Canterbury
95 subjects available for 2026/2027.
In this course, you will master animal handling.
Learn the body language, biology, and welfare needs of guinea pigs and rabbits.
Hatch New Life: Experience embryology firsthand! Set up incubators, candle eggs, and manage the brooder box as you hatch chickens and ducklings.
Design & Build: Put your tech skills to the test by designing and constructing predator-proof enclosures and enrichment mazes.
Bridge the Farm Gap: Discover how small animals play massive roles on commercial farms—from ducks acting as natural pest control in vineyards to chickens regenerating pastures.
Think Big: Transition your skills to large livestock, exploring animal psychology, flight zones, and farm infrastructure.
"Market Fair" or "Market Day" is a practical project integrated into the Year 9 course. Instead of just learning theory, students form teams, design a real product or service, manage a budget, and sell their goods to the school or town community for actual profit or charity. Students will start a business, create a product, learn to plan for calculated risks, and develop marketing skills. This course bridges classroom theory with real-world application, culminating in a live event where students create and run their own business ventures.
Get creative, think on your feet, and bring stories to life with improv, drama games, wild ideas, and fun ways to perform and create your own scenes!
- Explore drama techniques to show character and emotion
- Create original scenes using devising and teamwork
- Explore historical aspects of theatre
- Use conventions like freeze frames and slow motion
- Develop confidence through performance activities
- Reflect on your work to grow as a performer
Students:
Students:
Food is our fuel for life and wellbeing. The Year 10 course gives students a wonderful opportunity to be creative in the kitchen, problem-solve, share ideas and learn in a positive and meaningful way. If you enjoy preparing and presenting food, and want to learn more about how we can enhance our lives through food, then this is the subject for you!
The experiences that students are exposed to prepare them for Senior NCEA courses in Food Technology and Hospitality and/or Culinary Arts. Students will also gain a great insight into possible future career pathways in Nutrition, Health and Wellbeing, Food Technology and working in the Hospitality Industry.
This module focuses on many aspects of technology, Hard Materials, engineering, and DVC. Most importantly, it teaches students how to follow a design process and the importance of each stage of that process. The first project will be a skills-based project but will enable students to follow a structured process and learn a range of practical skills, using tools and machinery, whilst allowing them to be creative in certain parts of the design.
The skills learned will help support students going into their next module and Year 11. Standards will be offered in building, DVC and engineering.
This course will focus on growing plants either to eat or for enjoyment. You will learn how to grow plants so they are healthy and productive.
- Develop your vegetable garden in a small team
- Work with plants to maintain their health and production
- Control pests and diseases
- Prepare soil for a vegetable garden
- Plant seeds and propagate from cuttings
- Learn about and grow plants using hydroponics
This course will let you become a digital content creator. Design marketing campaigns, create social media content, and produce promotional material for real audiences.
This course is ideal for students interested in media, business, communication, design, and technology.
This course allows you to make music and create your own songs while exploring sounds, styles, and the stories behind music from the past and today
This course focuses on introducing ideas, theories and questions to get students thinking critically and develop their higher-order thinking skills.
You will:
Study ancient and modern philosophical theories
Discuss thought experiments as a way of testing our thinking and decision-making processes
Participate in formal and informal debates
Explore philosophical questions such as: What is the truth and how do we know? What should we think about when we are faced with a tricky moral decision?
This course will open up your creativity and teach you a range of practical craft skills. You will then use your new skills and a range of recycled materials to work together as a team and create a masterpiece.
- Develop 2D felting skills
- Learn the basics of needlework through sewing and embroidery
- Discover different knitting techniques
- Create new items from recycled materials
Students typically study at least two technology strands, such as:
By the end of Year 9, students should be developing skills such as:
____
Students:
Students:
Web Design
Investigate how websites are created.
Learn what HTML is and its relevance to web pages.
Use the Design Process, elements, and principles to create your own effective website.
Investigate whether AI would be a useful tool for creating websites and how to build your own AI program.
Animals are the cornerstone of New Zealand's economy. Being able to understand their needs and how they operate is vital to maintain this multi billion dollar industry. In this course, you will be introduced to animal handling.
Animal Whispering: Learn the body language, biology, and welfare needs of all animals, through the physical interaction with small animals.
Hatch New Life: Experience embryology firsthand! Set up incubators, candle eggs, manage the brooder box as you hatch chickens and ducklings, manage raising of calves and lambs as part of the school's stock programme.
Design & Build: Put your tech skills to the test by designing and constructing predator-proof enclosures and enrichment mazes.
Bridge the Farm Gap: Discover how small animals play massive roles on commercial farms—from ducks acting as natural pest control in vineyards to chickens regenerating pastures.
Think Big: Transition your skills to large livestock, exploring animal psychology, flight zones, and farm infrastructure.
In this course students will get an introduction to the world of Commerce focusing specifically on Business Studies. This course bridges classroom theory with real-world application, culminating in a live event where students create and run their own business ventures, learning to plan for calculated risks, and develop marketing skills.
The course is in two parts:
Part A: Introduction to Consumer Behaviour
In order to be successful, businesses need to know what products and services with make them money. It is important to know how needs and wants are created, the concept of scarcity and how this links to opportunity cost, tradeoffs and setting prices. Students will get their first taste of the relationship between supply and demand and the 4 Ps of Marketing.
Part B: Business Startup
"Market Fair" is a practical project integrated into the course. Now that students have gained some theory, students form teams to put their knowledge into practice. They will need to
Get creative, think on your feet, and bring stories to life with improv, drama games, wild ideas, and fun ways to perform and create your own scenes!
- Explore drama techniques to show character and emotion
- Create original scenes using devising and teamwork
- Explore historical aspects of theatre
- Use conventions like freeze frames and slow motion
- Develop confidence through performance activities
- Reflect on your work to grow as a performer
Skills students are expected to develop
The Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award module is only offered to Year 10 students. It offers a fantastic opportunity for students to build confidence, resilience, and lifelong skills. To achieve the Award, participants challenge themselves across four sections: developing a Skill, improving Physical wellbeing, Volunteering in the community, and completing a team Adventurous Journey.
During this module, your child will be supported every step of the way. Class time will be used to assist students to set and track their goals and deliver comprehensive training for the outdoor expedition. We ensure all participants are safe, prepared, and inspired to achieve their potential in this globally recognized Award.
There is a cost to taking part in this module and this will be confirmed once numbers are known.
Food is our fuel for life and wellbeing. The Year 10 course gives students a wonderful opportunity to be creative in the kitchen, problem-solve, share ideas and learn in a positive and meaningful way. If you enjoy preparing and presenting food, and want to learn more about how we can enhance our lives through food, then this is the subject for you!
The experiences that students are exposed to prepare them for Senior NCEA courses in Food Technology and Hospitality, and/or Culinary Arts. Students will also gain a great insight into possible future career pathways in Nutrition, Health and Wellbeing, Food Technology and working in the Hospitality Industry.
This module teaches students how to follow a design process and the importance of each stage of that process. Students will be presented with opportunities to work in a range of related contexts such as the qualities and manipulation of hard materials, engineering, and design and visual communication.
Students will have the opportunity to make a series of different projects according to a brief, with each requiring them to bring their own thoughts and ideas for a specific purpose. The first project will be a skills-based project but will enable students to follow a structured process and learn a range of practical skills, using tools and machinery, whilst allowing them to be creative in certain parts of the design.
The skills learned will help support students going into Year 11.
The other arm of the multi billion dollar agriculture industry of New Zealand, this course will focus on how to grow plants so they are healthy and productive. This will involve
This course will let you become a digital content creator. Design marketing campaigns, create social media content, and produce promotional material for real audiences.
This course is ideal for students interested in media, business, communication, design, and digital technology.
This practical course allows you to make music and create your own songs while exploring sounds, styles, and the stories behind music from the past and today.
This course focuses on introducing ideas, theories and questions to get students thinking critically and develop their higher-order thinking skills.
You will:
Study ancient and modern philosophical theories
Discuss thought experiments as a way of testing our thinking and decision-making processes
Participate in formal and informal debates
Explore philosophical questions such as: What is the truth and how do we know? What should we think about when we are faced with a tricky moral decision?
This course will open up your creativity and teach you a range of practical craft skills. You will then use your new skills and a range of recycled materials to work together as a team and create a masterpiece.
- Develop 2D felting skills
- Learn the basics of needlework through sewing and embroidery
- Discover different knitting techniques
- Create new items from recycled materials
Web Design
Investigate how websites are created.
Learn what HTML is and its relevance to web pages.
Use the Design Process, elements, and principles to create your own effective website.
Investigate whether AI would be a useful tool for creating websites and how to build your own AI program.
Can find something that you really want to do?? Well look no further ! Distance learning could be for you.
NetNZ is a community of secondary and area schools that work together to provide online learning opportunities for our students based on the New Zealand Curriculum. They have over 25 years' experience enabling high-quality online education across schools and communities.
Why take an online course?
How does it work?
A course consists of 8-15 students from different schools around the South Island, who are taught by an eTeacher (who will be a normal qualified teacher teaching the class, but just in a different school). You will be taught through a mix of face-to-face style online conference tutorials, with a mix of online and paper-based learning.
Much of the learning will be accessed through an online space where students can receive work, download assignments, and interact with the teacher and other students. As a Distance Learner you will still be sitting NCEA assessments with the grades counting towards qualifications just as they would if Waimate HS was offering the course.
Te Kura is another online provider offering more options for those looking for a subject not offered at school. It is similar to NetNZ, though courses do not always have a weekly video class.
Whilst being a distance course, all students are supported onsite by Waimate High School's eDean, Ms Simpson.
What students need to consider
Learning online requires the ability to manage your time effectively and take responsibility for your learning MORE than in a traditional classroom. You need to:
As a result students need to be approved by Ms Harvey to gain entry into a distance learning course, a decision that will be based on how they have demonstrated appropriate learning behaviours in the past.
This is an English course for speakers of other languages. It focuses on helping students' confidence and competence in the English language across the Curriculum.
Students in this course will:
This course explores the scientific knowledge required to successfully farm in New Zealand, developing an understanding of growing environments, plants and animals.
- Understand that primary producers manage life processes and the growing environment.
- Develop knowledge of how primary producers make informed decisions about sustainability.
- Describe how agriculture connects people to locations of purposeful production.
Business Studies is a combination of economic theory, accounting practices, marketing and management of employees placed in real world business contexts. With direct links to case studies and local contexts, this course provides essential financial awareness to prepare students for the real world.
In this course you will:
This course enables students to develop an awareness of Computer Science and Digital Design and learn the tools necessary to operate a range of software.
- Explore different media types to develop a digital technologies outcome
- Enhance knowledge and skills in programming to develop a computer program
- Study the different heuristics or Computer Science concepts in given situations
This course develops confidence, creativity, and performance skills through the exploration of character, scripted drama, and devised theatre.
Develop confidence and collaboration through drama
Explore role, character, and situation
Use voice, body, and movement to communicate
Learn and apply drama techniques and conventions
Devise and perform original and scripted work
Reflect on performance and respond to others’ work
This course focuses on developing students' literacy skills through the study of a range of texts.
You will:
- Analyse how characteristics of verbal language are typical of their chosen context
- Explore the relationship between specific aspects of a text and the author's or director's purpose or the wider context
- Write with accuracy to develop ideas for a specific purpose and audience
- Develop an understanding of how aspects of written language work together to create meaning in text
This Food Technology & Hospitality course focuses on culinary skills, food safety, and the technological product development process. It's hands-on and creative, exploring how to design, develop, and create fit-for-purpose outcomes; it also focuses on industry-aligned cookery skills and covers areas like finger foods, baking and kitchen safety This course combines regular practical cooking sessions with portfolio documentation, research, and industry unit standards. There is a mixture of Unit Standards and Achievement Standards that are recognised in the Food Industry and will provide you with the basic skills and knowledge going into the Hospitality Industry.
This course encourages students to explore the connections between people and the environment. It seeks to interpret the world and its changes over space/time.
- Demonstrate understanding of the spatial distribution of phenomena and their impacts within te taiao (the natural world)
- Explore te taiao (the natural world) using data
- Demonstrate understanding of decision-making in response to a geographic challenge in the wider Pacific region



This course focuses on developing students' practical, written and design skills by creating individual take-home projects and trade-related skill standards. Skill standards allow students to gain endorsements depending on the level of complexity and skill of their practical projects
The course requires students to choose a client, follow a design process to develop a product through research, ideas, prototyping, client feedback, and to complete at least one project to a good standard. The product(s) will have at least 3 joining methods and at least 3 hardware and fastenings
Practical experience that students will develop include:
Studying History at Waimate High School equips students with the critical thinking, source-checking, and analytical skills needed to navigate a complex, information-rich world. It empowers Ākonga to understand how past events, local heritage, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi directly shape their identity, community, and future opportunities.
This course focuses on developing students' inquiry and understanding skills, as well as their ability to read and understand historical sources.
- Engage with a variety of primary sources in a historical context
- Research the significance of a historical context and describe different perspectives
- Build an understanding of historical concepts in contexts of significance to Aotearoa New Zealand.
Part of this course is student choice, and are therefore able to pick different contexts of study and areas of interest.
This course explores patterns and relationships in quantities, space, and time, as well as patterns and relationships in data.
- Explore data using a statistical enquiry process
- Use mathematical methods to explore problems that relate to life in Aotearoa New Zealand and the Pacific
- Interpret and apply mathematical and statistical information in context
- Demonstrate mathematical reasoning
This course allows students to create their own music, as well as analyse and play existing music. Music technology will also be explored.
- Shape music ideas to create an original composition, individually or collaboratively.
- Build an understanding of music in relation to various contexts.
- Perform as a soloist or as a member of an ensemble incorporating stage presentation, technical skills and musicianship.
- Use music skills (technical, theoretical, aural and physical) in a music style.
This course explores the importance of movement on self, others and society. Students will experience and develop a diverse range of skills and learning opportunities.
- Apply movement strategies in an applied setting
- Demonstrate understanding of how kotahitanga is promoted in movement through the application of strategies and the influence a personal movement experience can have on hauora
- Explore the influences of movement in Aotearoa New Zealand or the Pacific
This course is a two-year programme where students will complete a stand-alone qualification in primary industry skills over two years.
- Build an electric fence
- Create and build a water system
- Manage crops for livestock feed
- Work with livestock to maintain their growth and health
- Cultivate soil for cropping
- Control invasive weeds
- Apply and manage fertilisers
This course empowers ākonga to use scientific ideas to develop and express their opinions, make decisions and take action.
- Develop a greater understanding of the nature of science
- Build knowledge of scientific ideas through a range of contexts including food security, water, air, life and their physical health
- Select, plan, and carry out a range of appropriate investigations
- Analyse information in its various forms and know how to check the sources of information
- Discover how to distinguish science from fake information and scientific evidence
L1 Skills for Life
This course uses practice-based inquiry to develop creative ideas and resolved artworks in response to a variety of influences. Students are typically assessed on how well they:
Internals:
Create a finished work that communicates ideas using visual arts conventions.
This course develops students' knowledge of mathematics and applies it to problem solving.
- Use formulae in trigonometry and coordinate geometry
- Develop problem-solving with algebra skills
- Apply knowledge of graphing to begin calculus
- Learn about some graphing theory in network methods
Can find something that you really want to do?? Well look no further ! Distance learning could be for you.
NetNZ is a community of secondary and area schools that work together to provide online learning opportunities for our students based on the New Zealand Curriculum. They have over 25 years' experience enabling high-quality online education across schools and communities.
Why take an online course?
How does it work?
A course consists of 8-15 students from different schools around the South Island, who are taught by an eTeacher (who will be a normal qualified teacher teaching the class, but just in a different school). You will be taught through a mix of face-to-face style online conference tutorials, with a mix of online and paper-based learning.
Much of the learning will be accessed through an online space where students can receive work, download assignments, and interact with the teacher and other students. As a Distance Learner you will still be sitting NCEA assessments with the grades counting towards qualifications just as they would if Waimate HS was offering the course.
Te Kura is another online provider offering more options for those looking for a subject not offered at school. It is similar to NetNZ, though courses do not always have a weekly video class.
Whilst being a distance course, all students are supported onsite by Waimate High School's eDean, Ms Simpson.
What students need to consider
Learning online requires the ability to manage your time effectively and take responsibility for your learning MORE than in a traditional classroom. You need to:
As a result students need to be approved by Ms Harvey to gain entry into a distance learning course, a decision that will be based on how they have demonstrated appropriate learning behaviours in the past.
The course aims to develop fluency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in English for speakers of other languages. Attention will be given to developing the skills needed for university-level study.
This course continues to develop students' understanding of primary industry and introduces scientific and technological principles that impact production.
- Carry out an extended practical agricultural investigation
- Develop an understanding of livestock reproductive techniques, for example, embryo transfer
- Build an understanding of how commercial management practices influence livestock growth and development
- Study land use for primary production in New Zealand
This course connects us to the world we live in, building awareness of our ecosystems and providing opportunities to learn about the processes of living things.
- Explore ecological patterns in a local environment
- Discover life processes on a cellular level
- Investigate biological material at a microscopic level
- Analyse how the interaction between ecological factors and natural selection leads to genetic changes within populations
- Design, plan and carry out a practical investigation in a biological context
This course focuses on students investigating and describing the properties and uses of substances and the ways they interact with people and the environment.
- Discover how chemistry is used in the development of a current technology
- Build an understanding of bonding, structure, properties and energy changes
- Explore the properties of selected organic compounds
- Carry out practical investigations into a substance present in a consumer product and chemical species present in a sample using qualitative analysis
Studying Classical Studies at Waimate High School invites Ākonga to explore the ancient Greek and Roman worlds, developing the essential skills to decode complex texts, weigh diverse perspectives, and think critically. By examining the foundational mythologies, art, and politics of antiquity, students gain a powerful lens to analyze human behavior and better understand the modern world.
This course gives students an introduction to Classical Studies with a focus on the literature of Ancient Greece, ancient battles and the world of ancient Rome.
- Examine ideas and values of the classical world, the significance of features of work(s) of art and the influence of aspects of the classical world on other cultures
- Study a significant event in the classical world
- Demonstrate an understanding of socio-political life in the classical world
Possible topics include study of Greek mythology, The Odyssey, the Second Persian Wars, the eruption of Vesuvius and burial of Pompeii, comparison between myth and movie.
This course aims to provide a choice of tools and knowledge necessary to use advanced features of computer software competently. Students follow their own paths, selecting a range of assessments based on their interests. A maximum of 19 credits and 4 assessments are available for this course.
- Conduct an inquiry to propose a digital technologies outcome.
- Study advanced techniques to develop a digital media outcome.
- Discover advanced programming techniques to develop a computer program.
- Develop knowledge in advanced processes to develop a digital technologies outcome.
_Research and demonstrate understanding of a computer science concept,
Dual Enrolment programmes are a great way to earn NCEA credits and get a feel for tertiary study, while you’re still at school. By gaining industry-based skills at Ara, you can move ahead faster into higher-level study, an apprenticeship or employment. As a dual enrolment student, you will be enrolled at secondary school and Ara at the same time. For the duration of the school year, you will spend one to two days per week at Ara Timaru and the rest of the week at school on your normal school class activities. You will have access to both school and tertiary support services, which helps with a smoother transition into the workplace or education beyond school.
Dual Enrolment programmes are delivered in a variety of flexible ways that can be negotiated with your school to best meet your needs. Dual Enrolment is offered to students in Years 12 or 13.. All courses are *free, and there may be transport options available, depending on the location; however, this cannot be guaranteed in all cases. *Places are limited and funding is dependent on availability. Some courses may incur costs, depending on the learner’s eligibility.
Students enrolling in these courses need to give their commitment for the full year of study.
The following dual enrolment courses are offered at Ara Timaru:
Please refer to this link for information on the courses offered https://www.ara.ac.nz/study/youth-pathways/dual-enrolment-programmes/
Students must see Mrs Shearer if they wish to apply for dual enrolment.
This course will study how earthquakes, volcanoes and tsunamis occur, how animals survive in extreme environments, the formation of the solar system and the life cycle of stars.
- Investigate how organisms survive in an extreme environment
- Demonstrate understanding of the causes of extreme Earth events in New Zealand
- Demonstrate understanding of stars and planetary systems
- Carry out a practical Earth and Space Science Investigation
This course explores literature as a reflection of its context, allowing for a deeper understanding of how texts can shape, reflect and critique our society.
- Appreciate how directors and authors create meaning and position us to understand characters, themes and ideas
- Develop an understanding of how to craft written, visual and oral language to target a selected audience and communicate ideas
- Analyse and compare novels, plays, films and articles
The Level 2 course assesses a range of skills and knowledge about food and different cooking methods. Students will require a reasonable level of independence in order to cook and follow recipes without assistance. These skills will be developed throughout the year as students work through the different units of work. Food safety is a priority. There is a mixture of Unit standards and Achievement standards that are recognised in the Food Industry and will provide you with the basic skills and knowledge going into the Hospitality Industry
Food Technology emphasises the technological design process—investigating, designing, and manufacturing innovative food products tailored to specific nutritional requirements or dietary needs. Assessment typically combines practical cooking with a written portfolio documenting the development process. Hospitality introduces commercial kitchen operations, basic cookery methods, knife handling, food safety, and café/barista skills
.
GATEWAY
Waimate High School is part of the national Gateway Programme, administered by the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC). Gateway supports senior students in years 12 or 13 to explore future pathways by combining school-based learning with structured workplace experience. This programme is designed to strengthen the pathway from school to the workplace or tertiary study.
Students can undertake a work placement in an industry or business that aligns with their interests and career goals. Due to student places being limited to 20 per year, students need to apply for this programme. It is preferred that applicants have a good understanding of the commitment required for this programme and are proactive with names of prospective employers and businesses.
Gateway is suited to students who demonstrate good attendance, reliability, punctuality, initiative, communication skills and the ability to manage their time and learning independently. Students must be prepared to meet the required workplace hours, complete their learning plan and work towards NCEA credits while managing any schoolwork missed during their placement.
Students interested in Gateway must see Mrs Shearer for information about the application process.
STAR FUNDED PROGRAMMES
STAR (Secondary Tertiary Alignment Resource) funding is available for students to take up programmes of learning that will help them to explore a career pathway. We aim to support students with courses to meet their academic needs or to help facilitate a smooth pathway into the workforce. Together, let's inspire and prepare our students for a future full of opportunities and success. Some of our successful STAR-funded programmes have included Sport Coaching, Customer Service, Barista, Food Safety, and Work Ready Week.
For further information, see Mrs Shearer
This course examines the nature of the relationship between people and their environments with a focus on problem-solving.
- Demonstrate geographic understanding of a large natural environment
- Demonstrate geographic understanding of an urban pattern
- Conduct geographic research with guidance
- Explain aspects of a contemporary geographic issue
The Level 2 Construction & Trades course is designed to give students practical experience across a range of construction and trade-related skills. Students develop confidence using hand tools, portable power tools and workshop machinery while learning to plan, measure, construct, finish and evaluate practical projects. The skill standards allow students to gain endorsements, depending on the accuracy and quality of their outcomes
Students will choose a client, follow a design process to develop at least one product of reasonable to high complexity, through research, ideas, prototyping, client feedback, and to complete at least one project to a high standard.
The course places a strong emphasis on safe working practices, accuracy, problem solving, quality workmanship and industry expectations.
Course emphasis
AreaStudent learningHealth & SafetyWorkshop safety, PPE, hazard identification and risk controlsHand ToolsCorrect selection, use, care and maintenancePower ToolsSafe operation of portable power toolsMachinerySafe use of selected fixed machineryMeasurementAccurate measuring, marking and setting outMaterialsTimber, sheet materials, fixings and construction materialsConstructionJoining, assembling and constructing productsDrawingWorking drawings, sketches and basic plansPlanningMaterials lists, cutting lists, sequencing and time managementStudying History at Waimate High School equips students with the critical thinking, source-checking, and analytical skills needed to navigate a complex, information-rich world. It empowers Ākonga to understand how past events, local heritage, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi directly shape their identity, community, and future opportunities.
This course encourages students to explore New Zealand's history, as well as the wider world, and develops students' ability to critique historical sources.
- Carry out a planned inquiry of an historical event, or place, of significance to New Zealanders
- Examine an historical event, or place, of significance to New Zealanders
- Examine sources of an historical event of significance to New Zealanders
- Interpret different perspectives of people in an historical event of significance to New Zealanders
- Examine causes and consequences of a significant historical event
Part of this course is student choice, and are therefore able to pick different contexts of study and areas of interest.
This course develops students' knowledge of mathematics and applies it to problem solving.
- Use formulae in trigonometry and coordinate geometry
- Develop problem-solving with algebra skills
- Apply knowledge of graphing to begin calculus
- Learn about some graphing theory in network methods
This course allows students to extend their skills while composing, performing, researching and using music technology.
- Perform two substantial pieces of music as a featured soloist and as a member of a group
- Compose music and present it in written and recorded form
- Build a knowledge of music conventions in a range of forms
- Apply knowledge of music notation, MIDI and recording applications
- Investigate aspects of New Zealand music
This course develops students' knowledge and understanding of practical skills, safe practices and sustainability in a variety of outdoor contexts.
- Prepare and participate in various overnight adventures
- Participate in setting up and undertaking basic maintenance of a mountain bike
- Develop a plan to complete a cycle tour
- Develop understanding of weather interpretation and survival skills for outdoor activities
- Explore rock climbing skills in an applied setting
L2 Painting Visual Arts syllabus.pdf
L2 Painting Visual Arts syllabus 2.pdf
This course uses practice-based inquiry to develop creative ideas and resolved artworks in response to a variety of influences in painting. Students are typically assessed on how well they:
Internals:
External
L2 Photography Visual Arts syllabus.pdf
L2 Photography Visual Arts syllabus 2.pdf
This course uses practice-based inquiry to develop creative ideas and resolved artworks in response to a variety of influences in photography. Students are typically assessed on how well they:
Internals:
External
This course will give students knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the human body as it relates to movement and performance.
- Analyse how and why biophysical principles relate to the learning of physical skills
- Apply biophysical principles to training for physical activity
- Perform a physical activity in an applied setting
- Demonstrate social responsibility through applying a social responsibility model in physical activity
- Examine the implementation and outcome(s) of a physical activity event or opportunity
This course will look at waves, mechanics and nuclear physics, and how they fit into the everyday world.
- Build understanding of waves, mechanics and atomic and nuclear physics.
- Demonstrate understanding of physics in a selected context.
- Carry out a practical physics investigation that leads to a non-linear relationship.
This course is a two-year programme where students will complete a standalone qualification in primary industry skills.
- Demonstrate knowledge of livestock behaviour and welfare in a primary industry
- Check and report on livestock
- Describe hydration, nutrition and sleep in relation to the physical well-being of primary industry workers
- Assist with handling and treatment of livestock
- Describe weather, climate and microclimate characteristics and interpret weather maps for a primary industry operation
L2 Skills for Life
This course will help students to develop statistics skills that are used in the sciences, social sciences and in today's data-driven world.
- Collect data by designing good questionnaires and conducting experiments
- Analyse data collected by others using the statistical enquiry cycle
- Critically read statistical reports
- Investigate probability theory and simulate events to calculate probabilities
This course looks at various aspects of the tourism industry.
- Expand knowledge of the tourism business, the work roles, tourist characteristics and their needs
- Explore world tourist destinations
- Build an understanding of New Zealand as a destination
Can find something that you really want to do?? Well look no further ! Distance learning could be for you.
NetNZ is a community of secondary and area schools that work together to provide online learning opportunities for our students based on the New Zealand Curriculum. They have over 25 years' experience enabling high-quality online education across schools and communities.
Why take an online course?
How does it work?
A course consists of 8-15 students from different schools around the South Island, who are taught by an eTeacher (who will be a normal qualified teacher teaching the class, but just in a different school). You will be taught through a mix of face-to-face style online conference tutorials, with a mix of online and paper-based learning.
Much of the learning will be accessed through an online space where students can receive work, download assignments, and interact with the teacher and other students. As a Distance Learner you will still be sitting NCEA assessments with the grades counting towards qualifications just as they would if Waimate HS was offering the course.
Te Kura is another online provider offering more options for those looking for a subject not offered at school. It is similar to NetNZ, though courses do not always have a weekly video class.
Whilst being a distance course, all students are supported onsite by Waimate High School's eDean, Ms Simpson.
What students need to consider
Learning online requires the ability to manage your time effectively and take responsibility for your learning MORE than in a traditional classroom. You need to:
As a result students need to be approved by Ms Harvey to gain entry into a distance learning course, a decision that will be based on how they have demonstrated appropriate learning behaviours in the past.
This course is for students learning English as an additional language, at an advanced level.
Students will build their skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking through academic and real-world topics.
This course develops students' knowledge of mathematics and applies it to problem solving.
- Use formulae in trigonometry and coordinate geometry
- Develop problem-solving with algebra skills
- Apply knowledge of graphing to begin calculus
- Learn about some graphing theory in network methods
This course will help students to develop statistics skills that are used in the sciences, social sciences and in today's data-driven world.
- Collect data by designing good questionnaires and conducting experiments
- Analyse data collected by others using the statistical enquiry cycle
- Critically read statistical reports
- Investigate probability theory and simulate events to calculate probabilities
This course continues to develop students' knowledge of primary industry in New Zealand and applies economic considerations to the profitability of production.
- Research and report on the impact of factors on the profitability of New Zealand primary products
- Investigate an aspect of a New Zealand primary product or its production
- Demonstrate understanding of how market forces affect supply and demand of NZ primary products
- Develop an understanding of how the production process meets market requirements for NZ primary products
- Analyse a New Zealand primary production environmental issue
This course builds on connections made in Level 2 Biology, with a focus on plants, animals and evolution.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the responses of plants and animals to their external environment
- Design, plan and carry out an independent practical investigation in a biological context
- Build an understanding of how an animal maintains a stable internal environment
- Explore how the evolutionary processes led to speciation
This course focuses on students demonstrating and explaining the properties and uses of substances using a range of chemical vocabulary linked to Level 3 Chemistry.
- Build an understanding of spectroscopic data in chemistry, the thermochemical principles and properties of particles and substances and the properties of organic compounds
- Explore the oxidation-reduction processes
- Carry out an investigation in chemistry involving quantitative analysis
Studying Classical Studies at Waimate High School invites Ākonga to explore the ancient Greek and Roman worlds, developing the essential skills to decode complex texts, weigh diverse perspectives, and think critically. By examining the foundational mythologies, art, and politics of antiquity, students gain a powerful lens to analyze human behavior and better understand the modern world.
This course looks to deepen students' knowledge of the classical world by looking at the Aeneid and parallels between the ancient and modern worlds.
- Analyse ideas and values of the classical world and the significance of a work(s) of art
- Explore the impact of a significant historical figure on the classical world
- Demonstrate understanding of significant ideology(ies) in the classical world and the lasting influences of the classical world on other cultures across time
Possible topics of study include Aristophanes' plays The Wasps and Frogs, Virgil's Aeneid, the rise to power of the Emperor Augustus, comparison between comedy or heroism over time, Greek vase painting.
This course aims to provide students with a choice of tools and skills necessary to make an informed decision on a range of software using complex features. Students choose the assessment path they would like to follow, based on their interests. Students need to be prepared to work independently at times.
- Conduct an inquiry to propose a digital technologies outcome
- Study and use complex techniques to develop a digital media outcome
- Discover complex programming techniques to develop a computer program
- Expand knowledge in complex processes to develop a digital technologies outcome
Dual Enrolment programmes are a great way to earn NCEA credits and get a feel for tertiary study, while you’re still at school. By gaining industry-based skills at Ara, you can move ahead faster into higher-level study, an apprenticeship or employment. As a dual enrolment student, you will be enrolled at secondary school and Ara at the same time. For the duration of the school year, you will spend one to two days per week at Ara Timaru and the rest of the week at school on your normal school class activities. You will have access to both school and tertiary support services, which helps with a smoother transition into the workplace or education beyond school.
Dual Enrolment programmes are delivered in a variety of flexible ways that can be negotiated with your school to best meet your needs. Dual Enrolment is offered to students in Years 12 or 13.. All courses are *free, and there may be transport options available, depending on the location; however, this cannot be guaranteed in all cases. *Places are limited and funding is dependent on availability. Some courses may incur costs, depending on the learner’s eligibility.
Students enrolling in these courses need to give their commitment for the full year of study.
The following dual enrolment courses are offered at Ara Timaru:
Please refer to this link for information on the courses offered https://www.ara.ac.nz/study/youth-pathways/dual-enrolment-programmes/
Students must see Mrs Shearer if they wish to apply for dual enrolment.
This course will look at the oceanic and atmospheric processes on our planet and how humans impact them. We will also investigate astronomical events.
- Explore the processes in the ocean system
- Demonstrate understanding of the processes in the atmospheric system
- Investigate an aspect of astronomy and a socio-scientific issue in an Earth and Space context
This course examines our role as critical readers and how texts can have a diverse range of interpretations depending on the lens through which we view them.
- Explore literary criticism (for example, Feminist and Marxist criticism)
- Develop academic writing skills
- Create a speech/seminar OR a visual presentation which illustrates a critical appreciation of the studied texts
- Discover how a text’s creator critiques the world of the text/ their own world and positions us to critique our own values and ideas
This UE-approved Achievement Standard course focuses on developing specialised knowledge and techniques associated with complex food technology processing and production. It also investigates ingredient selection, multiple methods of cookery and food preservation, and their applications to prototype food product design. Food testing and evaluation techniques are also explored throughout the course, which will enable students to apply their sensory perceptions to designing their own Culinary products.
During the course, students will develop an in-depth understanding and application of the skills used within the creative realm of the Food Technology/Culinary Arts Pathway
Students must have a broad understanding of foods and cooking methods and need to be able to independently follow a recipe and cook without assistance, using a range of cooking skills. The course includes a mix of unit standards and an achievement standard, with students cooking a variety of dishes. There is also the opportunity to learn barista skills as well as to compete in a Culinary competition.
GATEWAY
Waimate High School is part of the national Gateway Programme, administered by the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC). Gateway supports senior students in years 12 or 13 to explore future pathways by combining school-based learning with structured workplace experience. This programme is designed to strengthen the pathway from school to the workplace or tertiary study.
Students can undertake a work placement in an industry or business that aligns with their interests and career goals. Due to student places being limited to 20 per year, students need to apply for this programme. It is preferred that applicants have a good understanding of the commitment required for this programme and are proactive with names of prospective employers and businesses.
Gateway is suited to students who demonstrate good attendance, reliability, punctuality, initiative, communication skills and the ability to manage their time and learning independently. Students must be prepared to meet the required workplace hours, complete their learning plan and work towards NCEA credits while managing any schoolwork missed during their placement.
Students interested in Gateway must see Mrs Shearer for information about the application process.
STAR FUNDED PROGRAMMES
STAR (Secondary Tertiary Alignment Resource) funding is available for students to take up programmes of learning that will help them to explore a career pathway. We aim to support students with courses to meet their academic needs or to help facilitate a smooth pathway into the workforce. Together, let's inspire and prepare our students for a future full of opportunities and success. Some of our successful STAR-funded programmes have included Sport Coaching, Customer Service, Barista, Food Safety, and Work Ready Week.
For further information, see Mrs Shearer
This course investigates how processes operate and affect the way we live and how to apply Geographic skills to investigate the way environments interact.
- Demonstrate understanding of how a cultural process shapes geographic environment(s)
- Conduct geographic research with consultation
- Analyse aspects of a contemporary geographic issue
- Demonstrate understanding of a given environment(s) through selection and application of geographic concepts and skills
This course focuses on students working independently on a single major practical project using the skills and knowledge gained from the previous two years.
There are five Level 3 BCATS skill standards that work very well as an integrated project-based course, because students can demonstrate most of the evidence while completing one substantial construction project.
The five standards total 28 credits:
StandardFocusCredits40569Contribute to a healthy and safe BCATS environment540570Select and use materials for a BCATS project540571Manage tools, equipment and machinery540572Apply mathematical processes to a BCATS project540576Create and evaluate a BCATS project8TotalThese are all Level 3 standards and are internally assessed. NZQA confirms that the standards are designed to be demonstrated while undertaking a project, making an integrated project particularly appropriate. The standards are Skill standards which means that students can gain endorsements based on the quality of their practical outcome.
Level 3 Building, Construction and Allied Trades Skills – Major Project
This course gives students the opportunity to plan, construct and evaluate a substantial BCATS project while developing practical skills expected in entry-level construction and trades environments.
Students will:
The project should have enough complexity to allow students to demonstrate a range of techniques, strategies, materials and equipment, consistent with the Level 3 expectations.
Studying History at Waimate High School equips students with the critical thinking, source-checking, and analytical skills needed to navigate a complex, information-rich world. It empowers Ākonga to understand how past events, local heritage, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi directly shape their identity, community, and future opportunities.
This course enables students to examine different historical perspectives, make judgements on the validity of arguments and undertake historical research.
- Research an historical event or place of significance to New Zealanders, using primary and secondary sources
- Research an historical event or place of significance to New Zealanders and analyse the evidence used
- Explore different perspectives of a contested event of significance to New Zealanders
- Analyse the causes and consequences of a significant historical event.
This course extends students' understanding of Calculus, Algebra and Geometry.
- Extend understanding and skills in both differentiation and integration
- Apply trigonometry to situations beyond triangles
- Learn about graphing conic sections as implicit functions
- Develop the use of technology in solving linear problems in two and three dimensions
This course furthers composition and performance skills and further develops either music technology or music theory skills, depending on student interest.
- Perform two programmes of music as a featured soloist, and a programme of music on a second instrument
- Demonstrate ensemble skills performing two substantial pieces as a member of a group
- Compose three original songs or three original pieces of music
- Research a music topic
- Demonstrate understanding of music technology applications
L3 Painting Visual Arts syllabus.pdf
L3 Painting Visual Arts syllabus 2.pdf
This course uses practice-based inquiry to develop creative ideas and resolved artworks in response to a variety of influences in painting. Students are typically assessed on how well they:
Internals:
External
L3 Painting Visual Arts syllabus.pdf
L3 Painting Visual Arts syllabus 2.pdf
This course uses practice-based inquiry to develop creative ideas and resolved artworks in response to a variety of influences in Photography. Students are typically assessed on how well they:
Internals:
This course encourages students to apply, analyse and evaluate biophysical principles and their effectiveness in progressing skill execution and performance.
- Devise strategies for lifelong well-being by evaluating physical activity experiences
- Analyse a physical skill performed by self or others
- Evaluate the effectiveness of a performance improvement programme
- Demonstrate quality performance of a physical activity in an applied setting
- Develop strategies for a physical activity outcome
This course builds on the knowledge gained in Level 2 to gain a deeper understanding of physics in the everyday world.
- Build an understanding of waves and mechanical systems
- Develop an informed response to a socio-scientific issue using physics knowledge
- Study modern physics and apply this knowledge to a selected context
This course can be offered to students needing more time to complete their Certificate in Primary Industry Skills.
The third year of this practical course is available to students who need a little extra time to complete their Certificate in Primary Industry Skills. It may be an opportunity to extend their knowledge and practical opportunities in agriculture.
This course provides learning opportunities that respond to individual needs and aspirations. It is designed to grow the whole person and prepare them for their unique futures.
Develop the information, skills and guidance needed for a successful transition from school to the workforce and/or tertiary education.
Plan for the future by understanding issues around self-management, finances, interpersonal skills, work & study skills, and mental health.
This course will help students further develop their skills in statistics.
- Use the statistics enquiry cycle to analyse time series and bivariate data
- Analyse statistical reports and comment on their validity
- Extend understanding of probability concepts and distributions
This course provides students with the skills and knowledge to pursue a career in the Travel and tourism industry and any of the ITO schools in New Zealand.
- Discover facts and features about the Pacific Island countries as tourist destinations
- Researching, describing and promoting a New Zealand tourist destination
- Discover facts and features about Australia as a tourist destination