerful forces in today’s world, shaping opinions, spreading information, and influencing culture. In this course, students don’t just study media — they create it.

Success in Media Studies requires creativity, a strong work ethic, and the ability to work well in a team. This is especially important for the 10-credit combined internal assessments, where students collaborate to plan, film, and edit a short film or documentary (8–10 minutes). While editing is completed in class, filming will require commitment outside of school hours. It is highly recommended that students taking Level 3 Media studies have taken and been successful in Level 2 Media Studies.

Students will explore a major development in media — such as the evolution of CGI or animation — before moving into production work. Later in the year, students will complete a Genre Study, focusing on Dystopian texts and the theme of control through technology, analysing how these ideas reflect real-world issues.

Please note:
All students must have their own digital device (a full laptop - tablets are not suitable) from the start of the year. Access to technology is essential for research, planning, and production work, and is crucial for success in this course.

Career Pathways:
Media Studies builds valuable digital and communication skills relevant to careers in journalism, filmmaking, advertising, broadcasting, social media, and public relations — industries that continue to grow across Aotearoa.

Welcome to the world of Storytelling!

Level 3 Students have the option of taking on a personal interest project of their choosing. They can negotiate their ideas and create their own project plan with Mrs Purda to ensure they have a great year engaged in a project that both challenges them and inspires them! If you don't wish to create your own project or need a framework and or a brief Mrs Purda has a few different options for you to choose from:

• World Building - Aotearoa, The Future State....? 
• TV Show or Movie Opening Title Sequence or Trailer (real or imagined)
• Medical Animation for educational purposes eg. How does a heart work? 
• Character Development - Augmented Reality Children's Reading Book Project
• Interactive Tour - Augmented Reality Guided Tour Experience

This course follows on from Level 2MFX. It will develop sophisticated skills and advanced knowledge in the field of Motion Special Effects and is an ideal foundation for students interested any creative field such as the Movie Industry, Digital Special Effects, Storytelling, Creative World building, Game Design, Animation, Virtual Reality, Interactive Moving Image, MetaHumans, Gaming and Film editing using up to date industry standard software such as Adobe Creative Cloud (Film, Motion Graphics and Mixed Media), Procreate (2D Animation) and Blender (3D Animation). 

The course is a perfect pathway for moving onto study creative tertiary pathways both in Wellington (Massey University's Screen Arts Degree) and in Auckland (AUT and Media Design School). Through further trips to Weta Workshop and experience through working industry artists and filmmakers, students will gain a practical understanding of the possibilities of Special Effects for both film and gaming industries   

We have an emphasis on Design thinking and follow a design focused conceptual development process for the generation of original and authentic work. 

Students should have an eagerness to develop skills in moving image, animation, interactive and creative outcomes using industry standard digital applications (such as motion capture, green screen technology and virtual reality), some traditional animation techniques, conceptual design for moving image and gaming, editing and special effects, imaginative story telling. You will see your work realised in a real- world, spatial context. 

What knowledge will I develop? Students will develop knowledge of the Digital Special Effects genre, incorporating a practical and theoretical understanding of how films are created traditionally, and how developed technology has advanced with use of green screen technology, motion capture, virtual reality in the areas of film and gaming. 

Students will develop their knowledge and understanding of visual storytelling, writing, editing and broadening their practical knowledge of the latest special effects techniques within contemporary moving image culture. Students will enhance their experience by visiting working film/animation studios and receiving guidance from studio based professional practitioners visiting school.

The creative industry contributes a large proportion of revenue to the global economy. According to the British Department for Culture, Media & Sport the creative industry is the largest growing industry in the country! Here is what the UK government has to say:

Through journey-based experiences, students will learn the practical skills needed to take part in outdoor activities like bush survival, sea kayaking, mountain biking, rock climbing and tramping.  They will develop leadership skills and the ability to relate to others, confidence in managing themselves as they participate and contribute in group settings, competence, perseverance and resilience, while connecting to the natural environment. They will learn to 'think outside the box' as they are challenged physically, mentally and emotionally throughout the course. 

Students will develop safe outdoor practices through the use of practical and active learning experiences.  They will learn the necessary steps for planning expeditions, managing risk and navigation.  Students will also develop problem solving skills that contribute to good leadership practices, while deepening their understanding and appreciation of the outdoors.

This course will extend your art-making skills and the way in which you see and respond to the world.  Students are encouraged to honour and express their own personal interests or culture as they develop their work.  You will investigate and explore fields of knowledge, perspectives and experiences of others as relevant to your theme. 

This course is ideal for senior students currently studying art who are interested in further developing their creativity, painting and thinking skills .  This course focuses on drawing, painting, and related areas of contemporary art practice.  Students who have not yet studied art at senior level may have developed skills via other means which could provide an adequate foundation for entry into this course.  Please see the HOD Art to discuss and inquire about entry.

Level 3 Painting is a course that specialises in painting, drawing and related technologies.  Students will explore and extend their skills in a variety of media, including water colour, mixed media, gouache, open acrylics, oil paints, spray paints, paint pens, dyes, high flow acrylics.  Digital painting, installation, moving image and other approaches to contemporary art making, aligned with established practice can also be ways in which you work.  

There are many exciting ideas, processes, materials and techniques that open up to be explored at this level of specialisation.  Students who already have strong skills in a particular painting media will have the opportunity to extend those skills into other media if they want to.  Level 3 Painting will support all students to take risks, extend current skills as well as learn new skills, sharing knowledge together.  

This is an active class, engaging with materials and processes, exploring ideas, materials and making finished works.   There is no set theme of study in Year 13 Painting.  Each student will personally select an idea to explore and outwork in sequences of drawing and paintings.  You will refine techniques and ideas over the course of the year.  You will learn how to research your idea, deepen and expand your thinking and personal expression as you are guided through each phase of learning.  Students will extend themselves as artists by developing a strong art journal practice. Your learning and achievement is advanced by by learning about visual ideas and artists' work from the past and present, and also by engaging in teacher and peer critique.  Students will learn to support others in the class to develop and extend their ideas.  

Level 3 Painting enables ākonga (students) to evolve their individual approach to art-making in a way that supports and empowers personal creative expression.  You will make drawing and painting sequences that generate, analyse, clarify and regenerate ideas. You will study artists' works in order to extend ideas and produce new work using conventions appropriate to painting.  The course structure is designed to promote independent work habits and develop knowledge and skills appropriate to your own personal painting style, theme and interests.  

Visual Art equips ākonga with transferable skills that can be used in a wide range of tertiary courses and careers, whilst studying a subject that inspires and excites. This course will develop skills such as: communication, critical and creative thinking, problem-solving, the ability to research and analyse, adaptability, dexterity, patience, attention to detail, independence, innovation, risk-taking, reflection, and self-management. 

The course is divided into two interrelated areas:

• Studio Practice:  Developing a variety of painting processes related to a range of artist models; extending drawing and painting techniques and compositions via independent practical investigation.  Students will document the development of their art-making in processes in a visual art journal.
• Conceptual Development of Ideas:  Developing research, planning, establishing and expanding a theme, defining a personal proposal outworked in sequences of ideas and a sequential body of work.  
• Your art journal research, planning, media studies and sequences of finished works comprise the evidence needed for the two internal achievement standards.  A fully complete folio board comprised of three A1 sized panels comprises the evidence needed for the external submission.  The folio must show the continual extension and clarification of your theme ideas, and refinement of your painting skills and approaches. The folio will be sent to Wellington for external assessment in November.  
   
  

Completion and achievement in this course requires ongoing participation.  It is an excellent preparation for tertiary level study in any field, as the depth of thinking that is possible (and in fact required for Excellence grades), and the self-management it develops are high level.  Participation in this course will reward you with the joy, satisfaction, fulfillment and sense of pride that comes from making art work that is personally meaningful to you.  

Students who intend to apply for tertiary level study in creative fields, such as Fine Arts, Design, Architecture, Fashion, Theatre or Media fields will have a strong portfolio of work and evidence to support their applications.  You will have learned how to work and think at a level that prepares you well for tertiary study.  Students will have the option of entering Scholarship Painting.

Students will have the opportunity to participate in art-making outside the classroom by exhibiting work and entering competitions.  You may be able to work with established New Zealand artists in workshops, i-n or out- of class.  The Auckland Art Gallery Pat Hanly Awards, Waikato Society of Arts Youth Art Awards, Franklin Arts Festival and Auckland Zine festival are examples of this.  Outside opportunities can be aligned with or separate from course work.  Ākonga will visit art galleries or museums and use this experience to enrich ideas for their own artworks.  

We can't wait to welcome you into this course and support your learning journey!

Want to understand the world and make a real difference?

People and Society is an engaging course that explores how people, communities, and societies work. You will investigate important social issues, understand different perspectives, and learn how individuals can create positive change.

This course combines ideas from sociology, politics, philosophy, environmental studies, and cultural studies to help you understand why people think and act the way they do, and how these actions shape society.

A unique feature of this course is that you can explore social issues that matter to you. Past students have investigated topics such as:

Mental Health                      Climate Change                     Poverty and Inequality                       Pink Tags                 Black Lives Matter       Criminalization of poverty

You will develop valuable skills in critical thinking, research, communication, and social action all of which prepare you for further study, leadership, and active citizenship. 

The course provides opportunity to identify a social issue, design your own action plan, and see it through from idea to impact. This hands-on experience empowers you to use your voice, advocate for change, and make a meaningful difference in your community and beyond. 

People and Society is for students who are curious, passionate, and ready to make a difference.

This comprehensive program is designed to help you refine your musicianship through a combination of practical and theoretical tasks. The course structure is student centred, allowing you to create an individual learning plan from the following Achievement Standards: group performance, solo performance, theory, music technology, research, arranging and composition. This flexibility empowers you to focus on your strengths and interests, ensuring a bespoke educational experience that fosters your growth in all areas of musicianship.

Whether your goal is to excel as a versatile performer, innovative composer, or skilled studio musician, this course provides the tools and guidance you need to succeed. Engage in practical exercises, theoretical exploration, and creative projects designed to build your expertise and confidence.

Join us to refine your skills and take the next step towards realising your full potential as a musician.

This course builds on the technical and conceptual skills developed in level 2 Photography.

Students in this Year 13 photography course will hone skills in the technical and creative possibilities of photography as an art form and build their visual literacy and understanding of the creative process.

They will extend camera skills and build on their understanding of image making and visual communication. They will refine technical skills of how to operate a digital SLR camera, studio photography, site-based photography, and techniques for post production using Adobe Suites.

The focus is on original and creative thinking, using a range of experimental approaches and photographic conventions. Students will complete a printed or digital folio submission of their own photographic images.  This could be a moving image submission, or sequences of still photographs presented on a three-panel folio board.

This course teaches contemporary technologies for producing photographic images. The fundamentals of using a digital single reflex camera are stressed,  but the camera itself is redefined in this class.  Students will explore other technologies and can utilise everything from cell phones, the scanner as a camera, disposable cameras, film cameras, video cameras - all as legitimate tools for creating photographic work.

This course teaches students to see, think and create with a critical mind and eye on the world in which they live.  They bring this to the crafting and manipulation of photographic forms and meaning.  Students will become far more aware of and attentive to the richness and complexity of the physical world, culture and societies in which we live.  This subject will develop students as thinkers, deepening connections and awareness of themselves and others.  It has value beyond the development of Photography skills only.

Students need to be committed to being active learners, and to taking photographs in- and outside the classroom.  You will need to participate in interesting, challenging class and homework tasks throughout the year.  This will ensure that all students complete their portfolio of work to a high standard.  Do not take this course if you are a passive learner ... you must participate actively.

Students are expected to create high quality images and develop the aesthetic, technical, conceptual skills needed to create a professional practice.  Students will be guided and supported throughout the course to be able to accomplish this.

They will further appreciate the technical and conceptual complexity that characterizes photography and moving image, while enhancing their ability to discuss their own work and the work of others.

Students will complete a portfolio of original photographic or moving image work. They will gain further understanding of methods and ideas that form contemporary photography practice and develop critical and creative thinking skills.

Students will develop their understanding of physical world concepts and laws to solve quantitative, real-world, problems. This will prepare them for further study in Physics as they build knowledge of fundamental physical laws. Students will develop their understanding of modern Physics, mechanical systems, wave systems and electrical systems.

They will learn the application of the above in the real world via a range of practical activities, experiments and demonstrations. 

This course is suitable for students who wish to pursue further study in Physics,  Engineering, Medical and Veterinary Sciences. Please note that some universities require Engineering students to have passed all 3 external exams.

This course is aimed at current senior art students, and new art ākonga (students) with some personal art skills, as well as students who wish to develop their creativity without much prior experience in art making. This means that Print class will support all students to take risks and learn new skills.  Akonga  will share knowledge so their capabilities are really expanded.  Year 13 Printmaking is an active class of making works using hand-made print techniques like woodcut and dry-point etching, as well as creating digital prints in Photoshop.

The level of challenge will grow as ākonga refine techniques and ideas over the course of the year.  Student learning and achievement is advanced by teacher and peer critique, and by referencing visual ideas from art history and contemporary art in their work.  Students will support others in the class to develop and extend their ideas.  Ākonga will develop skills in group critique.

In Level 3 Printmaking ākonga will participate in real world learning by exhibiting and entering competitions outside of their course work, and may even work with established New Zealand print makers in workshops or in exhibitions. The Forest has the Blues Project, and the Auckland Zine festival at the Auckland city gallery, Beastiary Print project, Printopia at Corban's Estate and Ringa Toi - Excellence in Maaori art at Te Papa are examples of this.  Ākonga will visit art galleries or art fairs or museums and use this experience to develop ideas for their own artworks.

This course enables senior art ākonga (students) to evolve their individual art-making style in a way that supports and empowers personal creative expression. Drawing is used to generate, analyse, clarify and regenerate ideas. Using a study of artists' works, ākonga will be able to extend ideas and produce new work using conventions appropriate to the printmaking media being used.

Visual Art equips ākonga with transferable skills that can be used in a wide range of tertiary courses and careers, whilst studying a subject that inspires and excites. This course will develop skills such as: communication, critical and creative thinking, problem-solving, the ability to research and analyse, adaptability, dexterity, patience, attention to detail, independence, and innovation.

The course structure is designed to promote independent work habits and develop knowledge and skills chosen by our ākonga. This course is divided into two interrelated areas:

• Developing a variety of print processes related to a range of artist models; extending drawing and printmaking techniques and compositions via independent practical investigation.  Students will document the art-making processes undertaken.
• Through research and planning: developing theme,  defining a personal proposal that is outworked in sequences of ideas, to create a sequential body of work.  The development of each student's individual ideas and printmaking skills comprise the evidence for internal assessment and the external folio board submission. 

Level 3 Psychology is for students who are passionate about the subject and have taken and been successful in L2 Psychology ONLY.

The method of delivery for Level 3 means students have a choice in ALL internals, this means that students will have to comprehensively research their chosen topics and read extensive research done by Psychologists. There is a comprehensive website to assist each student. 

Students will apply a Psychological theory to a field of Psychology - for example - Motivation in Sports Psychology or Theories of Personality to Criminal Psychology. Students will conduct their own research following a scientific method. Students will analyse a significant piece of research and its impact on Society and then students will look at the main issues affecting Psychological research - biases like gender bias, cultural bias and doing socially sensitive research. 

Psychology opens doors to diverse career paths. It can serve as a foundation for professions such as counselling, social work, human resources, education, marketing, and research. In a rapidly changing world, where interpersonal skills, adaptability, and emotional intelligence are highly valued, studying psychology provides a strong foundation for personal and professional growth.

Studying psychology equips students with valuable insights into human behaviour, enhances critical thinking skills, promotes mental well-being, and prepares them for a wide range of future career opportunities.

P-TECH is a secondary-to-tertiary pathway designed to help rangatahi explore and prepare for careers in technology and innovation through a partnership between schools, MIT and the professional world. Students combine school learning with industry exposure, mentoring, workplace experiences and tertiary study — helping bridge the gap between education and employment. Every week students will attend a one day course held at MIT.

In order to sign up for the P-Tech programme students must select either 3TDID or 3TCOS or both subjects. 

At the end of Year 13 students have the option of continuing in the P-TECH programme. Those students that decide to continue, will be eligible for the paid internship program and transfer into full tertiary study at Manukau Institute of Technology to earn a degree. 

NOTE: if you want to attend this 1 day a week course you must select it as a backup subject slot.

NCEA Level 3 Spatial Design

Course Description:

This advanced spatial design course supports ākonga to explore their personal design voice through architectural thinking. Beginning with an experience, theme, or symbol that resonates with them, students initiate creative ideas using abstraction, exaggeration, and transformation techniques through AS91627 – Initiate design ideas through exploration (4 credits, External). This ideation phase focuses on meaningful, original thinking and visual strategies to develop a concept that challenges conventions.

Students advance to AS91629 – Resolve a spatial design through graphics practice (6 credits, Internal), where their concept is developed into a refined architectural or interior spatial design—such as a retreat, community space, or future-forward dwelling. Students respond to real-world constraints including site, environment, and human interaction, while integrating technical and aesthetic considerations.

Students choose one of two external options to further communicate their design intent:

• AS91631 – Produce working drawings to communicate production details for a complex design (6 credits)
  A highly detailed architectural drawing set showing construction and material specifications using orthographic and 3D CAD or manual methods, including sections, elevations, detail views, and material annotations, adhering to NZ conventions.
• AS91627 – Initiate design ideas through exploration (4 credits)
  [Already completed earlier in the course; this is the required external if not doing AS91631.]

All students then produce a high-quality exhibition for a defined audience using AS91628 – Develop a visual presentation that exhibits a design outcome to an audience (6 credits, Internal). This involves planning and composing a presentation—such as a display board, model, flythrough or interactive setup—that promotes the essence and purpose of their spatial design through skillful visual communication.

Key Skills and Techniques Developed:

• Advanced Ideation & Design Thinking:
  • Using experiences to form design narratives
  • Visual regeneration strategies: abstraction, inversion, rotation, deconstruction 

• Conceptual & Technical Development:
  • Spatial planning, environmental and cultural response
  • Ergonomic and human-centred design
  • Sustainable and material research

• Visual Communication:
  • Perspective rendering, floor plans, sections, CAD modelling
  • Annotation for audience understanding
  • Exhibition planning (scale, impact, audience needs)

• Technical Documentation (optional standard):
  • Orthographic and sectional drawing
  • Conventions: dimensioning, hatching, material notation
  • Referencing views and construction logic

• Presentation Techniques:
  • Layout, composition, hierarchy, balance
  • Media integration: physical models, digital boards, animation
  • Tailoring presentation to audience and setting

This course provides a comprehensive exploration of physical activity through both a biophysical and socio-cultural lens. Students critically analyse human movement, evaluate performance-improvement programmes, and examine contemporary issues impacting sport and recreation in New Zealand. It is a University Approved subject essential for those looking to pursue health, exercise science, physiotherapy or a career in the sports industry.

Students need to be aware that this course is largely theory based and that it is a preparatory course for University compared to other more practical PE subjects like Sports Leadership and Outdoor Education. 

Students need to be prepared to participate in a training programme during class time in preparation for the 6km off road tough guy and gal running event. 

Students who take this course will participate in the secondary school Tough Guy & Gal 6km challenge, access local faculties such as fitness classes, and driving range. 

This course will provide students with the opportunity to develop an understanding of the role of sport in society.  It will focus on participating and contributing from an individual perspective as well as encompassing a community view of sport and physical activity.  It will provide the students with opportunities to enhance their ability to relate to others through activities such as coaching and officiating. 

Students will develop an understanding of the role of a coach in developing physical skills and managing groups.  They will also incorporate an understanding of officiating in games and the treatment of sports injuries.  Students will gain an appreciation of designing and implementing a fitness training program. 

Students need to be aware that this course is largely unit standard based and is more practical in nature compared to Level 3 Physical Education. This course does not give you university entrance. 

This course will develop a students ability to analyse data and think critically about the information in contains. Students will learn to manage their time to conduct week long investigations and submit statistical reports. Students will work in groups to develop the necessary skills required for communicating statistical ideas. Students will be expected to write reports on their findings, helping them to develop their analytical writing skills.

The course covers three main areas: Statistics, probability and mathematics. The internally assessed topics involve extensive use of statistical software. Processes include reasoning and communication. The emphasis is on data handling and decision making in a variety of contexts such as business, science, medicine and social science.

It is recommended that students have their own device for this subject.

This course can be taken along side Level 3 Calculus

This course is worth 20 credits. It covers a detailed examination of moteatea, waiata aa ring, poi, and haka.  A recommended part of this course is that students participate in our school kapa haka, as there are particular credits that students gain through Polyfest.  There are 2 internals and 2 externals for this course

Te Ao Haka, Maaori performing arts are powerful forms of expression that recognise, value, and contribute to the unique bicultural and multicultural character of Aotearoa New Zealand, enriching the lives of all New Zealanders. The arts have their own distinct languages that use both verbal and non-verbal conventions, mediated by selected processes and technologies.

Through movement, sound, and image, the arts transform people’s creative ideas into expressive works that communicate layered meanings.

The learning area of Te Ao Haka, Maaori performing arts in Te Marautanga o Aotearoa, celebrates and acknowledges the skills and knowledge of the past and empowers and challenges the thinking of the now and the future. It contributes to our intellectual knowing and our social, cultural, and spiritual being. The Arts is forever changing, and therefore the achievement objectives in this learning area allow for and support that changing notion.

Level 3 Te Reo Maaori achievement standard (AS) is a restricted entry course for students who wish to pursue Te Reo Maaori as an academic pathway. This course requires a foundational knowledge of Te Reo Maaori, which may be demonstrated by achievement in Level 2 Te Reo Maaori (AS). Entry into this course is at the discretion of the Kaihautuu.

This course is worth 28 credits.  This course covers four strands of Te Reo: paanui (reading), tuhi (writing), koorero (oral), and whakarongo (listening).  This course includes 2 internals and 2 externals. One of the internals is assessed in Term 1 and the other in Term 3.  Both externals are assessed in Term 4.

Level 3 Te Reo Maaori unit standard (US) is an open-entry course for students who wish to pursue Te Reo Maaori learning. It is suitable for those interested in developing their understanding of Te Ao Maaori in the context of language learning.

Please note that this course is NOT a pathway to university entrance.

There are 4 strands to this course: whakarongo (listening), tuhi (writing), paanui (reading), and rangahau (research). Students will do rangahua in areas of tikanga, karakia, and mihimihi. This course is worth 20 credits and involves a hikoi (class trip). All the assessments are assessed internally.

You will complete several standards on Tourism which can contribute to a later tourism qualification at MIT or another Tourism and Hospitality provider like Service IQ. This will include learning codes for countries and gateway cities which are important in the tourism industry. You will also investigate tourist destinations in New Zealand and the Pacific and be able to design an itinerary for clients visiting these destinations. 

In this course you will also have an opportunity look into possible career pathways for yourself and how you can plan to reach your ultimate job within that career.

It is complementary to any MIT course you might choose to do as you can work at your own pace and on some, or all of the standards offered. 

This is a fully internal Unit Standards course.

PLEASE ENSURE YOU FILL OUT THE EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FORM WITH MRS MATTHEWS IF YOU SELECT THIS COURSE. PLACES ARE LIMITED. 

Manukau Institute of Technology  is a Trades Academy provider that works with Pukekohe High School to help students achieve NCEA Level 3 by offering vocational courses that prepare students for higher education or employment. Students spend ONE/TWO days a week at MITTA and the remainder of their week at school to fulfil their Level 3 studies towards NCEA Level 3.

• MITTA Trades Academy classes commence in February at the MIT campus for that course
• MIT courses are free to PHS students
• You will attend MIT TWO days per week of your school timetable. It will be up to you to keep up with any schoolwork you miss on the day you are at MIT
• In Term 4 -  MIT/PHS MITTA information will be sent out in a separate email upon confirmation of your placement at MIT
• You can wear mufti to MIT. You MUST wear closed toe shoes for Health and Safety.
• Protective clothing/ gear will be organized on site by MIT.
• Take note of any equipment or gear you need to take with you to your course

Trades Academy student TRANSPORT is provided by Pukekohe High School - this is provided at NO cost to the student. 

• Arrive punctually by 7:00am at the Gate 3 school entrance on Harris Road to catch the bus.
• If you are late and miss the bus, you will be sent home to change into school uniform and attend school for the day.
• The bus will collect you from the same drop off point at MIT at 2:50pm. You will arrive back to school by approximately 3:45pm, traffic dependent.

Courses offered in the 2026 programme are pending confirmation which occurs at the end of this year.

Automotive

Construction (BCATS)

Electrical

Engineering

Building and Landscape

Study & Career Preparation (Police Studies)

Tourism

Hospitality

Early Childhood Education

Bakery

Workplace Office Administration

What is Level 3 Business Studies?

Level 3 Business Studies is a high-level, practical business course for students who are ready to think, work and operate like real entrepreneurs. This course is built around the Young Enterprise Scheme (YES), where students work in a business group for the entire year to develop, market, sell, review and refine an innovative and sustainable product or service.

This is not a short-term group project. Students will work under group conditions throughout the year, managing real responsibilities, deadlines, production, finances, marketing, customer feedback, and team relationships. A major part of the learning is understanding how to operate successfully in a business team, including how to manage group members, solve problems, communicate professionally, and keep the business moving even when challenges arise.

Students will be expected to attend six market events across three months, as well as spend time outside of school producing their product, preparing for sales, meeting YES deadlines, and completing assessment evidence. This course has a heavy workload and requires excellent attendance, strong self-management, initiative, and commitment.

Pukekohe High School has a strong and successful legacy within YES, and students entering this course are expected to maintain the high standards built by previous groups.

This course offers 19 Achievement Standard credits, including 15 internal credits and 4 external credits and is recognised as a University Entrance course. 

Students will study:

• Young Enterprise Scheme business activity - planning, developing, running, reviewing, and refining a real business over the year
• Innovative and sustainable product development - creating a product or service that has a clear point of difference and considers sustainability
• Marketing and sales - developing a marketing plan, promoting the business, attending markets, selling to customers, and responding to market feedback
• Business teamwork - working in a group for the full year, sharing roles, managing responsibilities, and keeping evidence of individual contribution
• Business decision-making - using research, feedback, financial information, and reflection to make improvements
• Large business analysis - analysing how internal and external factors influence business decisions in a New Zealand business operating in a global context
• Quality management, innovation, and change management - exploring how successful businesses improve, adapt, and remain competitive

The two internal standards involve active participation in the Young Enterprise Scheme (YES) Challenges. Students will work in groups to:

• create, produce, market, sell, and refine a real product or service
• complete YES Challenges by strict deadlines
• attend market events and engage with real customers
• develop a comprehensive marketing plan
• gather evidence showing their personal role in the business
• review business performance and make recommendations for improvement

Student success depends heavily on the group’s ability to collaborate effectively. However, students are also assessed on their individual contribution, so each person must be reliable, proactive and able to show clear evidence of their work.

Students choosing this course must understand that Level 3 Business Studies requires commitment beyond the classroom. It is a rewarding and exciting course for students who are ready to take responsibility, work hard, and contribute fully to a real business team.

You've already proven you can think like a computer scientist — now it's time to think like an innovator. Year 13 Computer Science takes everything you mastered in Y12 and pushes it into genuinely complex territory, with programming and electronics challenges that mirror what professionals face in cutting-edge industries. You'll also grapple with some of the biggest ideas shaping our world — from Big Data to computing complexity — the mathematical and conceptual forces driving breakthroughs in AI, cybersecurity, and beyond. Y13 isn't just the next level; it's where you discover how far your potential can truly take you.   

In this course you'll use Blender, the industry-standard 3D software also used by studios working on games, film VFX, and product design, to design, model, texture, rig, and animate your own 3D outcomes. You'll go from concept sketches to a finished character, environment, or animated sequence — and everything in between: sculpting, shading, lighting, rigging, and rendering.

This isn't a "follow the tutorial" course. You'll research real user experience methods to design how people interact with your work, run your own production like a studio would — using project management tools, sprints, and version control — and build a portfolio piece that actually reflects your own creative decisions.

By the end of the year you'll walk away with:

• A refined 3D showreel/portfolio piece you can show to employers, universities, or game studios
• Real experience with industry-standard tools and workflows
• 16 NCEA Level 3 credits across four standards, contributing to University Entrance
  
  

Student Animations

The Level 3 Engineering course has been carefully developed in collaboration with industry experts, Competenz (Engineering ITO), and schools. Together, we have crafted three unit standards that align with industry requirements, giving you the essential knowledge and skills necessary for success in the engineering workforce.

The Level 3 Engineering course consists of three unit standards, each focusing on a different aspect of the field:

Unit Standard 32052 - L3 Engineering Drawing: In this unit, you'll learn how to produce development drawings and patterns for three-dimensional objects in a MaPS environment. Enhance your visualization and communication skills to effectively convey engineering designs.

Unit Standard 32054 - L3 Mechanical Engineering: Get ready to dive into the world of mechanical engineering. This unit will guide you through performing engineering machining operations in a MaPS environment. Discover the precision and craftsmanship involved in shaping raw materials into functional mechanical components.

Unit Standard 32056 - L3 Engineering Fabrication: This unit will provide you with hands-on experience in engineering fabrication. Learn the techniques involved in performing fabrication operations, including cutting, bending, welding, and more, to bring designs to life.

The Level 3 Engineering course offers you the chance to expand your knowledge, refine your skills, and become industry-ready for a futuer in all aspects of the Engineering field.

This course is for students who wish to continue their study of mathematics, but do not wish to specialise in Calculus or Statistics. Students will cover a range of Mathematics and Statistics topics, consisting of three internal in class tests, a statistical report and one external. 

Students will develop their skills in statistical analysis, mathematical reasoning and communication of ideas. They will work both individually and in groups using a range of technology to further their understanding and see the relevance of their learning in a real life context.

It is recommended that students have their own device for this subject.

What is Level 3 Legal Studies?

Level 3 Legal Studies is for students who are interested in law, justice, rights, government, decision-making, and how legal rules shape everyday life. This course helps students understand how laws are created, interpreted, challenged, and applied in New Zealand and overseas.

Students will learn how to read and understand legislation, case law, and legal principles. They will explore real legal issues and apply legal ideas to real-life New Zealand situations. This makes the course valuable for students who enjoy discussion, debate, critical thinking, research, and analysing different points of view.

Legal Studies is useful for students interested in law, politics, policing, business, human rights, social work, advocacy, public service, policy, or government. It is also helpful for students who may one day manage a business, work with contracts, support others, or simply want to better understand their rights and responsibilities.

Students will develop skills in:

• reading and interpreting legislation
• understanding case law and legal decisions
• applying legal principles to real situations
• discussing legal issues and different viewpoints
• using evidence to support arguments
• thinking critically about fairness, justice, rights, and responsibilities
• understanding how law and government influence people’s lives

While Legal Studies is not a University Entrance approved subject and does not directly provide entry into law school, it is excellent preparation for students who may study law or legal papers at university. It helps students build confidence with legal language, legal reasoning, and the types of thinking used in law-related study and careers.