Takapuna Grammar School

Students use their creative skills to explore a variety of art materials in a fun and inspiring course. This pathway leads to both Year 10 Visual Art and Year 10 Photography & Digital Art. In the senior school, the Art Department offers specializations in Design, Photography, Painting, and Art History. The Year 9 Visual Art programme teaches fundamental drawing techniques alongside another practical art-making discipline, such as Painting, Printmaking, or Sculpture. Projects are designed to foster imagination, with themes changing from year to year. Students of all abilities are accommodated, with extension opportunities available for advanced learners. Art appreciation is also integrated into this practical course.

This course will introduce students to the use of dance elements, choreography and performance. It is designed to be a confidence-building opportunity to develop skills in different dance contexts and help develop understanding of the dance elements and choreography processes. 

Year 9 Digital Technologies gives students a practical introduction to the world of computers, coding, and web design. This course builds the foundation for the Year 10 course, leading into senior Computer Science in Years 11 to 13. In Year 9, students master essential file management, design their own websites, and explore coding using Scratch or Python—with projects that may include physical tech like micro: bits or robots. Designed for all experience levels, step-by-step support is provided for beginners alongside exciting extension challenges for confident coders.

In this course, students build confidence and creativity through learning the foundational drama skills. Students will bring to life a scene from the screen through the use of drama techniques, learn to create dramatic scenes from still images, and write their own scripts ready for a full performance. This builds a strong base for future learning, developing essential skills for acting. Students will also have the opportunity to participate in hands-on exercises and collaborate with peers in scene work.

Year 9 English builds on the foundational skills learned in Years 0-8, to focus on the purposeful application of language (in creating a range of texts), and the analysis of language (in reading a range of texts). 

Text studies will cover a range of high-quality texts from different locations and time periods, including texts from Aotearoa New Zealand. Students will study: at least one novel, a selection of poetry, at least one film or drama text, at least one short story, at least one non-fiction text, and texts which are multi-modal, spoken, digital and visual (films and TV). 

Students will also create texts, applying their knowledge of language, structure, and style to purposefully construct meaning and communicate effectively.

Year 9 ESL is a foundation support subject designed for students whose first language is not English. Conducting an initial assessment of students’ English language skills allows teachers to cater to the students’ specific needs. This class focuses on the four main skills: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Students will build core communication skills, expand day-to-day and academic vocabulary, and receive scaffolded support aimed at supporting their learning in other subjects. This subject does not substitute English, but is offered in addition.  

This creative and practical course integrates the Technology Practice and Knowledge strands through food production and processing. Students will engage in the iterative Design Process through experimenting, modifying and trialling ideas to develop food outcomes that are fit for purpose. For example, the 'Master Chef' challenge and Festive Occasion briefs will require students to address authentic needs while evaluating the sustainability and nutritional impact of their food choices to produce innovative and creative results.

This course is an introduction to the French language and culture. It will provide students with a good foundation in the language and prepare students for future study in French, either NCEA or IB. Students will learn to understand and use familiar expressions and everyday vocabulary such as greetings, introductions, personal descriptions, their family, their pets and their personal preferences. Students will be able to interact in spoken French in a simple way in supported situations. They also gain an interesting insight into the daily lives of the French people and culture.

This course is an introduction to the Japanese language and culture. It will provide students with a basic grasp of the language and prepare students for future study in Japanese, either NCEA or IB. This course offers students insight into the unique language, culture and lifestyles of Japan. Students will learn how to read and write basic Japanese scripts. They practise everyday greetings and learn how to introduce themselves and their family, share interests and discuss daily routines. Japanese music, manga, and anime play a key role in students engaging with the language.

This course develops core numeracy, everyday life skills, and a solid groundwork for senior study. Students balance formal study with practical investigations, learning to spot patterns, solve real-world problems, and reason logically. The core learning areas are Number and Algebra, Measurement and Geometry, and Statistics and Probability. Through individual inquiry and collaborative projects, students gain critical thinking tools that connect mathematical principles to everyday decision-making and future learning.

You may only request access to be considered for this course. 

You MUST be able to attend TGS on Friday 6 November 2026 at 9:30 to sit an entrance test for this course. 

This course is a broad introduction to the Music pathway at Takapuna Grammar School. It prepares students for future study in Music and gives all Year 9 students a foundation in music. Students will learn the history of popular music, general music theory and aural skills, orchestral instruments, and guitar skills.

Through the study of health, students learn how to navigate the complexities of modern life as confident individuals, connected members of their communities, and informed citizens. They are taught concepts that support their understanding of relationships, resilience, identity, and decision-making. Through the study of physical education, students learn about specific movement patterns, activities, games, and sports. They are taught knowledge and practices to make informed decisions about their own healthy involvement in sport and physical activity.

Resistant Materials is a creative subject where students learn how to design and prototype products, working with various materials, tools and equipment. Students use a range of traditional and modern processes, including Laser Cutting, CAD, 3D printing and CNC. They record their design process and practical work evidence in a portfolio and are assessed on technological processes, functional modelling and finished products. 

The junior Science curriculum is an exciting blend of practical and theoretical work. In Year 9, students cover various topics including the spheres of the Earth and ecosystems, genetics, forces, the periodic table and chemical reactions, and how transport systems work in organisms. Year 9s are exposed to an array of sciences to allow them a full experience of what it means to be a scientist, before selecting specific sciences they are passionate about in senior years.

Social Studies is a cross-disciplinary subject that equips students with insight into how societies operate, how people interact with one another and our natural environment. Within Social Studies, students will gain historical, geographical, economic, political and financial knowledge of New Zealand and the world. They will be taught how Social Scientists gather, analyse evidence and communicate findings. Learning in Social Studies encourages curiosity about the past and their own world, and broadens students’ understanding through exploring people, places and ways of life beyond their own experiences. In Year 9, students will cover topics such as migration, World War One, NZ government, coastal processes, urban challenges and global economic development.

Year 9 Spanish gives students a fun, practical introduction to one of the world's most widely spoken languages. Students learn to talk about their free time, sports and hobbies, school life, family and friends, and where they live, while building a solid grounding in present tense verbs and sentence construction. This course lays the foundation for Year 10 Spanish, leading into senior Spanish in Years 11 to 13. Lessons combine speaking, listening, reading and writing activities, with step-by-step support for beginners alongside extension challenges for more confident linguists. 

Spatial Design is the exploring, progressing and visual communicating of students' own three-dimensional design ideas. The students will be working through design projects using a blend of analogue and digital visual communication techniques and design thinking that utilises some initial spatial and product design knowledge and visual literacy. Spatial Design focuses on the designing of spaces with future pathways including Architecture, Art and Design.

This course is an introduction to the Te Reo Māori language and culture. It extends basic Māori and will prepare students for future study in Te Reo Māori in NCEA and provide students with a good grasp of the language. This course offers students insight into our country’s unique native language, Māori culture and tikanga/customs. Students will learn to understand and use familiar expressions and everyday vocabulary such as greetings, introductions, personal descriptions, their family, their pets, and their personal preferences. The language acquired will help them across a broad number of other subjects in secondary school.

Students will learn about cultures and values to enable each to flourish and contribute to school and the global community. The programme builds skills for life and includes learning about communicating, Hauora (wellbeing), cultural values and Tikanga (customs), appreciating other viewpoints, emotional control, dealing with conflict, service and teamwork. Students will develop a CV through participating in the Te Manawanui award.

Textiles Design involves a rich variety of learning experiences leading to a wide range of career opportunities. These may include but are not limited to: fashion designer, pattern maker, cutter,stylist, buyer, retail management, sample machinist, interior designer, soft furnishings maker, product developer/designer, C.A.D. machine technician, event management, fashion journalist, knitwear designer, sail maker, textile designer, smart textile development for medical use, costume designer, wardrobe assistant.

Year 10 Visual Art is an exciting one-semester course that provides a highly engaging, creative environment for our ākonga (learners). A wide range of key artistic skills are covered through the design and creation of physical art objects in a supportive and collaborative space. We welcome all students to join our creative team and make beautiful, unique artworks. Building on the foundations of Year 9 Art, this course promotes art-making as an enjoyable and satisfying activity. Students will explore personal identity, art traditions, cultural expressions, and design principles. Technical skills and art appreciation are taught through practical projects involving design, colour theory, printmaking, painting, drawing, and three-dimensional sculpture. Students may take Photography & Digital Art alongside this course.

Additional Requirements: While many classroom materials are provided, students will need to purchase a specific Art Pack at the start of the year. Students also require a digital device to assist with their learning.

Welcome to the world of business. If you have an entrepreneurial mindset or are curious about how business works, then this course is the one to choose. You will be able to work with like-minded students and explore the basics of business. You will get to work both individually as well as in groups on projects to develop business ideas. You will discover using a range of activities, why businesses set up, their pūtake, and how they can operate sustainably using the circular economy principles. This course allows you to develop a business idea to pitch for a space at market day, as you will plan, make and take a product to a school market. You will grow your understanding of how markets work using economic principles and how you can be financially viable using the principles of accounting. 

Step into Year 10 Dance and discover the power of movement as you expand your artistic horizons across a dynamic variety of dance styles. Designed to take your passion to the next level, this one-semester course blends engaging classroom training with a focused emphasis on refining your technique, strengthening your physical control, and developing authentic stage presence. You will have the chance to step into the spotlight and shine through exciting solo and small group recitals, alongside opportunities for class and school-wide performances. Whether you are aiming to elevate your existing skills or explore new creative boundaries, Year 10 Dance offers the ultimate platform to build confidence, express your unique identity, and make your mark on stage.

Year 10 Photography & Digital Art is an engaging one-semester course designed to introduce students to digital art-making and prepare them for senior subjects like Photography and Design. Students will work with personal devices, school cameras, Adobe software, and high-quality printers to create unique digital artworks. This course provides an exciting opportunity for students to explore the fundamentals of visual storytelling through hands-on projects. Students learn essential skills in composition, lighting, and colour theory while mastering tools like Adobe Photoshop. Projects include portrait photography, conceptual design, and digital collage, giving students a strong foundation in photo editing, typography, and layout design. Students may take Visual Art alongside this course.

Additional Requirements: A laptop is required. To run Adobe software effectively, the recommended minimum specifications are: Windows 10/11 or Apple macOS 11+; Core i5 processor; 8GB RAM; 50GB available storage.

Digital Technologies is about developing an understanding of computer science and digital technology principles which govern how computers work, learning core programming concepts and designing quality, fit-for-purpose digital outcomes, such as websites, databases and applications. The main focus is on creating code that is syntactically correct, efficient and achieves the purpose of the outcome for a specified audience.

Step into the spotlight in Year 10 Drama, an immersive semester-long course designed to elevate your acting skills and take your talents to the next level. Through dynamic improvisation, scripted scene work, and the exploration of exciting theatre styles, you will sharpen your performance craft both individually and as a member of an ensemble. Beyond acting, you'll go behind the scenes to discover the magic of stagecraft, learning how lighting, sound, costumes, and tech transform a blank stage into an unforgettable world. The pinnacle of your journey will be contributing to a full-class theatre production, where you'll have the opportunity to explore a range of theatre roles. Whether you're passionate about acting on stage or prefer working behind the scenes in directing, lighting, sound, props, costume, or set design, you'll play an important part in bringing a live performance to life for an audience.

The NZ Curriculum divides English into Text Analysis (studying a range of texts), and Crafting Texts (producing texts for themselves). With Text Analysis, students will analyse, interpret, and respond to a wide range of literary and non-fiction texts, exploring themes, structures, and contexts, while studying the features of language to understand how they shape meaning and influence interpretation. In Year 10, the range and sophistication of texts increases, and so too does the complexity of our analysis.  Building on this understanding,  students will Craft Texts, applying their knowledge of language, structure, and style to purposefully construct meaning and communicate effectively for a range of purposes and audiences. 

Year 10 ESL is a foundation support subject designed for students whose first language is not English. This class focuses on the four main skills: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Students will build on core skills that they acquired in year 9. They will expand day-to-day and academic vocabulary, and will receive scaffolded support aimed at supporting their learning in other subjects. Students will read a variety of texts, learn how to craft text types, and improve their language output. 

A full-year course that continues and builds upon Year 9 French. Students learn to talk and write about their daily lives in more detail and learn more about the French way of life. They cover topics such as school, pastimes, home, asking for directions, socialising, eating and drinking, holidays and sightseeing.

Through the study of health, students learn how to navigate the complexities of modern life as confident individuals, connected members of their communities, and informed citizens. They are taught concepts that support their understanding of relationships, resilience, identity, and decision-making. Through the study of physical education, students learn about specific movement patterns, activities, games, and sports. They are taught knowledge and practices to make informed decisions about their own healthy involvement in sport and physical activity. 

10 Japanese

10 Literacy

This course continues to enhance students' core numeracy, develop critical thinking for everyday life, and build the essential foundation for senior pathways. Students transition from foundational concepts into more rigorous formal study and practical investigations, identifying patterns and communicating mathematical reasoning. Through the core learning areas of Number and Algebra, Measurement and Geometry and Probability and Statistics 

nleash your creative potential in Year 10 Music, an action-packed semester course that puts you in the driver’s seat of your own musical journey. You'll collaborate with classmates to form a band, building teamwork and performance skills as you rehearse and perform together. Learn to bring your own ideas to life by writing original music and honing your digital recording and production tools. Along the way, you’ll dive into music theory and explore fascinating eras of music history. Year 10 Music provides the ideal mix of creative freedom and technical skills to turn your passion into sound.

Resistant Materials is a creative subject where students learn how to design and prototype products, working with various materials, tools and equipment. Students use a range of traditional and modern processes, including Laser Cutting, CAD, 3D printing and CNC. They record their design process and practical work evidence in a portfolio and are assessed on technological processes, functional modelling and finished products. 

The junior science curriculum is an exciting blend of practical and theoretical work. Students cover topics including atomic theory and chemical reactions, energy and waves, the carbon cycle and human impact on the environment, outer space and body systems such as the immune, nervous and regulatory systems. The science curriculum helps our students develop understanding of how the world around them works.

Social Studies is a cross-disciplinary subject that equips students with insight into how societies operate, how people interact with one another and our natural environment. Within Social Studies, students will gain historical, geographical, economic, political and financial knowledge of New Zealand and the world. They will be taught how Social Scientists gather, analyse evidence and communicate findings. Learning in Social Studies encourages curiosity about the past and their own world, and broadens students’ understanding through exploring people, places and ways of life beyond their own experiences. In Year 10, students will cover topics such as World War Two, human rights, the geography of diseases, future global challenges, differences in development and financial education. 

Year 10 Spanish builds on the foundations established in Year 9 and develops students' confidence in communicating in everyday situations. Through interactive speaking, listening, reading and writing tasks, students learn to talk about themselves, holidays, food, free time, entertainment and daily routines. They extend their understanding of Spanish-speaking cultures while developing practical language skills for real-life communication.

Students learn to use the present, past and future tenses to express opinions, ask and answer questions, and communicate with increasing accuracy and independence. The course places a strong emphasis on speaking and interaction, while also developing the vocabulary and grammar needed for success in senior Spanish.

Spatial Design is the exploring, progressing and visual communicating of students' own three-dimensional design ideas. The subject’s Curriculum Big Ideas encompass design’s purpose of improving people’s lives through divergent and convergent design thinking that utilises spatial and product design knowledge and visual literacy, with an emerging designer voice. Spatial Design focuses on the designing of spaces with future pathways including Architecture, Art and Design, through design thinking and creative problem solving.

Sports Institute will provide students with the opportunity to gain knowledge of scientific and technical principles that apply to sports performance and exercise. It will provide students with opportunities to grow in self-confidence, communication, and leadership whilst expanding their comfort and growth zones. 

A full-year course that builds on and extends the Year 9 Te Reo Māori. Students will learn to communicate about daily life and cover topics such as pastimes, home, school, family relationships and planning outings. They will also continue their understanding of tikanga/customs and marae practices.

In this creative and practical Year 10 Technology, Production and Processing course, students will explore the art of professional baking while simultaneously investigating how culture and identity influence food choices. Students will refine their culinary skills and use the Technology Design Process to produce a wide variety of baked goods, incorporating local ingredients, traditional methods, and healthy substitutions. Additionally, they will study international street food traditions and work in collaborative teams to develop and produce exciting street food concepts tailored to specific briefs. Practical applications include a 40-minute design challenge and a structural engineering activity utilizing edible building materials.

Textiles Design involves a rich variety of learning experiences leading to a wide range of career opportunities. These may include but are not limited to: fashion designer, pattern maker, cutter,stylist, buyer, retail management, sample machinist, interior designer, soft furnishings maker, product developer/designer, C.A.D. machine technician, event management, fashion journalist, knitwear designer, sail maker, textile designer, smart textile development for medical use, costume designer, wardrobe assistant.