Newlands College

The Learning Hub at Newlands College offers a flexible, supportive space for students who need personalised learning, mentoring, or a structured environment during study lines. It supports students with reduced timetables, anxiety, or sensory needs, and can be used in place of an option line for programmes like SPEC or supported learning. The Hub provides catch-up support, and quiet working spaces guided by teacher aides and the Learning Support team.

In this Visual Art rotation, ākonga will explore Drawing, Still life Painting, and Printmaking while investigating artist models and customary Māori art kowhaiwhai. Students will learn foundational skills in art making, composition and will be encouraged to experiment with various techniques. Students will develop their understanding of key learning outcomes: arts in context, developing practical knowledge, and visually communicating and interpreting ideas. The core skills developed in this course are transferable to a wide range of future pathways, fostering creative thinking and enabling students to approach problems with a fresh perspective and innovative solutions.

In the Drama rotation ākonga explore three key aspects of Drama: Improvisation, Script work and Devising. In this time they will develop critical thinking skills (mātauranga), explore relating to others and managing themselves (manaakitanga), develop their understanding of text and symbols, (akoranga), and participate positively with their fellow classmates (whanaungatanga). Students are also encouraged to develop their skills of working in groups and exploring empathy and understanding. They learn to respond and share ideas, to take risks and be okay with making mistakes. The focus is on having a safe and respectful space for tauira to explore and do. The core skills of the course are transferable to any future pathways.

Year 9 English is all about discovering the power and pleasure of language. Throughout the year, students will develop confidence in their own voice, build a sense of connection through shared texts, and grow their critical thinking skills. From the twists of crime fiction to the art of speech writing, Year 9 English units are designed to spark curiosity, deepen student’s understanding of texts, and strengthen their written and oral communication skills.

This year, the learning units include:

• Short text genre study
• Creative writing
• Novel study
• Informative speeach and research skills
• Film review

Enjoy the richness of stories and grow as a reader, writer, speaker, and thinker.

A foundational English language learning course for students wanting to strengthen their English language.

This beginner course introduces students to the basics of the French language and culture. Students will learn to greet others, give simple personal information, talk about family, school, and hobbies, and begin to build everyday vocabulary. The course focuses on developing listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills while exploring French culture, traditions, and daily life through songs, games, and interactive activities.

Year 9 students will have three Health and Physical Education (HPE) lessons each week. Two of these will be practical Physical Education sessions in the gym, where students will explore the school’s vision, kotahitanga, components of fitness, and biomechanics through activities such as volleyball, dance, and basketball. Full PE uniform is required for these lessons. 

The third lesson each week will be a classroom-based Health session, covering key areas of the junior Health curriculum, including Ko Wai Au (Who am I?), nutrition, relationships and sexuality education. This programme supports students’ hauora and helps them develop confidence, teamwork, and a deeper understanding of themselves and others.

This beginner course introduces students to basic Japanese language and culture with a focus on self-introductions, school, and everyday expressions. Students will learn to read and write all 46 hiragana characters, build simple sentences, and practice speaking through role-plays and interactive activities. Japanese culture and etiquette are an integral part of the course.

Students will be developing their skills in numeric reasoning, algebraic manipulation, equation solving, measurement, algebraic patterns, graphing, transformation geometry, statistical processes, and probability.

Year 9 Music offers students a practical and creative introduction to a wide range of musical skills. Students take part in group lessons on an instrument of their choice—either continuing with one they already learn or choosing to work with one of our guitar, piano, or vocal tutors. The course also includes a music technology component, where students use GarageBand to create a piece of music with loops and apply post‑production techniques. A small music theory task supports their learning, while the Drumline unit develops rhythm and ensemble skills. In this unit, students compose their own short percussion pieces in small groups, recording their work. This course provides a strong foundation for further study in music.

This course introduces students to the nature of science through lab safety, scientific skills, and a forensic investigation. In physics, students explore energy types, transformations, electricity generation, and alternatives to fossil fuels. The Space unit focuses on the solar system and the Earth-Moon-Sun relationship. In chemistry, the Matter unit covers the particle model and how energy affects changes of state. The course concludes with a biology-focused Life and River Study, where students investigate living things, use microscopes, and explore local ecosystems, emphasising our role as kaitiaki of te taiao.

Social Studies is learning about how societies work and how people can participate within those societies. Through your studies you will learn how to better understand, participate in and contribute to the local, national and global community in which we live. 

The Social Studies topics that you will be studying are Te tūrangawaewae (our standing place), Te Taiao (our environment, with a focus on natural disasters and climate change), and Tino rangatiratanga (sovereignty and government).

There are four assessments across the year which are reported on. Throughout the year you will build your knowledge about different contexts and draw on inquiry practices that explore the diverse histories and experiences of the people of Aotearoa New Zealand. You will also be exploring current issues and developing a range of skills. In Social Studies you are encouraged to think critically and from different perspectives.

This full-year course offers ākonga an extended opportunity to develop their skills in te reo Māori. It includes all learning from the 9MĀO course; Ko Wai Au and Kai, and continues into the Year 10 programme. Ākonga will expand their ability to communicate in te reo, explore the themes Te Wā (Time), Ngā Wāhanga o Te Tinana, (Parts of the Body),  Haerenga ki Te Tāone, (Trip to Town) and Hākinakina (Sport), and deepen their understanding of tikanga Māori through creative tasks, performance, and everyday use of the language.

This rotational course introduces and builds upon foundational knowledge of te reo Māori me ōna tikanga. Ākonga will explore the themes Ko Wai Au (Who am I?) and Kai (Food), developing skills in introducing themselves, sharing about their whānau, and using everyday expressions. Interactive activities, waiata, and cultural learning help students grow their confidence and connection to te ao Māori.

YEAR 9 TECH EXPLORERS!

Technological outcomes are anything not created purely by nature. As humans we have been shaping our physical world for millions of years; and now we also shape the virtual world we live in too. The Technology learning area focuses on how and why we have shaped our world the way it is; and how we can intervene to continue to improve it for our own futures and future generations to come.

This is a full year course that explores the different specialist areas of Technology, and is full of interesting technological challenges to turn you into a 'TECH EXPLORER'.

Projects you will work on:  (subject to change)

• CODE Lab
• TinkerCAD Adventures
• Engineering Explorations
• Creative Threads

You will learn about:

• UX Design (User Experience Designing)
• The whakapapa of technological outcomes
• How designing is a story
• The whakapapa and kaitiakitanga of resources
• How to create your ideas and bring them to life
• How to test your ideas

Students will develop a variety of artworks using different techniques, materials and concepts. This may include drawing, painting, printmaking and poster design. Students get more time to complete artwork to a higher level than Year 9. The course aims to teach technical skills using a variety of media, developing ideas, understanding basic art theory and understanding of different artist models. The Year 10 course approach is designed to prepare students who wish to take Art at a senior level (full year or semester courses) in the following year.

This is a preparatory course for the Year 11 Commerce courses (11COM and 11CAM). Students will learn about the characteristics of successful businesses and set up and run their own small business (market day). An introduction to accounting, marketing and the production process will also be covered.  I.T. skills will be developed within a business context, including the use of spreadsheets and collaborative tasks using Google applications.

Design & Technology

These images are from Pinterest and are indicative only.

In this course you will work through the design process to design and create two products that resolve a design brief. One project will be done in pairs and the other will be done individually.

In this course you will learn:

• about basic engineering principles
• about mechanisms and how machines work
• how to design for a stakeholder
• how to follow the design process to guide the development of your solution to the design brief
• about material properties and characteristics 
• how to use and work with a range of materials
• how to use the workshop tools, machines and equipment to create your products

Digital Technologies

Photograph from Pinterest

This course provides students with the opportunity to explore a range of computer science concepts and computational thinking in order to develop students’ essential subject knowledge. Students will complete a digital asset creation and a programming project that will assess their design and development skills in the digital environment.

This is a recommended preparatory course for Year 11 Digital Technology. 

Students will develop skills in basic techniques of voice, body, space and gesture. There is an emphasis on devising and performing from the students’ own experience as well as exploring either Greek theatre or Commedia Dell'arte and performing scripts.  Co-operation and confidence are important skills that are encouraged and developed during lessons. There are some optional theatre trips that will be offered to students. 

Year 10 English is about empowerment and exploration, asking students to think more deeply, write with precision, and engage critically with language and literature. The learning aims to continue fostering confidence, creativity, and curiosity, while encouraging students to refine their communication skills across a variety of contexts.

This year, the learning units include: 

• Novel study
• Poetry
• Creative writing
• Persuasive speech
• Exploration of metacognitive reading and writing strategies across a range of text types
• Film analysis

Through these units, students will be given the opportunity to read with insight, using texts as both windows and mirrors to the wider world. They will also begin to learn how to write with impact, and speak with clarity; developing into thoughtful, skilled communicators ready for the challenges ahead.

This course is designed for Year 10 students who have English as an additional language. The course aims to improve students' listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. English language is taught using topics relevant to the students and is linked to mainstream subjects wherever possible. Students will also be learning skills that help them prepare for the CAA Literacy assessment.

This course is designed to meet the learning needs of junior students who are at the start of their English language learning journey. The course is designed to support students to develop the communication skills needed for everyday life, as well as to develop familiarity with the vocabulary, topics, text and task types they will encounter in mainstream classrooms.

Fashion & Textiles Technology

With a balance of fashion design and practical soft technology skills, our program gives you the opportunity to explore your design identity and bring your design ideas to life! 

You will learn:

• how to produce fashion drawings
• how to develop your creative thinking and design skills
• how to use a design process to design garments
• how to read and use commercial patterns
• how to use a sewing machine and develop technical fabric construction skills
• about different types of fabrics and their material properties and characteristics

This course leads into Fashion & Textiles Technology Year 11. 

Are you interested in learning about food and developing your food literacy skills? In this largely practical course you will learn: 

• how to store, handle and cook food safely
• basic knowledge about nutrients and food issues affecting society
• how to apply the NZ Nutrition guidelines for healthy teenagers and read food labels
• easy ways to prepare quick, nutritious, economical meals for yourself and your whānau
• about cuisine from around the world
• how to modify recipes, be resourceful and avoid food wastage
• to problem-solve, manage your time and resources
• to be innovative and creative as you take part in individual and small team design challenges including a Healthy Burger Challenge, Mini Showstopper cake challenge, Designer Pasta and inventing a nutritious snack product for teenagers.

Food and Nutrition offers a University Entrance pathway.

This course is designed to further develop language skills acquired in Year 9 French.  These skills include speaking, writing, listening and reading in everyday situations.  Students are also given opportunities to learn about French life and culture. The modules studied are pre-requisite to Year 11 French.  Students must have achieved well in Year 9 French.

Year 10 students will have three Health and Physical Education (HPE) lessons each week. Two of these will be practical Physical Education sessions focused on developing interpersonal skills, understanding sociocultural influences in sport, exploring methods of training, and preparing for a healthy, active future. As with Year 9, full PE uniform is required for all practical lessons. 

The third lesson each week will be a classroom-based Health session, where students will learn about mental wellbeing, and making safe choices around drugs, alcohol, and vaping. They will also extend their understanding of relationships and sexuality education, building on the foundations from previous years. These units are designed to give students a taste of the Year 11 HPE semester courses.

This course builds on the language learned in Year 9 Japanese. Students will study useful everyday Japanese in order to prepare them for travelling to Japan. Emphasis is placed on spoken language but students will also develop listening, reading and writing skills. Hiragana and Katakana characters will be mastered.  Japanese culture and way of life is also taught throughout the course.

Students must have achieved well in Year 9 Japanese and have a good knowledge of Hiragana to be successful in Year 10 Japanese.  

This new semester course is an introduction into jewellery design and manufacturing, in our very own Jewellery Studio!

On this course you will learn:

• how to use culture and stories to generate individual design ideas 
• how to develop your creative abilities
• how to explore materials to understand their properties and characteristics
• a range of processes and techniques to work with materials
• how to work with materials using specialist jewellery tools and equipment
• how to finish you pieces to a high standard ready for wearing

This course is for those that really enjoy design and want to work with materials on smaller and more personal individual projects. Jewellery manufacturing is all about working with and manipulating materials - it is engineering on a smaller scale!

Students will be developing their skills in numeric reasoning, algebraic manipulation, equation solving, measurement, algebraic patterns, graphing, geometric reasoning, trigonometry, statistical processes, and probability.

Year 10 Music Studies allows students to continue developing a broad range of musical skills through both practical and creative learning. The course focuses on group and solo performance, building confidence and musicianship while encouraging collaboration with peers. Students also develop their music literacy as well as understand and apply musical concepts across a variety of styles. In addition, they explore digital music by programming and composing using GarageBand, combining traditional and modern approaches. Students must be committed to learning a musical instrument or vocal studies, either with a private tutor or through the School Itinerant Music Scheme. This course provides a strong foundation for further study in senior music.

Year 10 Music Technology gives students the chance to explore music creation in an interactive and creative way. Using GarageBand, they learn how to compose and produce their own tracks, building practical skills in digital production. The course also includes a sound effects unit, where students record, edit, and programme original sounds to match film clips, introducing them to audio design for media. Alongside this, students develop an understanding of the elements of music and how they function across a wide range of genres, as well as gaining basic music literacy skills. For those who play an instrument, there is an optional performance component, but the focus of the course is on creativity, experimentation, and practical application of music technology.

Year 10 Science covers key concepts across physics, chemistry, biology, and earth science. In Electricity and Magnetism, students explore current, voltage, and magnetic forces. In Forces, they investigate how motion is influenced by different forces in everyday life. Biology units include The Human Body, where students study major body systems, and Genetics and Reproduction, which explores inheritance and how genetic information is used in modern science. In chemistry, Atoms, Elements and Compounds introduces the nature of matter, chemical changes, and the properties of metals. The Planet Earth unit focuses on geological processes such as tectonic movement, erosion, and earthquakes. All topics are assessed through short online tests based on class learning and practical.

Social Studies is learning about how societies work and how people can participate within those societies. Through your studies you will learn how to better understand, participate in and contribute to the local, national and global community in which we live. This course is designed to build on the Social Studies knowledge, concepts and skills that you were introduced to last year.

The Social Studies topics that you will be studying are:

• To fight or not to fight: Aotearoa in WW1 and WWII, with a focus on the outbreak of war, Māori involvement in the wars, and conscientious objectors.
• Tino Rangatiratanga (sovereignty), with a focus on the bicultural relationship between tangata whenua and pakeha.
• Te Tuakiri Kiritōpū (collective identity), with a focus on human rights and a study of the Dawn Raids.

There are four assessments across the year which are reported on. Throughout the year you will build your knowledge about different contexts and draw on inquiry practices that explore the diverse histories and experiences of the people of Aotearoa New Zealand. You will also be exploring current issues and developing a range of skills. In Social Studies you are encouraged to think critically and from different perspectives.

Welcome to Spanish! In this course, you will learn to communicate simply and effectively in Spanish. You will be able to introduce yourself and talk about yourself and your interests, talk about your family and pets, your school, and finally your city. 

Midway through the year, you will experience an immersion into the Spanish-speaking culture through one of the most distinctive features of Latin American countries and Spain: their colorful festivals and wonderful celebrations!

Spatial & Product Design 

(formerly DVC - design & visual communication

We live in an increasingly visual and technological world, that is designed by people for people. Everything we touch that is not natural has been designed and made - our built world is full of potential and opportunity. These fields of expertise are critical to our future development. This course is the foundation for further study in Spatial & Product design.

 In this course you will work on:

• an architectural project
• an industrial design project

What you will learn:

• creative design techniques used by designers to develop their creative thinking skills
• how to think like a designer, learning about all the factors designers consider when designing
• how to sketch in both 2D and 3D to be able to record and communicate your ideas
• how to use a design process to guide your design work and create your design portfolios
• how to apply colour to show tonal shading, materiality and texture to give your drawings realism
• how to communicate as a designer, to present your solution to the design brief

Students will continue to develop their language skills and understanding of Te Reo Māori me ōna tikanga.  A range of teaching strategies and learning contexts will be used.  

The SPEC (Specialist Education Courses) programme is a hands-on, personalised learning option for students who benefit from an alternative to traditional NCEA subjects. It focuses on building life skills, confidence, and independence through real-world tasks and projects. Students work at their own pace and gain credits through meaningful, practical achievements.

The Year 11 Art Drawing focus is on using a range of different drawing media and exploring various subject matter and genres. There will be an emphasis of both traditional techniques and more experimental approaches to image making. The drawings will take place inside and outside of the classroom.

Year 11 Art is the beginning of the senior art programme (Art Painting and Printmaking) and is a foundation course on how to think visually and create artwork. Ideas of cultural backgrounds and identity are explored as a starting point to generate work. It is a largely practical course with a small component of theory.

Year 11 Art Photography and Design is the beginning of the senior art courses (Art Photography and Art Design) and is a foundation course on how to think visually and create art work.  Students will explore their identity through various methods - paper mache mask making, learning different photography and design techniques and conventions by learning about DSLR cameras and Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign). It is a largely practical course with a small component of theory.

In this course, ākonga will be comparing and contrasting mythologies across cultures and time. As well as ancient Greek and Roman mythologies, we will be incorporating Babylonian, Egyptian, Old Testament, Norse, Mayan/Aztec, Māori and Pasifika religions. Students will then choose a mythology/religion they are interested in to research further. Ākonga will gain an appreciation for the literary, artistic, historical, societal, philosophical, and religious content and concepts from the classical and historical world.

Students will gain experience in planning and running a small cash based business and develop useful financial planning and accounting processing skills.  The main topics are: 

• financial management, budgeting and planning
• processing cash transactions for a small business
• preparing and carrying out a market day. 

Students will extensively use google sheets for the accounting section and will work in groups to plan and carry out a market day.

Students will obtain a good understanding of key economic and marketing concepts and models, (including Māori business concepts) and how businesses, consumers and the Government make decisions and interact in the market place. The main topics are: 

• Values and economic decision making.
• Demand and supply and the operation of markets.
• Using economic models and a Māori perspective to analyse a contemporary economic issue.  For example, inequity in the labour market, unequal wealth distribution, high cost of living, economic sustainability.
• The 4 Ps of marketing (Product, Price, Placement and Promotion).

Students will complete a case study of a local business that applies Māori business values in their decision making and marketing. This may include a field trip. Students will also complete a group marketing presentation/pitch based on a student chosen topic.

This course has a focus on being able to design and make products in different materials. It involves research and design work, as students follow a design process to develop a physical solution to a design brief.

In this course students will learn:

• how to use a design process to design a solution to a design brief
• how to create working drawings of your solution
• how to write cutting lists to order your materials from our technician
• how to do different processes and techniques when working with different materials to make your product
• how to test your product to ensure it resolves the brief and to test it for quality

This programme of study covers the design and development of the creation of a range of Digital Technology outcomes. This course put students in the driving seat of the development of their own projects in two major areas:

Digital Media Project - potential project mediums include: Websites (coded in HTML5 and CSS3), 3D Modelling (Blender), Video Editing and 2D Animation.

Game Development - using a game development platform from a range options such as: Scratch, Gamefroot, Godot (C++), Pygame (Python) and Unity (C#).

From these projects, students will develop their design and technological practice while documenting their journey of development as they solve problems and interact with the end users of their project. Students will also get the opportunity to broaden their understanding of the conventions that are utilised in industry to further refine their outcomes.

Students learn through practical, individual and group work using script, devising pieces, workshops and improvisation. They will explore and develop the use of the dramatic techniques of body, voice, movement and space.  They will further develop their understanding of the elements of drama and learn about general theatrical conventions and the features of a specific theatre form.  The course offers the opportunity for students to develop self-confidence, communication skills, problem-solving skills and general performance skills.  Most assessments have an attendance requirement to achieve them.  Performance opportunities include a Melodrama Evening for whānau and friends, and participation in a class play.  Visits to the theatre are offered; we try to see a minimum of two performances and these may be either during school time or after school hours.

This course will focus on general tech skills, lighting, sound, prop making, costume making and design. There will be an opportunity to work on the school production or other productions on at that time.  

This is a second semester course and will focus on learning how to design lighting and/or operate the sound design and/or make props/set pieces or costumes and makeup for a class production. The opportunities students will have will depend on the number of students and their interests and skills. An awareness of Health and Safety protocols is part of the course requirements.

This is an intensive English course aimed at senior students who need further assistance to prepare for the Literacy assessment (CAA).  The focus will be learning and application of academic English. The course will teach writing across different genres for different purposes and audiences. Students will learn to utilise appropriate language features and structures that enhance texts. They will develop critical awareness and will also learn to identify ideas within texts.

This is a general English course where students will be taught various topics to improve their foundational English skills. The course will cover the four skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking. This course will also focus on the structure of writing and the development of reading skills. Vocabulary development is a key factor. Aimed at increasing confidence when speaking, the course will incorporate an interactive oral component.

Calling all dystopia and sci-fi enthusiasts, if you want a semester dedicated to your genre of choice, then this is for you! 

Ideal for students who are interested in power structures, parody and social criticism. You will have close encounters with texts that mirror our society and critique broad issues, exploring the weird and wacky nature of humanity along the way. 

Potential Texts:

• Watched by Tihema Baker
• Migration by Steph Matuku
• The Fireman by Ray Bradbury

You will explore a wide range of texts within the context and genre of the course you have selected and link these learnings to some truths about humanity and society.

Calling all dystopia and sci-fi enthusiasts, if you want a semester dedicated to your genre of choice, then this is for you! 

Ideal for students who are interested in power structures, parody and social criticism. You will have close encounters with texts that mirror our society and critique broad issues, exploring the weird and wacky nature of humanity along the way. 

Potential Texts:

• Watched by Tihema Baker
• Migration by Steph Matuku
• The Fireman by Ray Bradbury

You will have the opportunity to show off your writing skills as you explore the conventions and characteristics of a specific genre. You will also explore texts within this genre to learn how it works!

Love gritty drama, unforgettable characters, and moral dilemmas? This course is for you. You’ll explore some powerful American classics that delve into loyalty, justice, ambition, and the cost of the American Dream.

Ideal for students who enjoy character-driven stories, rich dialogue, and intense emotional conflict, this course invites you to engage deeply with literature that challenges, provokes, and resonates long after the final page.

The classics are classics for a reason after all!

Potential Texts:

• Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
• A View from the Bridge by Arthur Miller

You will explore a wide range of texts within the context and genre of the course you have selected and link these learnings to some truths about humanity and society.

Love gritty drama, unforgettable characters, and moral dilemmas? This course is for you. You’ll explore some powerful American classics that delve into loyalty, justice, ambition, and the cost of the American Dream.

Ideal for students who enjoy character-driven stories, rich dialogue, and intense emotional conflict, this course invites you to engage deeply with literature that challenges, provokes, and resonates long after the final page.

The classics are classics for a reason after all!

Potential Texts:

• Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
• A View from the Bridge by Arthur Miller

You will have the opportunity to show off your writing skills as you explore the conventions and characteristics of a specific genre. You will also explore texts within this genre to learn how it works!

You could be 10, 16 or 35 but, at some point, we all experience a ‘coming of age’ - the time or moment when it finally happens. Adulting. But when does this happen? How does it happen, and why?

This course is set to explore what it means to be a teenager, what it means to grow up and all of the hilarious, heart-breaking and triumphant moments in between through a range of literature and film. Through this process students will become more aware of themselves in relation to their world and therefore able to transform themselves and their world.

Potential Texts:

• Legacy by Whiti Hereaka
• Lady Bird directed by Greta Gerwig

You will explore a wide range of texts within the context and genre of the course you have selected and link these learnings to some truths about humanity and society.

You could be 10, 16 or 35 but, at some point, we all experience a ‘coming of age’ - the time or moment when it finally happens. Adulting. But when does this happen? How does it happen, and why? 

This course is set to explore what it means to be a teenager, what it means to grow up and all of the hilarious, heart-breaking and triumphant moments in between through a range of literature and film. Through this process students will become more aware of themselves in relation to their world and therefore able to transform themselves and their world.

Potential Texts:

• Legacy by Whiti Hereaka
• Lady Bird directed by Greta Gerwig 

You will have the opportunity to show off your writing skills as you explore the conventions and characteristics of a specific genre. You will also explore texts within this genre to learn how it works!  

Because who doesn’t love a good mystery? In this course we will explore a range of texts focussed around the crime genre, exploring its conventions and the human fascination with murder and mystery. 

Through the study of these texts you will try to answer some of life’s big questions: What is the nature of evil? Is crime an individual choice or a symptom of a sickness within society? How should we react when confronted with the unknown? 

Potential Texts:

• Sherlock Holmes
• Cell 7
• Devolution
• A wide variety of texts studied from short stories to TV episodes, novels, podcasts and more.

You will explore a wide range of texts within the context and genre of the course you have selected and link these learnings to some truths about humanity and society.

Because who doesn’t love a good mystery? In this course we will explore a range of texts focussed around the crime genre, exploring its conventions and the human fascination with murder and mystery. 

Through the study of these texts you will try to answer some of life’s big questions: What is the nature of evil? Is crime an individual choice or a symptom of a sickness within society? How should we react when confronted with the unknown?

Potential Texts:

• Sherlock Holmes
• Cell 7
• Devolution
• A wide variety of texts studied from short stories to TV episodes, novels, podcasts and more.

You will have the opportunity to show off your writing skills as you explore the conventions and characteristics of a specific genre. You will also explore texts within this genre to learn how it works!  

Do you enjoy reading powerful stories and thinking about the big ideas?  In this course you’ll learn about the genre conventions of war stories and how writers shape our understanding of war and its effect on people and societies.

You’ll practise reading short texts such as poems, news articles, advertising and propaganda campaigns to build a deeper understanding of how texts create meaning.  You’ll also experiment with tone, style and perspective to create your own.

Potential Texts:

• Legacy by Whiti Hereaka
• Short texts including the work of Wilfred Owen
• News Articles and other non-fiction texts

You will explore a wide range of texts within the context and genre of the course you have selected and link these learnings to some truths about humanity and society.

Do you enjoy reading powerful stories and thinking about the big ideas?  In this course you’ll learn about the genre conventions of war stories and how writers shape our understanding of war and its effect on people and societies.

You’ll practise reading short texts such as poems, news articles, advertising and propaganda campaigns to build a deeper understanding of how texts create meaning.  You’ll also experiment with tone, style and perspective to create your own.

Potential Texts:

• Legacy by Whiti Hereaka
• Short texts including the work of Wilfred Owen
• News Articles and other non-fiction texts

You will explore a wide range of texts within the context and genre of the course you have selected and link these learnings to some truths about humanity and society.

We’re going on an adventure! In this course, you will revisit and build on the idea of the “Hero’s Journey”, and will explore a range of texts within the fantasy genre to learn more about the hope and wonder these texts bring to our lives. 

We will explore the question: “How does fantasy and science fiction help us develop a more profound understanding of our own world?” and use this learning to build some of our own fantasy worlds and stories. Let your imagination run wild!

Potential Texts:

• Salt by Maurice Gee
• The Lord of the Rings
• The works of Terry Pratchett

You will explore a wide range of texts within the context and genre of the course you have selected and link these learnings to some truths about humanity and society.

We’re going on an adventure! In this course, you will revisit and build on the idea of the “Hero’s Journey”, and will explore a range of texts within the fantasy genre to learn more about the hope and wonder these texts bring to our lives.

We will explore the question: “How does fantasy and science fiction help us develop a more profound understanding of our own world?” and use this learning to build some of our own fantasy worlds and stories. Let your imagination run wild!

Potential Texts:

• Salt by Maurice Gee
• The Lord of the Rings
• The works of Terry Pratchett

You will have the opportunity to show off your writing skills as you explore the conventions and characteristics of a specific genre. You will also explore texts within this genre to learn how it works!  

Do you want to finally put your encyclopedic knowledge of video games to good use? This course explores the narratives, conventions, and themes of video games through a critical lens. 

Whether you’re a gamer or just curious about game storytelling, you’ll learn how games shape the player's experience. Dive into plotlines and character development, while also exploring the language of video game reviews. You’ll even craft your own reviews, boosting your ability to analyse and articulate your thoughts. Ready to unlock new achievements in English? Game on!

Potential Texts:

• Watched by Tihema Baker
• Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

You will explore a wide range of texts within the context and genre of the course you have selected and link these learnings to some truths about humanity and society.

Do you want to finally put your encyclopedic knowledge of video games to good use? This course explores the narratives, conventions, and themes of video games through a critical lens. 

Whether you’re a gamer or just curious about game storytelling, you’ll learn how games shape the player's experience. Dive into plotlines and character development, while also exploring the language of video game reviews. You’ll even craft your own reviews, boosting your ability to analyse and articulate your thoughts. Ready to unlock new achievements in English? Game on!

Potential Texts:

• Watched by Tihema Baker
• Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

You will have the opportunity to show off your writing skills as you explore the conventions and characteristics of a specific genre. You will also explore texts within this genre to learn how it works!  

In this course we will explore the conventions, and characteristics of horror. You will learn all of the tips and tricks authors, directors and orators use to make the hair on the back of your neck stand up and even get a chance to create some horror of your own. 

If you love those stories full of the uncanny, the moments of suspense, jumpscares and delight in crafted tension, this is the English course for you!

Potential Texts:

• Sleepy Hollow
• Late Night with the Devil
• A wide variety of extracts studies from Edgar Allan Poe, Lovecraft and Stephen King

You will have the opportunity to show off your writing skills as you explore the conventions and characteristics of a specific genre. You will also explore texts within this genre to learn how it works!  

In this course students will design and make a range of textile and/or fashion garments.

In this course students will learn to:

• Understand about different textile processes and techniques
• Read and use commercial sewing patterns
• Develop hand sewing skills
• Develop machine stitching and technical construction skills
• Understand about fabrics and their properties and characteristics 
• Understand basic garment construction techniques
• Document design thinking & process in a portfolio

This course is a mixture of design, practical skills and knowledge building.

In this full-year practical and theory-based course students will:

• develop valuable food literacy knowledge and skills for well-being
• be creative and resourceful as you develop food skills and prepare a variety of dishes
• investigate the microbiology of food safety
• investigate eating patterns in New Zealand and around the world
• develop your understanding of current issues related to food choices
• investigate models of health and how to apply them for well-being
• explore teenage nutrition requirements and apply this knowledge
• explore strategies for common food and nutrition-related issues

Food and Nutrition offers a University Entrance pathway.

Exclusion Note: Students selecting this full year course are not eligible to also select the semester 'Food for Sport' course.

Are you interested in learning about how food and nutrition can help with your sports and exercise performance?  In this half-year Semester practical and theory course students will:

• develop food literacy knowledge and skills for well-being which you can apply to help support your sport, exercise and/or dance performance
• be creative and resourceful as you prepare nutritious snacks and meals based on sports nutrition science and take part in team cooking challenges
• investigate the microbiology of food safety
• explore your “baseline” teenage nutrition requirements according to the NZ Nutrition Guidelines for teenagers and learn how to apply this knowledge
• investigate models of health and how to apply them for well-being
• investigate the latest sports nutrition science for your sport or exercise requirements and develop a personalised food plan to support your well-being.

Food and Nutrition offers a University Entrance pathway.

This is a new course being introduced in 2026.

This course will have a foundational focus on three trade pathways, each through a given practical project, supported by knowledge building to learn about materials, processes and techniques.

In this course students will focus on the following pathways: (subject to change)

• Engineering Fabrication
• Manufacturing 
• Carpentry or furniture making

Students will use working drawings and follow construction plans to complete the given practical tasks that are set. Each new trade pathway will involve different materials, processes and techniques. 

Students will learn:

• about health and safety in the workshop and workplace
• how to read and use working drawings
• to follow construction plans to develop your ability to work independently
• how to carry out set processes and techniques when working with materials
• to use a range of tools, machines and equipment in the workshop

Students will need to be self driven and focused on developing practical skills with accuracy throughout this course.

Students will increase their communication skills in written and spoken French.  Topics include holidays, sport and leisure, shopping and food.  Students will expand their knowledge and understanding of French language and culture and prepare for everyday life in France.

This course delves into the geographical formation of Wellington. For students that were interested in the Natural Disasters unit in Social Studies, you will enjoy further learning about: 

• The Māori creation story of Te Whanganui-a-Tara
• Tectonic plate movement.

There will be a field trip to Wellington Earthquake sites. Ākonga will use mapping software to create Wellington earthquake risk maps and will research a natural disaster of their own choosing.

Students will investigate the impact of Graffiti in our community.  We will look at the history of graffiti (protest, pop art culture, geography of crime).  They will contrast graffiti as a geography of crime vs urban art space.  Students will learn to use Arcgis quick capture to identify the location of graffiti (what is where), inquire into the factors influencing that distribution (why there?) and will report on the positive and negative impact of graffiti within communities (why care?). The course  allows students to explore, interpret and analyse an environment using data.

This course will explore the dawn of the atomic age and its consequences on both a national and international stage. This will include the creation and use of nuclear weapons during WW2, testing of nuclear weapons in the Pacific and the use of nuclear energy. The course examines big questions such as: 

• What were the consequencews of New Zealand's decision to go nuclear free?
• How have nations in the Pacific responded to the testing of nuclear weapons?
• Should nuclear energy be used in light of the Chernobyl & Fukushima disasters?  
• How has the Russian invasion of Ukraine impacted European approaches to energy?

In this course students will learn about protests and uprisings that have significantly changed society. We will explore issues of slavery in Ancient Rome and the uprising led by Spartacus. This will be contrasted with the examination of apartheid South Africa and the Springbok Rugby Tour protests in New Zealand. These two topics will provide a platform for students to then explore a protest or uprising of their interest. Throughout the course, students will have the opportunity to question the rights of individuals and the need to protect these rights in the face of adversity.

Students will increase their communication skills in written and spoken Japanese.  Topics include travel, daily routines, sport and leisure, shopping and food. The course aims to expand students' knowledge and understanding of Japanese language and culture to allow them to thrive in everyday situations in Japan.  

WARNING: This is not an English course. 

This is a course that is designed to support students who need additional time to work on literacy skills (reading and writing) across the curriculum. In the time given to you by this course you will be supported in your work across all subjects with opportunities to level up your reading comprehension and writing skills. 

11LIT is for you if you: 

• Have a vendetta with the CAA exam.
• Would like the time and support to really train some skill work.
• Are looking to continue to build on your Year 10 Literacy skills.

Students will be invited to join this course. Students can leave the course after the first semester if the Literacy requirements are gained.

Students will develop their skills in numeric reasoning, algebraic manipulation, equation solving, measurement, algebraic patterns, graphing, geometric reasoning, trigonometry, statistical processes, and probability.  Those students who have not yet achieved the Numeracy corequisite for NCEA will also be assisted to prepare for the Numeracy Common Assessment Activity (CAA). It is expected that students have their own scientific calculator. If you are buying a new calculator you should consider investing in a graphics calculator if you intend to study Mathematics at Level 2.

Students will develop their skills to access, use, interpret and communicate mathematical and statistical ideas.  Key topics include: number, measurement, geometry, statistics, probability, and graphing.  For students who have not met the Numeracy Corequisite for NCEA, the initial focus will be preparing for the Numeracy Common Assessment Activity (CAA).  This will give student the foundational numeracy to enable them to engage in further learning, life, and work. It is also expected that students have their own scientific calculator.

Ever wondered why superheroes rule the box office? Or how the media shapes what we believe? In this action-packed course, you'll dive into the superhero genre to uncover what makes it so powerful and popular. You'll explore film history and then put your own spin on it, creating epic movie trailers from a Hollywood-style brief. Then it’s time to make headlines, making your own newspaper to reveal how the media controls the message. Think big ideas, creative projects, and a whole lot of pop culture power.

Lights, camera, Media Studies!

Year 11 Music offers students a wide range of opportunities to grow as performers, creators, and listeners. Practical skills are developed through both group and solo performance, encouraging confidence and collaboration. Students also explore composition using GarageBand, including writing and producing music for video games, gaining insight into techniques used in the gaming industry. In addition, they compose original songs, applying their knowledge of the elements of music in creative ways. A small theory component supports their practical work, building musical understanding. Students also complete a music history project, researching an artist of their choice and presenting their findings. This course balances performance, creativity, and academic study, providing a strong foundation for further NCEA Music.

Year 11 Music Technology focuses on creativity and production, giving students the chance to compose and develop music for different media. A key part of the course is writing original film and game scores, learning techniques used in both industries. Students also compose their own songs in GarageBand, creating beats, melodies, and lyrics while exploring post‑production and mixing skills to polish their work. Alongside composition, a small theory component helps strengthen their musical understanding. For those who wish, there is an optional performance assessment where students can apply their instrumental or vocal skills. This course is highly practical and technology‑based, encouraging experimentation, problem‑solving, and creativity, while providing a solid foundation for further study in music technology.

In this course students will explore their identity, their connection with the taiao and our local rohe whilst developing and understanidng of the history and significance of the places around us.  Students will develop a variety of different outdoor skills such as creating shelters, outdoor cooking, knot tying and basic navigation.  They will work effectively and build connections with each other, all implemented in an overnight trip at the end of the course.

This course has two theory and two practical lessons per week.

Students will explore the concept of kotahitanga - what it is, how to demonstrate it and how it impacts the functioning of a team.  There is a strong emphasis on demonstrating kotahitanga in practical lessons.  The main focus will be team based activitiies and taonga tākaro (traditional Māori games).  

There are three practical and one theory lessons per week.

Students will create and participate in their own personalised physical training programme in a weights room context.  They will learn about the methods and principles of training and apply this knowledge to achieving athletic goals.  The course builds on students' prior knowledge of the biophysical principles of anatomy, biomechanics and exercise physiology.

The course has two theory and two practical sessions each week. 

This course gives an in-depth look at crime and the theories that underpin forensic psychology, such as criminal profiling. Ākonga will study case studies from Aotearoa and internationally, examining the potential different reasons for why crimes are committed. The focus will then shift to the criminal justice system and how sentencing works.

This course is an introduction to experiments and ethics in psychology. Students will look at the various methods used to carry out psychological research. We will look at past experiments and how they have or have not upheld ethical guidelines. We will assess this through both the NZ Code of Ethics and a Te Tiriti o Waitangi based ethical framework. Students will plan and carry out their own experiments in the second half of this course.

This course will provide students with a foundational understanding of religious diversity in Aotearoa New Zealand and globally. Students will explore various religious and spiritual traditions and their influence on how individuals and communities address contemporary issues. The course will emphasise contemporary ethical issues from a multi-religious perspective, using diverse case studies to investigate the religious ethical considerations involved.

This course takes a practical approach to Science as we learn through experience. In this course, you'll explore how we use the land to nourish ourselves and what we can do to take care of the land in return.

You’ll learn about:

• The carbon cycle, heat and how it affects our earth.
•  How digestion works in our bodies.
•  The role of microorganisms (bacteria) in the food we eat.

You’ll also pick up some cool skills like: 

• Preparing a traditional hāngī.
• Writing and balancing chemical equations.
• Doing experiments and writing about them like a real scientist.

Welcome back to Spanish! In this course, you will continue deepening the content you have already learned and will be able to talk about your past experiences and future plans. You will continue learning about the world around you and have the opportunity to talk about your more personal interests and life experiences. 

Midway through the year, you will experience an immersion into the Spanish-speaking culture through one of the things that most characterizes Latin America and Spain: their delicious cuisine. We will have a theory and practical class on Hispanic cooking!

Spatial & Product Design 

(formerly Design & Visual Communication DVC)

The images are indicative of product and spatial design only from Pinterest.

During this course students will work on:

• a spatial design project
• a product design project

In doing both students will develop a broad skill set and understanding of each field. Designers from different fields often collaborate with each other in industry, as well as with other specialists such as structural engineers and scientists. It is essential to be able to understand how spatial and product designers communicate through different types of drawings and understand the different perspectives they each bring to a project.

(Then at Level 2 students can choose which field to specialise in.)

This is a creative design course. Students will learn to:

• Use the design process to resolve a design brief and develop your portfolio
• Develop your 2D and 3D freehand sketching skills to record and communicate your ideas
• Develop your rendering skills to create realistic design drawings
• Extend your design thinking processes to develop your creativity
• Use modelling techniques to generate and explore design ideas
• Communicate your ideas to others

This course is for students that like to draw and design; and use both analytical and creative thinking skills.

Do you love to perform Kapa Haka? Do you love learning waiata, hītori and pūrākau? In this course students will have the opportunity to discover, identify, access and explore foundational knowledge and ideas in and about Te Ao Haka. Throughout the year you will explore key features of Te Ao Haka, perform a Te Ao Haka item (as a whole class) and demonstrate understanding of categories and elements within Te Ao Haka.

In this course we will explore how science connects to your life and the world around you. We will dive into topics like Ecology, Motion, Chemical Reactions, Heat, Electricity, and Chemical Properties. You’ll learn how these concepts play a part in your everyday life.  

This course will give you the strong foundation you need for NCEA Level 2 courses. 

Students will learn the four language skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing in order to communicate in te reo Māori.  Important aspects of culture and protocol will be taught.  Student will develop through speaking and writing tasks.  A variety of teaching strategies are used to develop skills.

Year 11 Te Reo Māori Enrichment

Students will learn how to process transactions for a small business using the XERO accounting software package and will develop their financial decision making skills based around a contemporary accounting issue.  There will be a visit to a local business to analyse their inventory system.  

Students will learn how to process, report and interpret accounting information for business owners.

This course focuses on developing design skills and knowledge through visual communication. Students will dive into the concept of branding, creating various campaigns such as logos, posters, websites, and app designs to promote their brand, all informed by artist model analysis. In addition to branding, students will learn a range of design conventions, including typography, layout design, color theory, image manipulation, and composition. Using Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign), they will gain hands-on experience with a variety of design techniques and concepts. The course is primarily practical, with a small but essential theoretical component to support their creative process.

This course focuses on developing painting techniques and creative skills. Students will explore a variety of painting methods, drawing inspiration from  Aotearoa and international artist models and art movements. The course allows students to negotiate their portfolio submission with the teacher, focusing on areas of personal interest and ability within the fields of painting and printmaking. Emphasis is placed on hands-on, practical work, with a small theoretical component to support and enhance the development of students’ artistic practices.

This course focuses on developing practical photographic skills and creative techniques. Students will engage hands-on with both digital and traditional photography, using digital cameras and exploring some darkroom processes to develop their work. Throughout the course, students will analyse artist models and apply these insights to generate their own photographic pieces. The course provides opportunities for students to experiment with various photography techniques, while also offering a small theoretical component to support their practical work.

The course includes external standards on genetic variation and evolution (building on Year 11 content) and protein synthesis (how proteins control life processes). Internal assessment includes studying patterns in ecosystems (this includes a field trip where data will be collected), comparing and contrasting mammalian nutrition and looking at the validity of data.

The course requires that students learn through practical work, reading, discussions, field work and research.

2BUS offers students a hands-on experience in entrepreneurship. Students work collaboratively to develop and run a business with a strong community focus. The course emphasises not only profit generation but also positive social impact. Students will gain practical business skills while learning the importance of balancing financial success with community benefit.

Studying Chemistry will enable students to: carry out investigations and make sense of results; understand and predict the way chemicals react; describe how people make and use chemicals.  During the course students will develop their skills in observing, recording, analysing and interpreting. They will also learn the ideas that are the foundations for NCEA Level 3 Chemistry.

This Full-Year course is a mainly practical industry cookery Unit Standard course for students who have an interest in a cookery or hospitality-related career or those who wish to develop their food skills for part-time work in the hospitality industry. In this course students will:

• have the opportunity to work in a simulated commercial kitchen environment
• work towards gaining Level 2 credits from Unit Standards in food safety, knife skills, salad making, grilling, bakery, sandwich-making, roasting and fruit and vegetable cuts
• develop cookery skills while preparing and presenting a range of food products.

Due to the continuous practical assessment nature of this course it is not suitable for students studying a Trades Academy programme.

This half year semester course is a mainly practical industry cookery Unit Standard course.  It suits students who have an interest in cookery or hospitality-related careers or those who wish to develop their food skills for part-time work in the hospitality industry. In this course students will:

• have the opportunity to work in a simulated commercial kitchen environment
• work towards gaining Level 2 credits from Unit Standards in food safety, knife skills, salad making and bakery
• develop cookery skills while preparing and presenting a range of food products.

This is a design and making course. Students will work to a design brief and follow a design process to develop a product to that resolves their design brief. 

The course begins with a skills based task and then progresses onto a design and make task.

In this course students will learn:

1. To extend and develop their practical making skills.
2. About materials and their properties to further extend and develop their knowledge.
3. To address a design brief and work through the design process to resolve an issue.

There are many career pathways in ICT related industries and further tertiary study. Students will extend their design and technical skills and extend their programming knowledge and understanding to apply to two internally assessed projects: 

• Digital Media (Websites, 3D models, 3D Animations)
• Game Development (Pygame, Unity, Godot)

In the process of completing these projects, students will also be assessed on their design and development practices as well as their project management skills. Students will further develop their theoretical knowledge and computational thinking where they will be assessed on an external Computer Science concept (such as Encryption or Artificial Intelligence). 

Students learn through practical, individual and group work using script, devising pieces, workshops and improvisation. They will explore and develop their use of the dramatic techniques of body, voice, movement and space.  They will further develop their understanding of the elements of drama and learn about general theatrical conventions and the features of a specific theatre form. The course offers the opportunity for students to develop self-confidence, communication skills, problem-solving skills and general performance skills.  A full scale production is the highlight of the year. Students will need to make themselves available for some after school rehearsals to gain the credits for this Achievement Standard. Some standards have an attendance requirement. Evening theatre trips are also a highlight of this course. Some theatre trips may occur during school hours.

This course is designed for students interested in the study of Space. Students will investigate the technology that may be used for human exploration of Mars. They will also explore the formation of stars and planets. Students will learn by refining skills, particularly understanding, processing and interpreting information; identifying trends, patterns and relationships; and researching and communicating scientific ideas.

Students will develop their understanding of macroeconomics in 2ECO. The course focuses on economic concepts and models to analyze societal challenges. Key topics include economic growth and a significant economic issue facing New Zealand. Through this course, students will learn to interpret economic data and make informed inferences about real-world scenarios.

Students will develop and enhance their levels of understanding and communication through reading, writing, listening, speaking and viewing. Applying analytical thinking skills to literature and film, which relates to the individual and society, is a fundamental component of this course. Students will aim to get their University Entrance literacy requirements.

This course will include Level 2 ESOL standards. Furthermore, through comprehension and grammar activities, this course will prepare students for the externally assessed Common Assessment Activity, which is a Literacy requirement. The course will also cover the four skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking. It aims to assist students who need to also improve their English language communication skills.

This course is designed to enable students from non-English speaking backgrounds to gain the 10 credits required for UE literacy. Students also have the opportunity to complete Level 3 EL unit standards that contribute towards NCEA Level 3. The focus will be on the structure of writing and the development of reading skills.  Students will respond to a wide range of written and visual materials. The aim is to improve students’ knowledge of grammatical structures and syntax to improve their ability to comprehend texts.  Vocabulary development is also a key element of this course.

Students will develop and enhance their levels of understanding and communication through reading, writing, listening, speaking and viewing. They will be able to choose their focus from the three Vocational Pathways of Construction and Infrastructure, Primary Industries and Services Industries which are all offered as Achievement Standards. To support this work, they will also apply practical literacy skills to prepare them for their chosen career pathway such as interviewing techniques and through writing targeted CV’s. Students can create a course to meet the University Entrance literacy requirements.  

This is a semester course is designed to give students a knowledge of environmental science issues at Level 2.  It covers the environmental impact of farming, followed by human effects on the ocean. This course would suit students who wish to study science but do not wish to specialize by doing a full year course.

This course builds on the Year 11 Fashion and Textiles course. In this course you will learn:

1. To develop and extend your technical machine and hand sewing skills
2. How to use the design process 
3. To develop your creative thinking skills
4. To understand more advanced commercial patterns to make textile products and garments
5. How to adapt a pattern for a garment
6. How to manipulate fabrics
7. To understand materials and their properties and characteristics 

Students will develop their personal financial knowledge and skills by completing financial capability unit standards related to budgeting, consumer law  and personal income.

In this full-year practical and theory-based Level 2 Achievement Standard course students will get to:

• build on your food literacy knowledge and skills for well-being
• be creative and resourceful as you prepare a range of food products related to sustainable practices, specific nutrient needs and low-cost, nutritious meals
• analyse vegetarian eating patterns and plant-based food practices
• evaluate sustainable food practices related to growing your own kai and food preservation
• investigate food and nutrition issues affecting New Zealand families
• analyse the relationship between food choices and well-being.

Food and Nutrition offers a University Entrance pathway.

Photographs are indicative only from Pinterest.

This is a new course being introduced in 2026.

This course will build a foundational focus on three trade pathways, each through a given practical project, supported by knowledge building to learn about materials, processes and techniques.

In this course you will focus on the following pathways: (subject to change)

• Engineering Fabrication
• Manufacturing 
• Carpentry or furniture making

You will use working drawings and follow construction plans to complete the given practical tasks that are set. Each new trade pathway will involve different materials, processes and techniques. 

You will learn:

• about health and safety in the workshop and workplace
• how to read and use working drawings
• to follow construction plans to develop your ability to work independently
• how to carry out set processes and techniques when working with materials
• to use a range of tools, machines and equipment in the workshop

You will need to be self driven and focused on developing practical skills with accuracy throughout this course.

Topics studied reinforce language and culture learnt at the earlier levels as well as providing a wide vocabulary and ways of expressing oneself.  Topics include personal relationships, the French-speaking world, film study, health, music and an introduction to French literature. 

By studying geography, students are able to recognise the responsibilities they have in relation to other people, the environment, and the long-term sustainability of the planet. In this course, the emphasis is on human geography. Students are encouraged to think critically as they investigate contemporary geographic issues and consider possible solutions, explore the various perspectives of different groups of people, and investigate important issues of relevance to New Zealand and the wider world.

Study of the interaction between climate, vegetation and landforms across the South Island. Work will be based around a four day field trip to the Nelson Lakes National Park and the West Coast of the South Island. The course will also look at the glacial landscapes and interactions they have with the climate, vegetation and people. Students will further develop their research and mapping using GIS. This is a computer based mapping system where real world data is used to create visual maps to solve real world problems.

This first half semester course develops the historical skills of analysing primary and secondary sources for usefulness and reliability, and understanding of perspectives. These skills are developed through teacher led units exploring topics such as the rise of the Nazis and peace settlements after war. Students will then be able to select their own topic for each internal assessment.

This second half semester course develops the historical skills of causes and consequences, and assessing significance. These skills are developed through a teacher led unit exploring the New Zealand Wars. Students will then be able to select their own topic(s) of significance to New Zealanders for use in both the internal and external assessments.

The aims of this course are to develop and extend students’ communication skills in particular, writing and speaking, in order for them to cope readily in Japan.  Listening and reading skills will also be developed and aim to prepare students for NZQA examinations and for life in Japan.

The language will be taught in a range of contexts which are designed to expand vocabulary, knowledge of Kanji and grammar, and to further develop students' knowledge of Japanese culture. Topics often include: Daily Life, Holidays and Celebrations, Education, Leisure and Hobbies. Conversational skills are a major focus of this course and aim to prepare students for daily life in Japan.

WARNING: This is not an English course. 

This is a course that is designed to support students who need additional time to work on literacy skills (reading and writing) across the curriculum. In the time given to you by this course you will be supported in your work across all subjects with opportunities to level up your reading comprehension and writing skills. 

2LIT is for you if you: 

• Have a vendetta with the CAA exam.
• Would like the time and support to really train some skill work.
• Are looking to continue to build on your Year 11 Literacy skills.

Students will be invited to join this course. Students can leave the course after the first semester if the Literacy requirements are gained.

This course is designed to develop students’ mathematical reasoning through algebra, geometry and statistics.  The work covered will include systems of equations, trigonometry, coordinate geometry, probability and statistical processes.

This course is designed to develop students’ mathematical reasoning.  The work covered will include algebraic processes, calculus, statistical processes and probability.

Unpack the Past. Critique the Present. Shape the Future.

Have you ever wondered why Disney princesses look the way they do, or how science fiction predicts the world we live in today? In 2MIE, we dig deep into the media you love (and love to question) to uncover what’s really going on behind the scenes.

Disney & Gender Representation
Explore how Disney has shaped and challenged ideas about gender. From glass slippers to warrior queens, we’ll ask: What messages are these characters really sending?

Sci-Fi & Society
Travel through time as we analyse how the sci-fi genre has evolved alongside society. From Metropolis to Blade Runner to The Matrix, you’ll examine how these films reflect (and sometimes resist) the fears, hopes, and tech obsessions of the eras they were made in.

Create Your Own Video Essay
Become a media critic in your own right. You’ll investigate a real-world ethical issue in the media industry and present your argument in a creative, well-researched video essay. Think: influencer scandals, AI-generated content, deepfakes, paparazzi ethics… it’s up to you!

If you’re curious about how media shapes the world (and how you can shape it back), you will develop the necessary critical tools and a creative voice in this course. 

Recommended for: Creative thinkers, future filmmakers, culture critics, and anyone who’s ever said, “Wait… is that really okay?”

This course will be individually designed for students to focus on their strengths in music. Students can decide to take a combination of performance, film & game scoring, composition, theory or music history standards creating a course that adds up to between 18 and 22 credits. Students who decide to concentrate on performance will need to be having tuition privately or through the School Itinerant Music scheme on their performance instrument.  All students are encouraged to take part in one of the co-curricular music groups.

This course is designed for students who want to focus on composition and music technology. Performance standards are available with consent from the HoD Music. Students will use a mixture of music tools to compose music, write their own lyrics and will receive training in recording, mixing, and producing recorded music. This will be a mixed level course and can also be taken in conjunction with 2MUS.

Note: A student cannot enroll in 2NCS if they are enrolled in another mathematics course.  If they have not gained the numeracy requirement for NCEA, they will be supported in this by their mathematics teacher.

This course is designed to review the key skills required to achieve the NCEA corequisite and practice how to respond to the examination questions.

Pathways is a programme that is designed for senior students who want to develop a broader range of skills, gain industry experience and explore a career option while completing a senior school qualification.

Each student pursues an individual learning programme in their chosen area of interest.  Students may pursue a variety of career interests, for example:

• Animal Care
• Electrical
• Automotive Engineering
• Hairdressing
• Building
• Design
• Sports Coaching
• Early Childhood
• Retail

The course combines industry ITO unit standards with work placement.  It is a valuable course for students who want to find out about a particular career option.

• Learn how to safely plan an outdoor experience for a group of people and evaluate the trip's success.
• Understand the risks associated with exploring nature and develop skills required to minimise these, while enhancing your enjoyment.
• 2 theory lessons + 2 practical lessons per week.

• Develop your social responsibility, leadership and interpersonal skills.
• This course has a strong emphasis on physical movement, participating in a large variety of physical contexts and sports, chosen by the students.
• Participate in an assessed practical standard, chosen by the class.
•  1 theory lesson + 3  practical lessons per week.

• Use knowledge of methods and principles of training to create a personalised training programme.
• Participate actively in a physical training programme designed specifically to achieve your goals.
• Coach a classmate to learn a new skill using a variety of biophysical principles.
• 2 theory lessons + 2 practical lessons per week.

In the second half of the year this semester course will focus on Drama Class/One Act Play production requirements and there will also be potential for research and design aspects for costume/props/set design and construction - some of these are about the process and could be focused on the next school production. 

Maintaining equipment - doing electrical safety checks and keeping spaces neat and tidy would also be part of the course. An awareness of Health and Safety protocols is part of the course requirements.

This is a first semester course and will focus on the school show. Students will design the lighting, operate the sound or design and make props/set pieces or costumes for the school production. There are six areas that are under the Performing Arts domain at Level 2. Depending on the skills of students they may take other standards at other levels. They will also be able to work on Drama productions and extra curricular activities so that there are enough opportunities depending on the number of students and their interests and skills. An awareness of Health and Safety protocols is part of the course requirements.

Most teaching and learning is based on practical activities, and it is through these practical activities that students gain an understanding of the physical world.  The course covers the topics of movement and energy, electricity, electromagnetism, and atomic physics.

Students mix and match or study a discipline from any of the following learning areas: Classical Studies, Geography, History, Psychology, Religious Studies, and Senior Social Studies. Student centred learning is at the core of the Social Sciences Hub.

Students mix and match or study a discipline from any of the following learning areas: Classical Studies, Geography, History, Psychology, Religious Studies, and Senior Social Studies. Student centred learning is at the core of the Social Sciences Hub.

Students mix and match or study a discipline from any of the following learning areas: Classical Studies, Geography, History, Psychology, Religious Studies, and Senior Social Studies. Student centred learning is at the core of the Social Sciences Hub.

Welcome back to Spanish! In this course, you will solidify your previously acquired knowledge and will be able to talk about past experiences and future plans for yourself and others in familiar scenarios. Specifically, you will begin to develop the ability to read, write, and speak about less familiar topics and also share your personal opinion.

Midway through the year, you will experience an immersion into the Spanish-speaking culture through one of the most characteristic aspects of Latin America and Spain: we will have a theory and practical class on their delicious cuisine! 

In the first half of the year, expect a focus on productive skills (writing and speaking), and in the second half, on receptive skills (listening and reading).

(formerly Design & Visual Communication - DVC)

Specialise in either:

• spatial design 
• product design.

This course enables you to deepen your understanding in your chosen field, following industry design practices.

It builds on from the Level 1 Product and Spatial design course and enables students to begin to specialise further in one field; spatial design or product design (Students will only work on one project throughout the year based within their chosen field).

It is a DESIGN base course. In this course you will learn:

1. To complete a project in your chosen field using the design process to solve a design brief
2. To develop your creative thinking approaches
3. To further develop and extend your ability to use visual communication techniques to communicate ideas
4. To extend and deepen your design thinking around possible opportunities and constraints
5. To further develop and extend your use of design vocabulary
6. To further develop and extend your visual presentation skills

“Nāu te rourou nāku te rourou ka ora ai te iwi - with your food basket and my food basket, the people will thrive.” Students will gain an in-depth knowledge of Te Ao Haka - The world of Haka & Tikanga Māori. This semester course will focus on performing an item & responding to a performance.

“Nāu te rourou nāku te rourou ka ora ai te iwi - with your food basket and my food basket, the people will thrive.” Students will gain an in-depth knowledge of Te Ao Haka - The world of Haka & Tikanga Māori. This semester course will focus on performing an item & responding to a performance.

Students will develop the four language skills to build upon the knowledge learnt in Yer 11. Important aspects of culture and protocol will be continued. Communicative language activities are an integral part of this course. A variety of teaching strategies are used to develop skills.

In this course students will get to explore and understand the economic importance of inbound and domestic tourism to New Zealand. They will also get the opportunity to research the characteristics of New Zealand as a tourist destination. 

From an international perspective, students will learn the locations of significant regions, countries and gateway cities around the world. They will also cover which regions and countries are significant tourist generating markets and host destinations. To cap this all off students will learn how to identify and describe tourist attractions, activities and events around the world.   

An introduction which looks at both the characteristics of a tourist and the business of tourism. Students will delve into the reasons why people travel, what constitutes a tourists and what motivates them to travel. The course also covers the different components of tourism, what tourists ‘need’ and the nature of Tourism businesses. On offer is a meaningful introduction to New Zealand’s largest and constantly expanding industry.

Trades Academy programmes provide senior secondary students access to a broad range of trades or technology learning opportunities to ensure they stay engaged in education.  The programme is delivered through partnerships developed between schools and tertiary education organisations.  It is for students already enrolled at school and:

• consists of learning in secondary and tertiary settings
• may include work experience where this forms part of the tertiary or secondary programme.

The course combines industry ITO unit standards with work placement.  It is a valuable course for students who want to find out about a particular career option. 

Subjects available at Level 2:

• Construction Mixed Trades (Level 2)
• Engineering and Automotive (Level 2)
• Salon Environment (Level 2)
• Barbering (Level 3)
• Digital Media: Animation and Design (Level 2/3)
• Health Pathways: Anatomy and Physiology (Level 3/4)

Pathways is a programme that is designed for senior students who want to develop a broader range of skills, gain industry experience and explore a career option while completing a senior school qualification.

Each student pursues an individual learning programme in their chosen area of interest.  Students may pursue a variety of career interests, for example:

• Animal Care
• Electrical
• Automotive Engineering
• Hairdressing
• Building
• Design
• Sports Coaching
• Early Childhood
• Retail

The course combines industry ITO unit standards with work placement.  It is a valuable course for students who want to find out about a particular career option.

Students will continue their progress from Level 2 Accounting. They will develop their knowledge of the processing of financial information (for partnerships, companies and job costing), the construction of financial reports to communicate financial information and financial decision making.

This course builds on the Level 2 Art Design course, where students create a body of work that is externally assessed and demonstrates a high level of critical thinking. Students will develop their own briefs and successfully launch a campaign of their choice, informed by their analysis of relevant artist models. Throughout the course, students will engage in a variety of creative projects, such as character illustration, book design, social awareness campaigns, and board game design. These projects require an understanding of specific design conventions, allowing students to explore real-world applications while refining their skills and conceptual understanding. The course is largely practical, with small components of theory woven throughout to support the creative process.

This course builds on the Level 2 Art Painting course, where students will create a body of work that is externally assessed, demonstrating a high level of critical thinking. Students are encouraged to explore their own ideas and interests, developing a cohesive body of work influenced by a variety of artist models and painting styles. The course is primarily hands-on, with key theoretical components integrated throughout to support and deepen the creative process. This is an exciting opportunity for students to refine their painting skills and engage with conceptual and artistic exploration.

This course builds on the Level 2 Art Photography course, offering students the opportunity to complete a body of work that is assessed externally, showcasing a high level of critical thinking. Students will further develop their individual photographic practice, making personal statements through their photographic evidence. The course is primarily practical, with small theory components woven throughout to support the creative process. This is an excellent opportunity for students to refine their skills and explore deeper, more conceptual themes in their photography.

The course includes external standards on how plants and animals respond to their environment and trends in the biological and cultural evolution of humans.  Internal assessments involve discussing how animals maintain a stable internal environment, looking at the human manipulation of genes and genetic transfer, and  understanding the socio-scientific issues surrounding gene manipulation.  The course builds upon key concepts covered in 2BIO, so students who have not done this course should seek advice from the Head of Science before selecting 3BIO.

Studying chemistry will enable the students to: carry out more complex investigations and make sense of their results;  understand and predict the way a range of chemicals react; describe how people interact with chemicals and chemical processes; appreciate the place of materials in society.  The students will develop their skill in interpreting equations, graphs and experimental results.  In addition, observational and analytical skills are developed, allowing students in the course to increase their understanding of common and important chemical processes. Chemistry is often a requirement for Medicine, Engineering and Nursing at university.

Classical Studies brings to life ancient Rome, from the Trojan War in 1250BCE to the death of Augustus in 14CE. We examine classical sources such as vases, coins, war tactics, literature and more, to try to create a picture of how the ancients lived, thought, worshipped and encountered the world around them. 

We examine themes and ideas, such as ideologies and propaganda of ancient leaders and societies, the influence of the classical world across 2000 years and how the past can inform the present. Much of the Western world’s society comes from the ancient world. As classicists, we must ask not “what happened”, but “who said so?”

This course builds on the Level 2 Design & Technology course. Students will work to a design brief and follow a design process to develop a product to that resolves their design brief, considering range of factors.

The course begins with a complex skills based task and then progresses onto a design and make task.

In this course students will learn:

1. To extend and develop their practical making skills.
2. About materials and their properties to further extend and develop their knowledge.
3. To address a design brief and work through the design process to resolve an issue.

Students will conduct their own inquiry project to propose a digital technologies outcome/project. Students will apply user experience methodologies and use complex processes (project management) to design and develop their major project (which may or may not be their inquiry proposal). Within this project, there is the opportunity to develop advanced computer skills and knowledge in digital information (database), media (web coding) or programming (python) in their internally assessed projects.  There will also be an Externally assessed exam where students will be asked to analyse a computer science topic such as: Complexity and Tractability, Computer Vision or Computer Graphics.

The course also supports opportunities for multiple scholarships:

The Technology Scholarship is available for students who create a technically fantastic project (i.e. working above Level 3 Expectations) and who can provide documentation showing higher order thinking as they develop their project.

For those students with strong critical reflection and analysis skills with programming algorithms, there is the Digital Technologies Scholarship Exam that will test students’ ability with algorithmic comprehension, decomposition, development and implementation.

This subject area offers many career pathways for students in ICT and Screen Arts related industries and opportunities for further study at tertiary level.

The skills and techniques of acting developed in Level 2 Drama will be extended in Level 3.  There is a great opportunity for the creative performer in terms of devising and improvising with a solid research base.  The onus can be on the individual in Level 3 Drama; there are still the group performances, but within that situation the individual student is now more responsible for the underlying processes and techniques. A full scale production is the highlight of the year. Students will need to make themselves available for after school rehearsals to gain the credits for this Achievement Standard. Some assessments have an attendance requirement.  Theatre visits are a key part of this course. These may occur either during school hours or out of school hours.

This course looks at both economic theory and applied economics. It is divided into three sections:

• resource allocation via the market system (microeconomics)
• resource allocation via the public sector
• aggregate economic activity and policy (macroeconomics)

Students who complete the course will be well prepared for stage one economics at tertiary level. Students will learn by developing a number of skills including economic analysis, statistical, investigative and policy decision making.  A variety of teaching methods are used including collaborative group tasks, simulation games, and case studies. Devices will be used extensively and structured written tasks will be completed using a write-on workbook.  

In this course students will deepen their appreciation and enjoyment of stories and storytelling with an emphasis on exploring different methods to unpack meaning and critically evaluate the effectiveness of great works of film and literature. They will have the opportunity to learn about and apply literary theories as they study a mixture of set texts and self-selected texts.  Overall, the course is designed to enhance students’ reading, writing, thinking and speaking skills to a confident level where they are prepared for Tertiary level English studies.

This course will include Level 3 ESOL standards. Furthermore, through comprehension and grammar activities, this course will prepare students for the externally assessed Common Assessment Activity, which is a Level 1 literacy requirement. The course will also cover the four skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking. It aims to assist students who need to also improve their English language communication skills.  

This course is designed to enable students from non-English speaking backgrounds to gain the 10 credits required for UE literacy. Students also have the opportunity to complete Level 3 EL unit standards that contribute towards NCEA Level 3. The focus will be on the structure of writing and the development of reading skills.  Students will respond to a wide range of written and visual materials. The aim is to improve students’ knowledge of grammatical structures and syntax to improve their ability to comprehend texts.  Vocabulary development is also a key element of this course.  

In this course you will learn:

1. Complex machine and / or hand sewing techniques 
2. To draft garment blocks and patterns
3. In-depth understanding of fabrics and practical applications of materials
4. To design and make applied design products

You will be required to document your processes through your portfolio work.

This is a literacy-rich, UE approved subject which builds on the food literacy skills and knowledge gained in Level 2 Food and Nutrition. It involves academic inquiry where you will examine food and nutrition issues affecting NZ society as well as take part in practical work to support your learning and enhance individual, family and community well-being.

In this full-year practical and theory-based Level 3 Achievement Standard course students will:

• build on food literacy knowledge and skills for well-being
• investigate a nutrition issue affecting the well-being of NZ society
• implement an action plan to address an issue affecting NZ society
• analyse a food-related ethical dilemma
• analyse the influences of food advertising on well-being.

BCITO Level 3 Construction

This course builds on the Level 2 Construction course. This leads to a Trades course or an apprenticeship in carpentry or building.

You will work in a pair to build a deluxe dog kennel, which will be donated to an animal shelter on its completion.

You will learn:

• how to construct the dog house frame
• how to clad the interior and exterior of the dog house
• how to fit the roof trusses and roof to the structure

Year 13 French is based on a range of topics about different aspects of French language, history and culture. Students continue to increase competency, fluency and accuracy in the 4 language skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking. Language will be complex and deal with a variety of different situations and contexts. The study and understanding of French culture remains an important component.

This course is designed for those who want to gain qualifications in Science but who do not want to specialise in the fields of Biology, Chemistry or Physics.  The topics studied focus on Earth and Space Science, but are wide-ranging and draw from all fields of science.  Areas studied will include an investigation into meteorites, research into a socio-scientific issue, Earth systems and astronomy.  The course also includes a day trip to Space Place. Students will learn by refining skills, particularly understanding, planning, processing and interpreting information; identifying trends, patterns and relationships; and researching and communicating scientific ideas.

Students will learn about the interacting processes operating within our environment. Natural processes will be explored within theTongariro Volcanic Center. Studies will be supported by a four day field trip to Tongariro National Park. Students will also explore the cultural processes of the global diamond trade and examinine the causes and potential solutions to modern day human slavery.

Students will further develop their research, mapping - including the use of GIS (a geographic information system which lets us visualise, question, analyse, and interpret spatial data), and analytical skills through investigations of current geographic issues. They will use a wide range of visual and written material to assist with their investigations.

The course will be based around the concept of historiography and will have a skill based approach that connects to a historical theme. From a range of resources (reference textbooks, maps, cartoons, videos) a wide range of skills will be developed. When possible, primary sources will be used to teach information gathering, analysis skills, information processing and historical propositions.

Students will study a more in-depth focus on Japanese culture and connections between New Zealand and Japan.
Topics include: Geography and Life in Japan, Travel and Tourism, Working in Japan and the Media. Communication skills are an essential part of the course and aim to prepare students to travel, work and live in Japan.

The course will examine: 

• Mathematical ideas - two or three of systems of equations, linear programming, geometry of conic sections, trigonometric modelling and equations.
• Statistical methods of inference or time series.
• Probability concepts.

The final structure of the course will be decided by the teacher in 2026.

This course places its emphasis on calculus and its applications.  Students will study both differential calculus and integral calculus.  Also included in the programme of learning are topics on modelling with and solving trigonometric equations, solving equations and the algebra of complex numbers.

This course examines statistical methods of bivariate data and time series data analysis, probability methods and probability distributions, as well as systems of equations.

Analyse the Past. Challenge the Present. Design the Future.

In this advanced Media Studies course, you’ll step into the world of cinema, culture, and creativity as you unpack how film and media shape society, politics, and identity. You’ll not only study the big ideas, you’ll create them.

Publish Like a Pro
Kick off the year by crafting your own film review and feature article for a premier publication. Choose one significant film and argue how it has made a lasting contribution to cinema as an artform. Think sharp, stylish, and persuasive writing that belongs on the pages of Sight & Sound or Empire.

Decode the Deeper Meanings
Learn to view films through different critical lenses. Whether it's unpacking religious allegory in Mad Max: Fury Road, feminist subtext in action films, or what science fiction says about the human condition, you’ll come away seeing films in an entirely new light.

Slashers, Symbols and Society
Explore the evolution of the slasher genre, from Psycho to Scream and beyond. You’ll examine how horror films have reflected and shaped American national identity, fears, and politics across the decades.

Design the Film of Your Dreams
With a budget of 150 million USD, you’ll design a feature film concept that reflects an issue, mood, or movement in society today. Pitch your idea, develop characters and plot, and explain what makes your film culturally relevant right now.

Media in Motion
Finally, investigate a significant development in the media world. You’ll explore how these shifts are changing society and influence the sub-cultures you interact with everyday.

Recommended for: Aspiring critics, filmmakers, cultural commentators, and anyone who wants to understand and shape the media landscape of the future.

Year 13 Music Studies is designed to cater to each student’s individual strengths and interests, offering a flexible programme of study. Students are able to select from a wide range of standards, including Performance, Composition, Music Technology, Theoretical, and Contextual areas of music. This allows them to focus on the aspects of music they most enjoy and excel in, whether that is performing, creating, producing, or analysing. Most students choose a combination of standards that together make up between 18 and 22 credits, ensuring a balanced and personalised course. With opportunities to specialise and extend their skills, Year 13 Music Studies provides excellent preparation for tertiary study or continued involvement in music beyond school.

Year 13 Music Technology is a specialised course for students who wish to focus on composition, songwriting, and music production. The programme centres on Composition and Songwriting achievement standards, alongside Music Technology unit standards, giving students the opportunity to develop both creative and technical skills. Students refine their abilities in recording, editing, and post‑production techniques, working towards industry‑style outcomes using digital audio workstations. While the main focus is on composition and technology, performance standards may also be undertaken with permission from the Head of Music. This course provides a strong pathway for students interested in music production, composition, or sound design, and offers valuable preparation for further study or work in the music and creative industries.

This course builds on the skills learnt in the Level 2 Performing Arts Technology semesters.  Students will continue to work on the technical aspects of the school show and support school Drama productions.

• Apply and develop knowledge acquired from Year 12 physical education semester courses.
• Explore and evaluate personal physical activity experiences to date in Ka mua Ka muri.
• Research Adventure Tourism in Aotearoa New Zealand and its impact on self, others and society.
• Design and participate in a performance training programme, building on your prior knowledge of biophysical principles.
• Opportunities outside of the classroom include:
  • Two night camping and white water rafting trip.
  • Tough Guy | Tough Gal event - 6km mud run.

Students will learn to further understand the physical world around us by developing Year 12 topics in more detail.  The topics of movement and energy, electromagnetism, electricity – DC, AC, light and waves, and atomic physics will be covered.  Concepts will be covered theoretically and practically where possible.  Emphasis will be placed on the solution of problems and the description of physical phenomena.

Note: Whether this course runs in 2026 is dependent on the school gaining consent to assess specific industry Unit Standards.

• A more practical-based year-long PE course, offering Unit Standards with some Achievement Standards.
• Prepare for an overnight outdoor activity on our Year 13 PE camp (both classes).  
• Demonstrate leadership and coaching by developing the skills of our junior students.
• Develop an exercise plan for personal physical fitness.  
• Opportunities outside of the classroom include;
  • Two night Camping & White Water Rafting Trip.  
  • Tough Guy | Tough Gal event - 6km mud run.

Psychology poses questions about human issues and behaviours. In this course you will use research, case studies, surveys, experiments, and observations as you seek to understand people’s behaviours and responses to real-life situations and societies, past and present. Students will explore the different psychological approaches, relevant theories and significant issues in psychological practice.

The course will be of interest to students who wish to acquire knowledge and understanding of religions in the context of globalisation and of the migration of people of different faiths and cultures to Aotearoa New Zealand. Understanding religion helps us to understand the belief systems that function in our society and reflects the histories and traditions of people. Students have the flexibility to analyse religious traditions of their own choice, their key beliefs, meaning within sacred texts as well as exploring ethical issues and ultimate questions.

Welcome back to Spanish! Year 13 Spanish covers a range of topics about different aspects of the Spanish language, history, and culture. Students continue to increase competency, fluency, and accuracy in the four language skills. The language will be more complex, and students will need to deal with a variety of different situations and contexts. The study and understanding of Spanish culture remains an important component. 

The focus will shift from talking about yourself and familiar topics to discussing general issues, hypothetical situations, and your opinions about them. 

In the first half of the year, expect a focus on productive skills (writing and speaking), and in the second half, on receptive skills (listening and reading).

This course builds on from the Level 2 course. In this course you will:

1. Select to focus in either spatial or product design for the year
2. Complete a project in your chosen field that resolves a design brief
3. Extend your ability to use the design process in more depth 
4. Extend and develop your visual communication, analytical and creative thinking skills
5. Broaden your use of design language and extend your ability to communicate your design thinking through broader lenses

“Toitū te kupu, toitū te mana, toitū te whenua” - Hold fast to Māori culture, without language, without mana and without land, the essence  of Māori will be lost.” Students will refine their analysis of Te Ao Haka and their skills in performance. They will be able to effectively express narrative and embody their performance. The first half of the year will focus on a personal learning journey and performance within Te Ao Haka. The second half of the year wil focus on a key role within Te Ao Haka.

Students will develop their Te Reo Māori skills to build upon knowledge gained through NCEA Level 2.  Communicative language activities are an integral part of this course.  A variety of teaching strategies are used to develop skills.

Students will begin with the familiarisation of Tourism terminology and concepts. Then the course will focus on the identification of world tourist destinations before moving to explore New Zealand, the Pacific Islands and/or Australia, identifying aspects such as local attractions, accommodation and transportation that are available to tourists. This will be followed by consideration of the economic significance of tourism. In doing so, mapping, analytical and computing skills are developed.

Trades Academy programmes provide senior secondary students access to a broad range of trades or technology learning opportunities to ensure they stay engaged in education.  The programme is delivered through partnerships developed between schools and tertiary education organisations.  It is for students already enrolled at school and:

• consists of learning in secondary and tertiary settings
• may include work experience where this forms part of the tertiary or secondary programme.

The course combines industry ITO unit standards with work placement.  It is a valuable course for students who want to find out about a particular career option. 

Subjects available at Level 2:

• Construction Mixed Trades (Level 2)
• Engineering and Automotive (Level 2)
• Salon Environment (Level 2)
• Barbering (Level 3)
• Digital Media: Animation and Design (Level 2/3)
• Health Pathways: Anatomy and Physiology (Level 3/4)