Wakatipu High School

Why this course:    
The aim of the course is continue to build on the English language that students have already acquired while learning more complex grammar and improving on their reading, writing, speaking and listening skills to support their learning in mainstream classes.

Course information:  
This class is for senior students who are at a level of English where they can manage in some mainstream classes but still need support, and still have a lot more English vocabulary and grammar to learn. 

In this course you will learn to:

• Read, understand and respond to information texts, instructions and explanations.
• Write information texts, instructions and explanations.
• Ask for, listen to and give oral information, opinions, instructions and explanations.
• Take part in discussions and talk about themselves in an interview.

This course leads to:
ELLP Stage 2 (7ESL).

This class is for High Needs and Very High Needs ORS funded students. 

In this class students will

• Develop life skills such as literacy and numeracy skills, social skills, financial awareness and communication skills
• Daily Living Skills are a high focus - utilising what our community has to offer and using the public transport system independently.
• Participate in the SPEC programme (South Pacific Educational Courses), where credits can be gained through passion project-focused booklets.
• Experience volunteering and community service
• Prepare and be supported in accessing work experience
• Contribute to the wider life of the school community
• Be supported to take part in opportunities beyond the classroom

Individualised goals are set for these students during the year.

Available for study in:    Year 9 to Year 13

Main areas of study:    

Please discuss with Mr Richards or Mrs Hearn what courses might be available

Course information:    

Distance Learning, also known as “online learning” and “e-learning”, refers to any learning that is undertaken by students at school but with a teacher or tutor from outside our school. There are currently two avenues for distance learning for our students:

• Te Aho o te Kura Pounamu – the Correspondence School
• NetNZ learning community

Who can enrol in Distance Learning courses

• Year 11, 12 and 13 students wishing to access courses which Wakatipu High School does not offer
• Year 9 to Year 13 students wishing to study their first or second language, if it is not offered at Wakatipu High School

What is required of students

• To be able to work independently, take ownership of their own learning.
• Regular attendance at NetNZ video conferences.
• To submit work on a regular basis to their e-teacher.
• To communicate regularly with the e-teacher. This can be done by email, phone, Google Talk.
• To communicate regularly with the e-learning co-ordinators (Mr Richards and Mrs Hearn).

Methods of assessment:    

Once you are entered in a course you will work with your e-teacher and Mr Richards to confirm your assessment programme for the year, e.g. the number and range of standards that you will be attempting.

The e-teacher will provide an online learning course where resources, lessons, homework and assessments are made available.

Students will have their online class on their timetable and will be in a supervised area during this time.

Available for study in:
ESL courses are offered to students who do not have English as their first language.

The nature of these courses depends on the ability of the students, their length of time in New Zealand and their educational goals. Course placement follows testing and discussion with students about their goals. Following testing students are placed in the corresponding English Learning Language Proficiency (ELLP) stage (From Foundation to Stage 3). 

Main areas of study:
This course provides elementary to advanced skills for English language learning in reading, writing, listening and speaking, vocabulary and grammar.

Outcomes:

• You will join in everyday conversation and hone your listening skills.
• You will be able to read basic to advanced texts.
• You will be able to write basic to advanced texts.

We aim to build your confidence in speaking, listening, reading and writing English and will teach you more vocabulary and grammar.

Methods of assessment:

• You will learn new vocabulary and have regular tests.
•  NCEA levels 1 - 3 standards are offered in this course.

Why this course:    
The aim of the course is continue to build on the English language that students have already acquired while learning more complex grammar and improving on their reading, writing, speaking and listening skills to support their learning in mainstream classes.

Course information:  
This class is for senior students who are at a level of English where they can manage in some mainstream classes but still need support, and still have a lot more English vocabulary and grammar to learn. 

In this course you will learn to:

• Read, understand and respond to information texts, instructions and explanations.
• Write information texts, instructions and explanations.
• Ask for, listen to and give oral information, opinions, instructions and explanations.
• Take part in discussions and talk about themselves in an interview.

This course leads to:
ELLP Stage 2 (7ESL).

This class is for High Needs and Very High Needs ORS funded students. 

In this class students will

• Develop life skills such as literacy and numeracy skills, social skills, financial awareness and communication skills
• Daily Living Skills are a high focus - utilising what our community has to offer and using the public transport system independently.
• Participate in the SPEC programme (South Pacific Educational Courses), where credits can be gained through passion project-focused booklets.
• Experience volunteering and community service
• Prepare and be supported in accessing work experience
• Contribute to the wider life of the school community
• Be supported to take part in opportunities beyond the classroom

Individualised goals are set for these students during the year.

Available for study in:    Year 9 to Year 13

Main areas of study:    

Please discuss with Mr Richards or Mrs Hearn what courses might be available

Course information:    

Distance Learning, also known as “online learning” and “e-learning”, refers to any learning that is undertaken by students at school but with a teacher or tutor from outside our school. There are currently two avenues for distance learning for our students:

• Te Aho o te Kura Pounamu – the Correspondence School
• NetNZ learning community

Who can enrol in Distance Learning courses

• Year 11, 12 and 13 students wishing to access courses which Wakatipu High School does not offer
• Year 9 to Year 13 students wishing to study their first or second language, if it is not offered at Wakatipu High School

What is required of students

• To be able to work independently, take ownership of their own learning.
• Regular attendance at NetNZ video conferences.
• To submit work on a regular basis to their e-teacher.
• To communicate regularly with the e-teacher. This can be done by email, phone, Google Talk.
• To communicate regularly with the e-learning co-ordinators (Mr Richards and Mrs Hearn).

Methods of assessment:    

Once you are entered in a course you will work with your e-teacher and Mr Richards to confirm your assessment programme for the year, e.g. the number and range of standards that you will be attempting.

The e-teacher will provide an online learning course where resources, lessons, homework and assessments are made available.

Students will have their online class on their timetable and will be in a supervised area during this time.

Available for study in:
ESL courses are offered to students who do not have English as their first language.

The nature of these courses depends on the ability of the students, their length of time in New Zealand and their educational goals. Course placement follows testing and discussion with students about their goals. Following testing students are placed in the corresponding English Learning Language Proficiency (ELLP) stage (From Foundation to Stage 3). 

Main areas of study:
This course provides elementary to advanced skills for English language learning in reading, writing, listening and speaking, vocabulary and grammar.

Outcomes:

• You will join in everyday conversation and hone your listening skills.
• You will be able to read basic to advanced texts.
• You will be able to write basic to advanced texts.

We aim to build your confidence in speaking, listening, reading and writing English and will teach you more vocabulary and grammar.

Methods of assessment:

• You will learn new vocabulary and have regular tests.
•  NCEA levels 1 - 3 standards are offered in this course.

Why this course:    
The aim of the course is continue to build on the English language that students have already acquired while learning more complex grammar and improving on their reading, writing, speaking and listening skills to support their learning in mainstream classes.

Course information:  
This class is for senior students who are at a level of English where they can manage in some mainstream classes but still need support, and still have a lot more English vocabulary and grammar to learn. 

In this course you will learn to:

• Read, understand and respond to information texts, instructions and explanations.
• Write information texts, instructions and explanations.
• Ask for, listen to and give oral information, opinions, instructions and explanations.
• Take part in discussions and talk about themselves in an interview.

This course leads to:
ELLP Stage 2 (7ESL).

This class is for High Needs and Very High Needs ORS funded students. 

In this class students will

• Develop life skills such as literacy and numeracy skills, social skills, financial awareness and communication skills
• Daily Living Skills are a high focus - utilising what our community has to offer and using the public transport system independently.
• Participate in the SPEC programme (South Pacific Educational Courses), where credits can be gained through passion project-focused booklets.
• Experience volunteering and community service
• Prepare and be supported in accessing work experience
• Contribute to the wider life of the school community
• Be supported to take part in opportunities beyond the classroom

Individualised goals are set for these students during the year.

Available for study in:    Year 9 to Year 13

Main areas of study:    

Please discuss with Mr Richards or Mrs Hearn what courses might be available

Course information:    

Distance Learning, also known as “online learning” and “e-learning”, refers to any learning that is undertaken by students at school but with a teacher or tutor from outside our school. There are currently two avenues for distance learning for our students:

• Te Aho o te Kura Pounamu – the Correspondence School
• NetNZ learning community

Who can enrol in Distance Learning courses

• Year 11, 12 and 13 students wishing to access courses which Wakatipu High School does not offer
• Year 9 to Year 13 students wishing to study their first or second language, if it is not offered at Wakatipu High School

What is required of students

• To be able to work independently, take ownership of their own learning.
• Regular attendance at NetNZ video conferences.
• To submit work on a regular basis to their e-teacher.
• To communicate regularly with the e-teacher. This can be done by email, phone, Google Talk.
• To communicate regularly with the e-learning co-ordinators (Mr Richards and Mrs Hearn).

Methods of assessment:    

Once you are entered in a course you will work with your e-teacher and Mr Richards to confirm your assessment programme for the year, e.g. the number and range of standards that you will be attempting.

The e-teacher will provide an online learning course where resources, lessons, homework and assessments are made available.

Students will have their online class on their timetable and will be in a supervised area during this time.

Available for study in:
ESL courses are offered to students who do not have English as their first language.

The nature of these courses depends on the ability of the students, their length of time in New Zealand and their educational goals. Course placement follows testing and discussion with students about their goals. Following testing students are placed in the corresponding English Learning Language Proficiency (ELLP) stage (From Foundation to Stage 3). 

Main areas of study:
This course provides elementary to advanced skills for English language learning in reading, writing, listening and speaking, vocabulary and grammar.

Outcomes:

• You will join in everyday conversation and hone your listening skills.
• You will be able to read basic to advanced texts.
• You will be able to write basic to advanced texts.

We aim to build your confidence in speaking, listening, reading and writing English and will teach you more vocabulary and grammar.

Methods of assessment:

• You will learn new vocabulary and have regular tests.
•  NCEA levels 1 - 3 standards are offered in this course.

Who: Students in Year 11 who may need additional support to remain engaged and attain NCEA Level 1

Aim: To help support students to navigate their future learning pathway. This will consist of an individualised plan to engage and meet the needs and interests of each student. It will be flexible around structured workplace learning, further study to support their educational goal, and career aspirations.  For some students this might mean a transition into the workplace.

Why: To provide learning opportunities in school while also exploring the ‘world of work’ within the local community to develop vocational skills and interests, with the purpose of increasing self belief, motivation, and aspirations for their own futures. 

Profile Suitability: Students are not able to self select this option and are identified via Deans, Learning  Support and the Senior Leadership Team. 

Specifically these students need to have:

• A vocational interest and be committed to unpaid work placement.
• Regular attendance at school, preferably at 85% or above.
• Engagement and a sense of responsibility towards achieving a minimum of 20 L1 credits in this programme. 
• A focus to maintain acceptable LEI’s in all mainstream subjects.

Standards below are an example of what may be offered over the course of the year.

497 Health & Safety
1978 Employment Rights
33242 Wellbeing
504 CV
4249 Employment Obligations
453 Work in a new place
30911 Demo Knowledge
4261 Motor Vehicle
1293 Interviews
28089 Financial Goals
12349 Managing Time

Who: Students in Year 11 or Year 12

Course Information

Students who participate in a RISE course are able to have a bespoke focus to this class. It is delivered at The Loft, by Youth Workers and has flexibility in the timetable for what line this may occur on for the student. 

In this class, students are generally completing unit standards focused on life skills, building up literacy and numeracy skills. The unit standards are at the appropriate level (Level 1 for Year 11 students, Level 2 for Year 12 students). 

Students in this programme are also connected with the careers team and could be offered bespoke courses, as well as support in gaining their learners licence with Drive My Life.

Why this course:

This course enables students to gain a taste of what the study of photography, design and/or digital drawing entails at the senior level. In completing this course, students gain the skills required for success in Level 2 Art Photography (7FOT) and Level 2 Art Design (7ARD).

Course information:

The year will begin with a community and personal investigation into a place where we belong. Students will be encouraged to source subject matter and objects to extend their ideas. Exploration into photography and design will be a focus and will provide a framework to generate artworks. 

Students will be exposed to a variety of established contemporary and traditional photographers and designers to ensure their work is personalised and that their own interests are given the opportunity to develop. 

This course is constructed to explore culture and looks at past histories. The first part of the year will focus primarily on the internal achievement standards in Photography and Design. Students are then encouraged to experiment with different media as they extend their ideas to create a substantial workbook which will generate their external assessment task (one folio panel, A1 size). The workbook and folio will be collated and assessed at the end of Term 3.

Expect a fun-filled year of research and experimentation in developing skills in the art of photography and designs. Students who are passionate about creativity and enjoy working in the digital art fields should consider this course.

This course leads to:

Level 2 Art Design (7ARD), Level 2 Art Painting (7ARP) and Level 2 Art Photography (7FOT).

https://www.wakatipu.school.nz/byod.html

Why this course:

This course enables students to gain a taste of what the study of painting and drawing entails at the senior level. In completing this course, students will gain the skills required for success in Level 2 Painting (7ARP).

Research suggests that art education is important in developing thought processes and perceptual awareness which is helpful in developing creative thinking. 

Course information:

The year begins with a personal investigation into a place where we stand and belong (turangawaewae). Students will be encouraged to source subject matter and objects to extend their ideas. Exploration of drawing and painting techniques will be a focus and will provide a framework with which to generate artworks. 

Students will be exposed to a variety of established contemporary and traditional painters, printers and craft artist models to ensure their work is personalised and their own ideas can be extended in new and exciting directions.

The year will focus primarily on the internal Achievement Standards in drawing, painting and printmaking. As the year progresses students are encouraged to experiment with different media as they extend their ideas. They will build up a substantial workbook and create a body of work which will generate their External assessment (one folio panel, A1 size). The workbook and folio will be collated and assessed at the end of Term 3.

Expect a fun-filled year of research and experimentation in developing picture-making skills. Students who are passionate about creativity and enjoy working in all art fields should consider this course.

This course leads to:

Level 2 Art Design (7ARD), Level 2 Art Painting (7ARP) and Level 2 Art Photography (7FOT).

Why this course:    

This course combines an introduction to Economics and Business Studies. It leads to the separate Economics and Business Studies courses available at Levels 2 and 3, which are each accredited UE courses at Level 3. 

The knowledge and skills gained in Economics and Business Studies, and exposure to enterprise culture, can help shape ‘creative, energetic and enterprising’ young people who will contribute to New Zealand’s economic future. 

Course information:    

Students will gain knowledge, skills and experience in:

• Fast moving consumer goods and strategies used to market these products
• Circular flow and interdependence within the New Zealand economy - local case study.
• Planning, carrying out and reviewing a business activity (group work component)
• Demand, supply and market equilibirium.

This course leads to:    

Level 2 Economics (7ECO) and/or Level 2 Business Studies (7BUS)

Why this course:    

Students choosing this course will gain skills and knowledge which will provide them with a fundamental understanding of key concepts in Digital Technologies. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be well prepared for Level 2 & Level 3 Digital Technologies (7DIT and 8DIT).

Course information:    

The aim of this course is to introduce students a range of digital technologies concepts and help them move from passive consumers to active producers of digital technologies outcomes. This course will develop computational thinking skills while building capacity in designing and developing digital outcomes.

The course will include a range of topics which may include:

• Planning and developing basic computer programs using Python.
• Designing and developing digital media outcomes including use of HTML and CSS for web development.
• Examining interface design and developing understanding of human computer interaction (HCI).
• Collecting, analysing and managing data using an SQL database.

The course aims to offer a programme of study which includes both theoretical and practical components.

This course leads to:    

Level 2 Digital Technology (7DIT).  

Why this course:

Now more than ever we need to communicate effectively with those around us. The confident articulate person finds it easier to share information, seek answers, accept new challenges, and explore new directions. Students develop; a high level of self-awareness and an ability to evaluate themselves and others; confidence, assertiveness, tolerance, self-worth and discipline; an ability to face and respond to an audience; a greater understanding of the multi-cultural society in which we live.

Course information:

Drama allows us to explore the human condition and make sense of our dreams, fears and who we are in a complex world. The course is flexible and exciting based on NZQA Level 1 standards. The focus is on the practical experience of creating and performing drama. This means that attendance is everything because you are always part of a team. It makes for a very creative and innovative environment where every day is different! 

Key skills that are developed include interpreting text, developing convincing roles in live performance, devising original drama and the study of theatre form such as melodrama.

This course leads to:

Level 2 Drama (7DRA).

Why this course:    

Design & Visual Communication focuses on real life problem solving. It also has a strong emphasis on high quality presentation. This course should appeal to students who are able to create innovative solutions to problems and present them in a visually appealing way. These skills can be transferred to a wide range of future study and career pathways.

Course information:    

Design & Visual Communication involves the visual communication of the solutions to design problems through application of the design process. Level 1 concentrates on specific skills required throughout this process. These skills are introduced through a series of short design brief tasks which are then submitted for internal assessment. The external aspect of the course involves presenting a portfolio of evidence across a variety of freehand and instrumental drawing skills. These external standards are carried out throughout the internal projects.

This course leads to:    Level 2 Design and Visual Communication (7DVC).

Why this course:
You will build the knowledge and skills needed to participate in the social, cultural, political and economic life of Queenstown, Aotearoa and the world beyond. Being an effective oral, written and visual communicator who can think critically is important for the senior years of high school (and whatever happens afterwards). 

Course information: 
This course will challenge students to achieve their personal academic goals through exposure to new and stimulating texts. Critical thinking skills are developed through the exploration of a theme and examining why film-makers and writers make certain choices. Students will learn to shape their writing in more sophisticated ways, employing logic and rhetorical devices to communicate ideas persuasively. 

The skills gained in 6ENG are transferable, and will support study in most other subject areas. 

This course leads to:
Level 2 English (7ENG) or Level 2 Media Studies (7MST). To progress to (and succeed in) Level 2 English courses, students must achieve 15 Level 1 credits including one externally assessed standard. They are also expected to attempt all internally assessed standards. 

Why this course: 
Students will develop competency in the French language, listening, reading, speaking and writing skills. This course builds on the four skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking French. This course provides a formal qualification in French and is a prerequisite for Year 12 French.

Learning French allows to be understood in 55 countries across five continents and by over 200 million people. Students who know French will also be more competitive in many disciplines across the national/international job market.
French is the third most common language on the internet. Connect with pen pals, visit foreign websites and find student exchange opportunities including a 8-day trip to a French speaking country for Year 11 students and the Year 13 French exchange, six weeks in Switzerland.

Course information: 
In this course you will be working towards gaining Level 1 credits for NCEA. It will provide students with a deeper knowledge of France and French speaking countries, traditions and culture in France. This course encourages effective communication in listening and responding, speaking and presenting, interacting, viewing/reading and writing.
In Year 11 the language, vocabulary, structures and themes you studied in Year 9 and Year 10 are revised and extended and the following new themes are studied: travel, sport and leisure, holidays, eating out, health and celebrations.
You will develop communication beyond the immediate context of your life, e.g. about past and future events.
You will learn to understand & produce a variety of text types, using a variety of tenses, structures & vocabulary, developing towards social competence in the language.

Cultural activities: Students are participating in cultural activities such as communicating with students from Tahiti, the French Film Festival, the International French Diploma (DELF), the French Pique-Nique.

This course leads to:    
Level 2 French (7FRE).

Why this course:    

6FTK: This course is for people who have an interest in food technology, food science and nutrition. Students will gain a greater understanding of technology systems and processes. The skills obtained in food technology will help prior to attending university courses.

6HOS: Queenstown’s economy is built on tourism and a major part of this is the hospitality industry. From hotel work to front of house responsibilities in a cafe or restaurant, from working as a chef or even a barista, the opportunities for employment in our fair town are endless. This course caters to students who wish to pursue a career working in some aspect of the hospitality industry either here, elsewhere in NZ or even abroad.  If students are to be considered for this course they need to select 6FTK in course selection. NOTE: 6HOS selection is based on a variety of factors including past assessment results.

6FTK Course information:   

The aim of this course is to apply technological practice in an authentic context to develop and create an outcome that is guided by the brief and stakeholder feedback to meet the requirements of the end user.  Whilst developing their outcome using the design process, students will explore material properties and trial techniques as well as investigating and applying sustainable practices for the environment.  Topics taught are likely to include;

• Use a design process for an identified stakeholder/s that may include:
  • identifying a need and/or opportunity.
  • undertaking relevant research.
  • ideating, developing and refining ideas.
  • evaluating ideas and outcomes.
• Investigate and apply sustainable practices for the environment, to the design process.
• Safely explore materials through experimentation and identify how the exploration/experiments informed their understanding of the properties of materials.  Investigate and trial appropriate techniques during the development of a feasible outcome.  Use practical skills to develop and create a purposeful outcome using the selected materials and techniques.

This course leads to:    

Level 2 Food Technology (7FTK) and/or Level 2 Hospitality (7HOS). To gain entry into the Year 12 Food Technology (7FTK) a student must gain at least 12 credits at Level 1 or at the discretion of the Teacher in Charge or HOLA.

6HOS Course information:

The aim of this course is to explore practical cooking skills with a focus on developing competence in food hygiene and safe practices. This course comes in the form of online resources and assessments from Service IQ. The course covers a range of different cooking techniques taught within the topics of hot finger food, cakes, sponges & scones, sauces & soups, meat, fruits & vegetables, cheeses & eggs, as well as covering knife use, care & storage, and careers within the industry. This course offers a programme of both practical and theoretical components of Hospitality topics.

This course leads to

This course is for people who have an interest in and/or would like to pursue a career in the hospitality industry. It has been designed to lead on to 7HOS and then potentially Level 3 Hospitality offered via the Cromwell Trades Academy.

This course is assessed using Unit Standards. Please note this means that a subject endorsement is not possible, nor is it possible to gain credits towards an NCEA Level endorsement. This course does not lead to a UE capable subject in Year 13.

Why this course:    

Geography is about discovering the beauty and complexity of the natural and cultural world. This is a dynamic subject that takes a contemporary approach to relevant and significant issues for people and environments today and in the future.

Geography at this level allows students to develop skills which enable them to:

• Research geographic issues in depth
• Identify global patterns, perspective and interactions between people and places
• Explore environments that have been shaped by natural and cultural processes.
• Apply concepts and geographic skills to local, regional and global contexts

Course information:    

Students will explore:

• Rivers, in relation to the local 12-mile river.
• Global population issues that affect people and places.
• How environments have been shaped by natural disasters.
• Tectonic and climatic processes that impact our local environment.

This course leads to:   

Level 2 Geography (7GEO) and/or Level 2 Tourism (7TOU).

This course is aimed at students who are interested in a health science, psychology, public health, or education pathway. This course is for students who are interested in and passionate about health and wellbeing at a personal, interpersonal, and societal level. Level 1 Health Studies will complement Level 1 Physical Education (6PED) or can be taken on its own.

Course information:

Throughout this course, students will learn about the four underlying concepts of Health Education: hauora, the socio-ecological perspective, health promotion, and attitudes and values.

Students will use this knowledge to investigate:

• A variety of influences teenagers experience
• The consequences of these influences on wellbeing
• Strategies that can be implemented to support wellbeing in these situations
• Decision-making models
• Models of health/wellbeing
• Contextual knowledge around:
  • Mental health
  • Nutrition
  • Sexuality education
  • Drug and alcohol education

This course leads to:
Level 2 Health (7HEA).

Why this course:    

History is a stimulating subject that investigates issues that are both relevant and significant for people today and in the future. An increasing number of career pathways are open for people who study History, such as criminal and family law, journalism, political analysis, research, social work, archaeology, human resource management, and many others.

This course leads to Level 2 History (7HIS) and provides transferable skills that are useful in a wide range of other curriculum areas. History provides the opportunity to acquire a range of skills including academic writing, critical thinking, evaluating perspectives, and creating logical arguments. Students develop research skills (planning and carrying out major research assignments) and communication skills (expressing ideas clearly and logically as well as learning how to construct balanced and logical arguments and reports).

Course information:    

This course involves specific areas of study which will include investigating “Difficult Decisions” such as:

• Was the dropping of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki morally necessary?
• Why did the 1981 test match between the Springboks and the All Blacks divide the nation?
• How significant was Dame Whina Cooper in Aotearoa New Zealand's history?
• How has the Birmingham Campaign reflected conflicting perspectives in the Black Civil Rights Movement?

This course leads to: 

Level 2 History (7HIS), Level 2 Psychology (7PSY)

Why this course:    

The aim of this course is to broaden each student’s technological knowledge and practice while at the same time stimulating the creativity that lies within us all. We feel this course will engage students and challenge them. We hope it promotes personal excellence and that it will open up pathways to further learning.

Course information:    

Our focus in this Level 1 course is on helping students become innovative developers of products and systems. This NCEA Level 1 Hard Materials Technology course is fully assessed using Achievement Standards that highlight technology problem solving and planning. We see the delivery of Achievement Standards as being our best tool to encourage, challenge and engage our students.

This course leads to:    

Level 2 Hard Materials Technology (7HTK).

Why this course:    
Students will find this course very helpful if they are planning on travelling to Japan, and participating in exchange opportunities, meeting Japanese speakers, dealing with Japanese businesses and discovering the Japanese culture.

Course information: 
Learning Japanese gives students the chance to communicate in a different language, and to gain an appreciation of a fascinating culture. Students develop their speaking and listening skills, as well as reading and using the unique writing systems, which can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. The aim of the course is to consolidate the four skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking so that students develop fluency in communication in Japanese. Students cover aspects of daily life such as family relationships, health, hobbies and sports. Other topics include my town, school life, shopping and travelling. Students will learn to read and write using hiragana, katakana, kanji characters. 

This course leads to:    
Level 2 and 3 Japanese (7JPN & 8JPN), which may be available through correspondence.

This course is assessed using:
Achievements Standards. 

Note: The running of this course will depend on sufficient number of students choosing this course. 

Why this course: 
There are numerous reasons to learn Māori from personal enjoyment to career requirements. Whatever it may be, learning Māori will not only provide great satisfaction, but a greater connection with New Zealand and an enhanced understanding of our culture and society.

Course information:
By the end of Level 6 of the curriculum, students can converse with Te Reo Māori language speakers in familiar social situations and cope with some less familiar ones. They can use basic Māori language patterns spontaneously. They show a willingness to experiment with new language and to read independently. They can write short passages, personal letters, and simple formal letters in Te Reo Māori. Students are increasingly confident in using a range of strategies for learning Te Reo Māori and for communicating with others in predominantly Māori social contexts.

Within the new NZ Curriculum, it is recommended that NCEA Level 1 Te Reo Māori students should be at level 5 and 6 ‘Te Puawaitanga’ – achieving social competence of Te Reo Māori of the NZ Curriculum guidelines for learning Te Reo Māori in English medium schools – Te Aho Arataki Marau mo te ako i Te Reo Māori. 

The NCEA Te Reo Māori assessments evaluate five skills: ‘Whakarongo’ listening, ‘Kōrero’ speech, ‘Pānui’ reading comprehension, ‘Tuhituhi’ writing and ‘Waihanga tuhi’ crafted writing

Opportunities outside of the classroom:

• Connect to community through kaupapa Māori
• Discover more about local history and pūrākau
• Noho Marae
• Visit to Waitangi 
• Opportunity to partake in the Ngā Manu Kōrero

This course leads to:    
Level 2 Māori (7MAO).

The Mathematics department  will place students in the Mathematics course that best suits their skill level to ensure that they are successful.

The decision on what class they are placed in is determined by their results throughout the year, with a particular emphasis on their level of achievement in Algebra. To be placed in 6MAC, an Algebra rich course, the student needs to be at Level 5 of the National Curriculum for Mathematics.

Why this course: 
Te Ao Haka is a new and exciting performance-based subject. It provides opportunities for students to engage in Māori culture, language, and traditional practice. Students learn the whakapapa, history and language through the medium of haka and waiata. Students of Te Ao Haka develop a range of skills and dispositions that enable them to become life-long learners and equip them for future success. It gives students the opportunity to grow into proud, confident, disciplined, resilient, accountable, hard working, committed, humble leaders who are able to work collaboratively. They will improve their knowledge of performance, language, and Māori culture. Te Ao Haka provides students with opportunities both within and outside of the subject.

The acquisition of Te Ao Haka skills opens doors to diverse and exciting prospects, with viable career pathways in areas such as theatre, teaching, TV and film, the tourism industry, or government.  This subject not only imparts knowledge but also paves the way for further studies, enabling students to pursue their passions and interests at a higher level.

Course information: 
In this course, you will be working towards gaining Level 1 credits for NCEA. It will provide students with a deeper knowledge of te reo me ōna tikanga, meaning the language and its cultural practices and reflects the intrinsic link between the Māori language and culture. 

This comprehensive course cultivates effective communication skills across various performance-based contexts. Students engage in a multifaceted exploration of communication, focusing on listening and responding, speaking and presenting, interacting, viewing/reading, and writing.

 In Year 11 the language, vocabulary, structures and themes you studied in Year 9 and Year 10 are revised and extended.

Credit Information:  
Google Classroom will be used regularly as well as interactive resources such as Education Perfect to extend your learning.

Assessment Information:  
This course is assessed using Achievement and/or Unit Standards. Please note exact standards are subject to change and individual assessment programmes may be provided in consultation with student and teacher.

This course leads to:  
Level 2 Te Ao Haka - Māori Performing Arts (7MPA).

Why this course:

Music is a strong source of communication, creativity and wellbeing. It allows people to express themselves in many ways, both as an individual and as part of a group. This course provides an excellent foundation for further study and strongly complements the extra-curricular activities offered at WHS. Students will study a core of achievement standards and there may be the opportunity to choose additional music technology standards.

Course information:

Level 1 Music is designed to enable students to further their interest in music and is based around the skills of performance, composition, understanding of musical genres, music technology and knowledge of the music language. 

Key skills that are developed include:

• Further development of skills in at least one instrument/vocals in a performance context.
• The ability to create, structure and present musical ideas using a variety of approaches and contexts.
• Understanding of music elements and features through analysis of specific pieces of music.
• Understanding of music theory.
• Use of sound technology in both performance and composition situations.

This course leads to:

Level 2 Music (7MUS) builds on the skills developed in Level 1. The course allows for more specialisation in areas of interest that include performance, composition, music history, music analysis, music technology and skills related to musicianship and aural understanding.

Why this course:
This course offers an introduction to senior Physical Education for students who wish to learn in, through and about movement. Students who are interested in a career in sports performance, coaching or physical training, health sciences or education will gain valuable insights into the why and how of sporting performance and teamwork.

Course information:
This is a course that explores a number of key concepts related to the Physical Education field. Students will learn about:

• Effort, engagement and influences affecting participation in sport and physical activities.
• Evaluating sports performance through the use of anatomy, biomechanics and exercise physiology principles.
• Interpersonal skills and teamwork.
• Skill learning principles and ways to learn and improve physical skills.
• A passion for physical activity and movement.
• An understanding that there is both a theoretical and practical element needed to be successful in this subject.
• Performance of a physical activity.
• Cultural values and the impact they have on physical activity.

This course leads to:
Level 2 Physical Education (7PED)

Why this course: 
This course places emphasis on the concept of science being a useful and integral part of life at school, home and in the community. In addition, successful completion of this Level 1 course is a prerequisite for Level 2 and 3 study within the Science area.

Students who are interested in pursuing 2 or more of the specialist sciences in Level 2 and Level 3 (biology, chemistry, earth and space science, physics) are strongly recommended to also elect to take the Level 1 Specialist Science (6SCS) course, which is designed to support and enhance the learning that is done in General Science so that the transition to Level 2 specialist sciences is as smooth as possible.

Course information:
Have you thought about why you need to eat, why cars rust, how batteries produce electrical energy or why clouds produce rain? Science helps you discover answers to such questions. So many things are based on science and students can explore not just the world of living things, but all types of substances and how they react, while gaining an understanding of concepts, such as force and energy. This course has been designed to be relevant and interesting and to give you the opportunity to achieve the NCEA Qualification in a manner most appropriate to your individual learning needs.

You will learn from wide variety of topics in biology, chemistry and physics, building on skills and knowledge from your Year 9 and 10 science courses. In addition there is a greater emphasis on practical science skill, relating science ideas to the everyday world, learning to understand and evaluate evidence from a variety of sources, including those other than scientific texts. We will learn how to determine the purpose for which a resource has been written and how much it can be relied upon. In addition we will learn how to investigate through practical experiment, how to make experimental results relevant to others, and how to relate practical laboratory work to the wider world.

This course leads to: 
Level 2 Science courses (7BIO, 7CHE, 7PHX, 7HOR and 7ESS).

Why this course: 
This course has been designed for students who are intending to study multiple specialist sciences at Level 2 and 3. Students take this course as an option, alongside the Level 1 Science course (6SCE). This course will offer students access to greater breadth of knowledge across all aspects of the Science curriculum, so that the transition to Level 2 Biology, Chemistry, Earth & Space Science and Physics is less challenging than it otherwise might be. Specialist Science will be particularly helpful to students who are planning to study Level 2 Physics and/or Chemistry although it is not a prerequisite.

Course information: 
You will learn from a wide variety of topics in biology, chemistry and physics. All of the topics build on the skills and knowledge from your junior science courses and in many cases they will complement the learning that you are doing in your General Science class. 

This course leads to:
Level 2 Science courses (7BIO, 7CHE, 7PHX, 7ESS and 7HOR).

Why this course:
By studying Spanish, students gain insight into a rich history and a variety of cultures and societies that span the globe. Students will develop competency in the Spanish language, listening, reading, speaking and writing skills. This course builds on the four skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking French. This course provides a formal qualification in Spanish and is a prerequisite for Year 12 Spanish (7SPA). 

Course information:
This course develops the four main language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Students hear and learn the Spanish language as it is spoken in both Spain and Latin America.

Throughout the course, the style remains conversational and learning is set to a backdrop of realistic and everyday situations. From introducing oneself to describing family and friends, this course provides students with the ability to socially converse in basic Spanish.

This course leads to:   
Level 2 Spanish (7SPA).

Why this course:    

An opportunity for students in Year 12 and 13 to personalise a course that would meet their learning needs in relation to a passion and/or a pathway. The course would be constructed in conjunction with teachers and is not restricted to any one learning area. It provides an opportunity to enhance and develop areas of interest (passion subjects) as well as "learn to learn" (6 week programme). It can also serve to assist pathways to further study. Students from Year 11 may be considered on an individual basis (please contact Mrs Richards).

Course information:    

Students with identified passions and/or pathways could use this course to extend and challenge their areas of interest. Learning would be project and inquiry focused with guidance from teachers and access to specialists, as required. This is not an assessment driven course, although a limited number of credits can be provided in collaboration with other teachers. Students could potentially extend into Level 4 studies through SIT and online University courses.

Course design is individualised to construct a purposeful and meaningful course of learning for each student. 

This process begins toward the end of the previous academic year with information being gathered by students for and about themselves. The process of mapping out the course would be completed in the first few weeks of the academic year. This process will be co-constructed with the input of Kaiārahi, subject teachers and Whānau. This is an involved and considered process; not an open menu of standards that students freely pick and choose. 

Examples of possible course themes:

• Fashion and Costume Design
• Passion Project Human Rights Topic, e.g. Gender Inequality.
• Mountain Biking – technology, engineering, health, physical education.
• Philosophy

Why this course:    
The aim of the course is continue to build on the English language that students have already acquired while learning more complex grammar and improving on their reading, writing, speaking and listening skills to support their learning in mainstream classes.

Course information:  
This class is for senior students who are at a level of English where they can manage in some mainstream classes but still need support, and still have a lot more English vocabulary and grammar to learn. 

In this course you will learn to:

• Read, understand and respond to information texts, instructions and explanations.
• Write information texts, instructions and explanations.
• Ask for, listen to and give oral information, opinions, instructions and explanations.
• Take part in discussions and talk about themselves in an interview.

This course leads to:
ELLP Stage 2 (7ESL).

Why this course:   
The aim of the course is continue to build on the English language that students have already acquired while teaching more complex grammar and improving reading, writing, speaking and listening skills to support their learning in mainstream classes. This is not a UE-approved course.

Course information: 
This class is for senior students who have been learning English for several years. Students will be doing mainstream subjects but still need English support and have more English vocabulary and grammar to learn.

In this course students will review all English grammar but at a more complex level. They will learn academic vocabulary, reading for practical purposes and start to develop their research skills. Students will develop their writing for different purposes, such as explanations.

In this course you will learn to:

• Read, understand and respond to information texts, instructions and explanations.
• Write information texts, instructions and explanations.
• Ask for, listen to and give oral information, opinions, instructions and explanations.
• Take part in discussions and talk about themselves in an interview.

This course leads to: 
Level 3 ESOL (8ESL).

This class is for High Needs and Very High Needs ORS funded students. 

In this class students will

• Develop life skills such as literacy and numeracy skills, social skills, financial awareness and communication skills
• Daily Living Skills are a high focus - utilising what our community has to offer and using the public transport system independently.
• Participate in the SPEC programme (South Pacific Educational Courses), where credits can be gained through passion project-focused booklets.
• Experience volunteering and community service
• Prepare and be supported in accessing work experience
• Contribute to the wider life of the school community
• Be supported to take part in opportunities beyond the classroom

Individualised goals are set for these students during the year.

Available for study in:    Year 9 to Year 13

Main areas of study:    

Please discuss with Mr Richards or Mrs Hearn what courses might be available

Course information:    

Distance Learning, also known as “online learning” and “e-learning”, refers to any learning that is undertaken by students at school but with a teacher or tutor from outside our school. There are currently two avenues for distance learning for our students:

• Te Aho o te Kura Pounamu – the Correspondence School
• NetNZ learning community

Who can enrol in Distance Learning courses

• Year 11, 12 and 13 students wishing to access courses which Wakatipu High School does not offer
• Year 9 to Year 13 students wishing to study their first or second language, if it is not offered at Wakatipu High School

What is required of students

• To be able to work independently, take ownership of their own learning.
• Regular attendance at NetNZ video conferences.
• To submit work on a regular basis to their e-teacher.
• To communicate regularly with the e-teacher. This can be done by email, phone, Google Talk.
• To communicate regularly with the e-learning co-ordinators (Mr Richards and Mrs Hearn).

Methods of assessment:    

Once you are entered in a course you will work with your e-teacher and Mr Richards to confirm your assessment programme for the year, e.g. the number and range of standards that you will be attempting.

The e-teacher will provide an online learning course where resources, lessons, homework and assessments are made available.

Students will have their online class on their timetable and will be in a supervised area during this time.

Available for study in:
ESL courses are offered to students who do not have English as their first language.

The nature of these courses depends on the ability of the students, their length of time in New Zealand and their educational goals. Course placement follows testing and discussion with students about their goals. Following testing students are placed in the corresponding English Learning Language Proficiency (ELLP) stage (From Foundation to Stage 3). 

Main areas of study:
This course provides elementary to advanced skills for English language learning in reading, writing, listening and speaking, vocabulary and grammar.

Outcomes:

• You will join in everyday conversation and hone your listening skills.
• You will be able to read basic to advanced texts.
• You will be able to write basic to advanced texts.

We aim to build your confidence in speaking, listening, reading and writing English and will teach you more vocabulary and grammar.

Methods of assessment:

• You will learn new vocabulary and have regular tests.
•  NCEA levels 1 - 3 standards are offered in this course.

Why This Course:

This course is designed to better serve our high achieving and promising senior student-athletes and will support these students to achieve both their academic and sporting goals. 

Course Information:

The course will be available to Year 12 and 13 students and is designed to be very holistic. Key focus areas will include; self-management and organisation (balancing various academic and sporting demands across the year); utilising class time to train both together and individually; wellness and the factors that feed into a healthy well-balanced athlete i.e nutrition, sports psychology and injury prevention. 

Academy Southland will provide support materials and guidance for students who will also get access to the local knowledge and expertise available at Axis Sports Medicine as well as other expertise.

Students would also have the ability to utilise the sessions to prioritise academic demands in other subjects and/or train specifically for their individual sports. This course will replace a study line for Year 13 students. This course is predominantly for Year 12 and 13 students, entry to other year levels on a case-by-case basis. 

Who: Students in Year 11 or Year 12

Course Information

Students who participate in a RISE course are able to have a bespoke focus to this class. It is delivered at The Loft, by Youth Workers and has flexibility in the timetable for what line this may occur on for the student. 

In this class, students are generally completing unit standards focused on life skills, building up literacy and numeracy skills. The unit standards are at the appropriate level (Level 1 for Year 11 students, Level 2 for Year 12 students). 

Students in this programme are also connected with the careers team and could be offered bespoke courses, as well as support in gaining their learners licence with Drive My Life.

Why this course: 
This course provides an introduction to graphic design and enables students to gain the background skills and knowledge needed to satisfactorily undertake Level 3 Art Design (8ARD). Furthermore, research suggests that art education is important in developing thought processes and perceptual awareness which is helpful in developing creative thinking.

Course information: 
This course offers students the opportunity to follow their personal interests in relation to a generic design brief. The brief is based on the promotion of an event of their choosing. Students are required to create a cohesive set of designs for a poster, logo, ticket, t-shirt and magazine article. In meeting the needs of the tasks, they are required to investigate key traditional and contemporary design models, become familiar with design terminology and visual design principles through practical application.

This course leads to: 
Level 3 Art Design (8ARD).

Why this course: 
This course leads to Level 3 art subjects and, thereafter, the opportunity to apply for polytechnic or university visual art courses such as art/architecture/design (graphics).

Any students considering tertiary study in the visual arts, architecture or design courses are recommended to take at least one art course at Level 2. Further, research suggests that art education is important for developing thought processes and perceptual awareness which is helpful in developing creative thinking. 

Course information:  
Students will further develop their painting skills through the study and production of selected art methods and practices. They will become familiar with ways in which artists treat subject matter and ideas. This course offers students a more personal and in-depth study in their exploration of subject matter and media. In preparation for Level 3 Painting students will:

• Explore and develop methods of working in wet media.
• Develop techniques in producing art work.
• Explore within their work a study of various methods used by artists (subject matter/ideas/media).
• Analyse and interpret artworks using various perspectives.

This course leads to: 
Level 3 Art Painting (8ARP).

Why this course: 
The living world strand is about living things and how they interact with each other and the environment. Students develop an understanding of the diversity of life and life processes, of where and how life has evolved, of evolution as the link between life processes and ecology. As a result, they are able to make more informed decisions about significant biological issues. The emphasis is on the biology of New Zealand, including the sustainability of New Zealand’s unique fauna and flora and distinctive ecosystems. 

For students whose career plans include tertiary study it is important to find out whether Level 2 Chemistry (7CHE) or Level 2 Physics (7PHX) is also required.

Course information:
Students will learn about:

• Adaptations and Ecology
• Processes at the cellular level
• DNA and gene expression
• Genetic variation and change

This course leads to:
Level 3 Biology (8BIO). Students will require a minimum of 10 Level 2 credits with grades of Merit or better in at least 2 externally assessed standards to progress to Level 3 Biology.

Why this course:    

This course will focus on the New Zealand business environment. It leads directly to Level 3 Business Studies (8BUS) and prepares for tertiary study in business, marketing, and other commerce degrees. 

Course information:    

Students will gain knowledge, skills and experiences to:

• Conduct market research and evaluate the research (group activity)
• Plan, carry out, refine and review a business activity with community context (group activity)
• Understand internal operations of a New Zealand business
• Investigate motivational practice in a business environment (local case study)

This course leads to:    

Level 3 Business (8BUS).

Why this course:
Every aspect of our daily lives has in some way, shape or form been the result of a chemical reaction. From the chemistry which is the basis of all living organisms to the chemistry of cooking and the clothes we wear, there is nothing that does not involve chemistry in some shape or form. As large a proportion as possible of the year’s work will include practical work and demonstrations. It is important that students are challenged by what they see, and learn how to explain their observation. If you are unsure whether or not chemistry is for you, or if you require chemistry for your chosen vocation, see HoLA Science or the Careers Adviser.

Course information: 
Chemistry is the study of the substances that make up the world. It is called the central science as it has a major impact on fields as diverse as environmental studies, biology, materials science, medicine and geology. By understanding chemistry we learn more about the world around us and ourselves. An education in chemistry will prepare you for a wide variety of positions in industry, education, research or the public sector. Chemists who have chosen to combine their chemistry with study in other fields, such as law or business often have a direct path to higher management.

This course leads to:  
Level 3 Chemistry (8CHE). Students will require a minimum of 12 Level 2 credits in order to progress to Level 3 Chemistry. These should be with Merit grades or higher.

Why this course:    

Students choosing this course will gain skills and knowledge which will provide them with an understanding of the concepts needed for Level 3 Digital Technologies (8DIT). It also provides sound skills for those with an interest in a career within fields of digital media and design, computer science and engineering.

Course information:    

The aim of this course is to develop an understanding of how to apply advanced skills and techniques in the development of Digital Technology outcomes. Digital technology applications, technologies and skills taught may include, but are not limited to: 

• Programming: planning and developing advanced computer programs using the Python programming language.
• Digital Media: designing and developing web pages using advanced HTML and CSS.
• Digital Information: designing and developing databases and managing data efficiently.
• Computer Science: Topics to be confirmed by NZQA, but may include: computer security ● encryption ● error control ● complexity and tractability ● artificial intelligence.

This course aims to offer a programme of study covering both theoretical and practical components of digital technologies. Assessment will take place via practical tasks to be undertaken during each unit of work. 

This course leads to:    

Level 3 Digital Technology (8DIT).

Why this course:
Now more than ever we need to communicate effectively with those around us. The confident, articulate person finds it easier to share information, seek answers, accept new challenges, and explore new directions. Students are enabled to develop; a high level of self-awareness and an ability to evaluate themselves and others; confidence, assertiveness, tolerance, self-worth and discipline; an ability to face and respond to an audience and a greater understanding of the multi-cultural society in which we live.

Course information: 
If you are new to Drama, be prepared for one of the most invigorating subjects in your school career! You get to combine physicality, sensitivity and intellectual creativity on a daily basis. For those who have taken Level 1 Drama (6DRA), this is the level where you begin to approach stage work in a mature and adult way. You will be confronted with powerful and challenging characters in order to explore the world and build strong and effective performance skills. There are exciting and diverse possibilities to embrace a range of interests and needs.

Key skills that are developed include interpreting text, developing convincing roles, devising original drama, and the study of theatre form such as Greek or Shakespeare. 

This course leads to: 
Level 3 Drama (8DRA) and Level 3 Performing Arts Technology (8PAT).

Why this course:    

Design & Visual Communication focuses on real life problem solving. It also has a strong emphasis on high quality presentation. This course should appeal to students who are able to create innovative solutions to problems and present them in a visually appealing way. These skills can be transferred to a wide range of future study and career pathways.

Course information:    

Design and Visual Communication involves the presentation of solutions to design problems through application of the design process. At Level 2, this focuses on two specialist areas of design which include architecture, interior and landscape design, and product design which includes both graphic products and general product/engineering design. In addition, students learn advanced 2D and 3D drawing skills and CAD. The external aspect of this course focuses on the communication of design ideas and technical drawing.

This course leads to:    

Level 3 Design and Visual Communication (8DVC).

Why this course:    

Explore the key issues that face Aotearoa New Zealand’s economy selected from economic growth, unemployment, inflation, international trade, and government policies. Examine the causes and impacts of these issues through a macro-economic lens, with government responses and policies in mind. Use economic models to support explanations.

This course leads directly to Level 3 Economics and tertiary courses. Economics is the basis for any career in commerce and is relevant to careers in management, tourism, social services, social policy, the corporate world, law, self-employment, or owning your own business. 

Students may be offered an extension opportunity sitting a Level 3 external 91403 - Demonstrate understanding of macro-economic influences on the New Zealand Economy.

Course information:    

• Structured report writing and literacy skills are developed in research and internal assessments 
• Healthy debate is a common feature of the class
• Economic models are used to illustrate theory and support written explanations

This course leads to:   

Level 3 Economics (8ECO) and/or Level 3 Business Studies (8BUS).

Why this course: 
7ENG is a challenging course where students develop skills as critically literate readers and writers, and gain an understanding of the transformative power of language, examining the way it influences and manipulates our understanding of the world. Conveying opinions, thoughts and ideas through spoken, visual and written forms is an essential skill for all adults. It is equally important to be able to read for meaning, confront bias and form conclusions given the plethora of printed, visual and digital content we are now exposed to each day.

Course information:
English at Level 2 is not compulsory, but Level 2 English credits are required for entry into many tertiary courses. Students can meet the UE Literacy requirement of five credits for writing and five credits for reading in a number of assessments.

Students will further develop their critical thinking and analytical skills as well as solidifying the concepts of advanced academic writing. This course is appropriate for anyone who wants to pursue tertiary study or a professional career as it is a rigorous and focused course. At the same time, we aim to ensure that all students in this course have success, and lessons are differentiated to help students achieve their personal goals. Students will undertake the study of an extended written text (novel), visual text (film), study a range of short fiction, poetry and non-fiction in preparation for the external exams.

As part of the internal assessment activities they will have the opportunity to write in different forms, complete a speech or seminar and research an area of interest.

This course leads to: 
Level 3 English (8ENA and/or 8ENV). Students need at least 14 Level 2 English credits to enter Level 3 English courses. 

Why this course:  

The Sun and the Earth sustain life

Earth is the only planet known to have abundant and complex life. The Earth’s interlocking spheres (geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere) are dynamically balanced, and sustained by energy from the Sun and from the Earth’s core.

Understanding how Earth and space systems interact, how they affect us, and how we affect them is vital for our survival.

New Zealand is a natural laboratory for Earth sciences and astronomy: our unique geology has been formed as a result of the interaction between two major tectonic plates; we are surrounded by vast oceans through which the major currents that control the world’s climate flow.

Space is the future

As students learn in this course, they come to appreciate the dynamic interrelationship that exists between the solar system, the universe, and our Earth system. They develop a sense of wonder and the desire to explore space.

New Zealand needs Earth scientists

Through studying in this course, students gain understanding of New Zealand’s geology, marine environments, and weather systems. Earth scientists work in resource management, sustainable mining, environmental management, conservation, geology, marine science, and climate science.

Course information:  

This course is divided into five 6 week learning blocks. 4 of the 5 learning blocks will have an Earth and Space science focus. The final learning block will be planned in conjunction with the students based on areas of interest and future pathways (this may involve a more individualised programme for some students)

This course leads to:  
Level 3 Science (8SCE).

Why this course:  
Y12 Photography is an academic, creative and practical course which provides an excellent foundation of skills and leads to Level 3 (8FOT). This course fosters resilience and perseverance with students able to choose their own choice of theme. 

This course provides effective relationship building with students reflecting, critiquing, developing and refining their own, and others’, ideas and imagery. There is a strong focus on communication and confidence to express ideas freely. We understand the real need for our students to enjoy the challenges of being creative and believe that these skills are fundamental to playing a significant role in meeting the demands of future workforces and their lifelong learning. Practical photography skills such as digital camera knowledge, picture composition, Photoshop skills, digital editing software, moving image, studio lighting, lens experimentation and understanding photographic genres are just a few of the fundamental practical skills you will learn. It is also an art subject requiring knowledge and understanding of artist models and analysis of artworks. 

The course requires commitment from students who will need to use time out of class including after school and some weekends.

Course information: 
This course is designed to enable students to learn the fundamentals of photography which includes digital development and printing using computer based imaging through Photoshop. Each student will generate and develop ideas and images based on their own personal ideas, explore a range of image making processes and be involved in an exhibition showcasing students work during the year. This course provides an excellent foundation in creativity, conceptual thinking and photography skills.

This course leads to: 
Level 3 Art Photography (8FOT) and/or Level 3 Art Painting (8ARP), Level 3 Art Design (8ARD).

Why this course:  
This course prepares students to gain personal independence in languages. Students will extend skills appropriate to tertiary studies and to the international workforce. Skills developed by completing this course are problem solving, analytic skills, flexibility of mind, confidence and clarity in oral communication and a fluency in French.

Course information:   
This course aims to reinforce the knowledge previously acquired and to target fluency in French regarding everyday life context. 

This year you will continue to develop the skills of Years 9 to 11 and further extend them, so that by the end of this level you will be developing personal independence in French. You will be able to take part in general conversations with French speakers, understand some of what is said, and contribute relevant comments. You will be able to explain and discuss many of your own ideas and use language creatively. This year you will read a variety of authentic material and write expressively for a range of purposes. You will use a range of language-learning strategies effectively and by the end of the year you will be generally able to act in a culturally appropriate way in most social situations involving native speakers. 

Topics include: personal relationships, the French-speaking world, film study, health, health.

Cultural activities: Students are participating in cultural activities such as The French immersion trip to Tahiti, communicating with students from Tahiti, the French Film Festival, the International French Diploma (DELF), the French Pique-Nique.

Students aim to prepare themselves to understand and communicate in French in our global society.

This course leads to: 
Level 3 French (8FRE).

Why this course:    

This course is for people who have an interest in food technology, food science and nutrition. Students will gain a greater understanding of technology systems and processes. The skills obtained in food technology will help prior to attending university courses.

Course information:    

The aim of this course is to explore advanced concepts and procedures used in food technology. In Level 2 Food Technology you will study a range of concepts and procedures and look at their implementation in real life situations. 

Topics taught are likely to include:

• Ingredient characteristics and how they allow products to function.
• The process of developing a healthy product for a specific need.
• Advanced concepts used in the processing of products in a commercial environment.
• Socio-cultural factors and the considerations in food technology.
• Advanced procedures used to make a specific product.
• Understanding sustainability in the packaging of food.

Food technology allows you to work creatively and analytically to identify, trial and evaluate potential solutions, and eventually put your ideas into practice. It is a fun but challenging subject that is approved for university entrance. Technology is the way of the future and there are numerous jobs and scholarships available for those who wish to pursue it. Whether or not you plan to engage in a career in food technology, you will develop a level of technological understanding that will enable you to participate as an informed participant in an ever-changing society. Food Technology will allow you to look at the world differently.

This course aims to offer a programme of study covering both theoretical and practical components of food technology. 

This course leads to:    Level 3 Food Technology (8FTK). 

Why this course:    

Geography seeks explanations about how the world works and helps us to understand alternative futures. Geographers explore real issues, both globally and locally. Geography helps prepare us with the knowledge, skills and understanding to make sense of the world and to face the challenges that shape our societies.

Geography at this level allows students to develop skills which enable them to:

• Research a local geographic issue
• Explore global patterns and interactions
• Investigate a contemporary New Zealand geographic issue
• Analyse a local issue using geographical information systems
• Understand differences in development
• Connect and build on social, valuing, thinking and practical skills

Course information:    

Students will explore:

• Local alpine environments and the problems the face into the future
• Geographic issues which could include pest management, national parks and/or sustainable energy
• Developmental differences between Norway and Burkina Faso
• Geographical skills locally and globally

This course leads to:    

Level 3 Geography (8GEO) and/or Level 3 Tourism (8TOU).

Why this course:  
This course is aimed at students who are interested in a health science, psychology, public health or education pathway. This course suits students who are interested in and passionate about investigating health and wellbeing. This programme leads to Health Education at Level 3 which is a university approved subject and offers you the chance to direct your own learning and choose areas of study that you feel passionate about.

Course information:    
Students will learn about managing change and developing resilience through a variety of case studies about aspirational young New Zealanders. Students will investigate a variety of health issues impacting teenagers and select one of these to ‘health promote’. They will also explore a range of issues related to sexuality and gender, evaluating how these impact the wellbeing of young people. 

This course leads to:  
Level 3 Health (8HEA).

Why this course:    

History is a stimulating subject that investigates issues that are both relevant and significant for people today and in the future. An increasing number of career pathways are open for people who study History, such as criminal and family law, journalism, political analysis, research, social work, archaeology, human resource management, and many more, as it offers many transferable skills.

This course involves possible areas of study which may include:

• Social implications of participation in the Vietnam War
• An investigation into Hitler’s Final Solution
  

These topics will allow students to learn about the forces and movements that often bring about major changes in society. This means you explore how conflict shapes national identities. History provides the opportunity to acquire a range of skills including academic writing, critical thinking, evaluating perspectives, and creating logical arguments.

Research topics for internal assessment provide students with the opportunity to study topics of their own choice, with guidance.

Other information:

There is an OPTIONAL FIELD TRIP to Wellington in Week 1 of Term 2. The approximate cost of this trip will be around $800.00 per student. The purpose of this trip is to explore and engage critically with the key sites of national significance only Wellington has to offer. This field trip will provide a chance for students to undertake research for their internal assignments first hand and work with experts in this field of study. Places for this trip will open up in October 2025.

This course leads to: 

Level 3 History (8HIS), Level 3 Psychology (8PSY)

Introduction to Year 12 Agriculture and Horticulture Course

Welcome to the Year 12 Agriculture and Horticulture course at Wakatipu High School, where we explore the dynamic intersections of agriculture, horticulture, and sustainable practices in New Zealand. This course is designed to immerse you in the fundamental principles that underpin the production of primary products, connecting people to locations of purposeful production.

Big Idea 1: Agriculture and Horticulture connect people to locations of purposeful production. 

At the heart of our curriculum is the understanding of how agriculture and horticulture play crucial roles in linking communities to the landscapes where food and resources are sustainably grown and harvested. Through field visits and practical sessions, you will witness firsthand how these connections shape both local economies and global markets.

Big Idea 2: Primary producers manage life processes and the growing environment. 

You will delve into the intricate processes of managing life cycles, from soil health and crop growth to animal welfare. Practical experiences in our school garden and local farms will equip you with essential skills in nurturing and maintaining productive environments.

Big Idea 3: Primary producers make informed decisions about sustainability.

A key focus will be on sustainability practices in agriculture. You will critically analyze environmental issues affecting primary production in New Zealand, exploring how informed decision-making can mitigate these challenges while ensuring long-term profitability and ecological balance.

Throughout the year, you will engage in various assessments designed to deepen your understanding and application of these concepts, including investigating the production of a New Zealand primary product, analyzing market forces affecting supply and demand, and evaluating sustainability strategies.

By the end of this course, you will not only have gained a comprehensive understanding of agricultural and horticultural practices but also be prepared to contribute actively to the sustainable future of New Zealand's primary industries. 

Join us in exploring the vital connections between people, production, and sustainability in Agriculture and Horticulture at Wakatipu High School.

Why this course:    

Queenstown’s economy is built on tourism and a major part of this is the hospitality industry. From hotel work to front of house responsibilities in a cafe or restaurant, from working as a chef or even a barista, the opportunities for employment in our fair town are endless. This course has been designed for students who wish to pursue a career working in some aspect of the hospitality industry either here, elsewhere in NZ or even abroad.

Course information:    

The aim of this course is to continue exploring practical cooking skills and to develop confidence when greeting and serving customers in a hospitality setting. The written component of the course has an equal weighting and comes in the form of workbooks from Service IQ.

Topics taught are likely to include:

• Review of food safety practices.
• International food preparation and presentation
• Food and beverage service.

Please note this is an alternative pathways course that does not lead to a university entrance (UE)-approved course at Level 3.

Please note this means that a subject endorsement is not possible, nor is it possible to gain credits towards an NCEA Level endorsement. 

This course does not lead to NCEA Level 3 Food Technology (8FTK). Students who successfully complete this course are encouraged to apply for acceptance into the Level 3 Cookery Course run through the Cromwell Trades Academy.

Why this course:    

The aim of this course is to broaden each student’s technological knowledge and practice while at the same time stimulating the creativity that lies within us all. We feel this course will engage students and challenge them. We hope it promotes personal excellence and that it will open up pathways to further learning.

Course information:    

This Level 2 course consists of a range of standards to stimulate each student’s personal enquiry while also building a practical base as their foundation on which to be able to fabricate design outcomes. The problem solving skills accentuated through the technology design process are valuable transferable skills that will assist students in all facets of their learning and life.

This course leads to:    

This course may lead to study of 8HTK in special cases where the student has demonstrated high levels of literacy and exceptional self-management skills. This opportunity will be offered at the discretion of the HoLA. 

Why this course:    

This course extends students’ ability and confidence when listening, reading, writing and speaking in Japanese. Students are moving towards becoming socially competent and will be able to use the language more flexibly in a wider range of familiar and some less familiar situations.

Course information: 

Students will develop the skills needed to understand and use spoken and written Japanese; communicate effectively in Japanese for authentic purposes; and learn the conventions of communicating in Japanese and develop an understanding of Japanese culture.

Students will be able to respond to and use a wider variety of more complex language. They will be able to organise and analyse language which expresses information and justifies personal opinions and ideas, and drawing on comparisons. . They will be introduced to informal language and be able to use language variably and effectively in different text types and for different purposes.

Topics covered will be: Travel, Homestays and Japanese Pop Culture.

This course leads to:    
Level 3 (8JPN).

This course is assessed using:
Achievements Standards. 

Note: The running of this course will depend on sufficient number of students choosing this course. Students may be offered this as a ‘multi-leveled’ option.

Why this course: 
This is a fast-paced course geared towards students who are confident with algebra. Students wishing to study Calculus at Level 3 (8MAC) must do this course. This course will also be particularly beneficial for students wishing to do Scholarship Statistics.

Course information:  
This is a fast-paced intensive mathematics course that relies heavily on students’ ability to think algebraically, both in manipulating algebraic expressions and solving complex equations. This course is a must for students intending to study Level 3 Calculus (8MAC). Students will need to be solid mathematicians and be expected to display the highest degree of self- management. Students who aspire to be engineers or mathematicians or study courses requiring a high-degree of mathematics should enrol in this course. 

The course is divided up into 6 achievement standards (3 internal and 3 external) covering aspects of mathematics and statistics such as algebra, non-linear graphs, calculus, statistics and probability. Candidates can gain up to 22 credits (9 internal, 13 external) from Achievement standards in this course and would be expected to achieve to the Merit/Excellence level. 

This course leads to:   
Level 3 Mathematics and Statistics courses (8MAC, 8MAS and 8MAT). Please see the prerequisites of these courses for more detail.

Why this course: 
There are numerous reasons to learn Māori from personal enjoyment to career requirements. Whatever it may be, learning Māori will not only provide great satisfaction, but a greater connection with New Zealand and an enhanced understanding of our culture and society.

Course information:
By the end of Level 6 of the curriculum, students can converse with Te Reo Māori language speakers in familiar social situations and cope with some less familiar ones. They can use basic Māori language patterns spontaneously. They show a willingness to experiment with new language and to read independently. They can write short passages, personal letters, and simple formal letters in Te Reo Māori. Students are increasingly confident in using a range of strategies for learning Te Reo Māori and for communicating with others in predominantly Māori social contexts.

Within the new NZ Curriculum, it is recommended that NCEA Level 1 Te Reo Māori students should be at level 5 and 6 ‘Te Puawaitanga’ – achieving social competence of Te Reo Māori of the NZ Curriculum guidelines for learning Te Reo Māori in English medium schools – Te Aho Arataki Marau mo te ako i Te Reo Māori. 

The NCEA Te Reo Māori assessments evaluate five skills: ‘Whakarongo’ listening, ‘Kōrero’ speech, ‘Pānui’ reading comprehension, ‘Tuhituhi’ writing and ‘Waihanga tuhi’ crafted writing

Opportunity:

• Opportunity to partake in the Ngā Manu Kōrero

This course leads to:    
Level 3 Māori (8MAO).

Why this course:
Students with a career path involving medicine, social sciences, journalism, finance, marketing, etc. are advised to take Statistics. Students who are competent mathematicians and good at writing, but algebra is not a strength and they do not intend on studying Level 3 Calculus should take this course. Students studying 7MAS will gain a solid understanding of statistics and modelling and will be well placed for success in a Level 3 Statistics course.

Course information: 
This Level 2 Statistics course uses Achievement Standards and leans heavily towards internal assessment. This is a rigorous Level 2 Mathematics course and will prepare students for many careers and university courses. Students sitting this course will not be eligible to do Calculus (8MAC) but may be eligible for Level 3 Statistics (8MAS) and/or Mathematics (8MAT). 

This course will consist of up to six achievement standards (5 internal and 1 external) covering all aspects of the Statistical Inquiry Cycle as well as probability. Candidates can gain up to 18 credits in total, 14 credits through internally assessed Achievement Standards and 4 credits through externally assessed Achievement Standards.

This course leads to:    
Level 3 Statistics (8MAS) and Level 3 General Mathematics (8MAT). Please see the prerequisites of these courses for more detail.

Why this course:   
Students who wish to continue with academic mathematics but find greater success with internal assessments rather than external examinations should consider this course. This course has a mix of Mathematics, Statistics and Probability topics. 

Course information:
This Level 2 Mathematics course uses Achievement Standards and leans heavily towards internal assessment. Students who need a bit more time to grapple with mathematical concepts and the structure of written responses will be given the opportunity to do so in this course. This is a Level 2 Mathematics course and will prepare students well for many non-mathematical careers and university courses. Students sitting this course will not be eligible to do Calculus (8MAC) but may be eligible for Level 3 Mathematics (8MAT) or Level 3 Statistics (8MAS).

This course will consist of up to seven achievement standards covering practical topics such as trigonometry, networks, probability, and geometry. Candidates can gain up to 17 credits in total, nine credits through internally assessed Achievement standards and four credits through externally assessed Achievement Standards. 

This course leads to:
Level 3 General Mathematics (8MAT) or Statistics (8MAS). Please see the prerequisites of these courses for more detail.

Why this course: 
7MST is a course that combines theory with the practical planning and production of media. Media Studies examines the dynamic role of the media in society, how the media constructs messages about individuals, communities and cultures, and how media products are produced, controlled and distributed. Through Media Studies students gain the knowledge and skills to conceive, plan, design and create a media product that engages audiences.

Course information:  

This course combines practical work with theory. Students will develop a base knowledge about core media concepts and how representations are created by the media. They will begin an in-depth study of a film genre, looking at how the genre has developed over time. Students develop their knowledge of visual and audio craft, and learn about constructing a narrative through film. This learning lays the foundation for understanding the impact that their own media product will have on potential audiences. A media product is planned and produced drawing together the threads of this course.

This course leads to:
Level 3 Media Studies (8MST).

Why this course: 
Music is a strong source of communication, creativity and wellbeing. It allows people to express themselves in many ways, both as an individual and as part of a group. Music develops self-confidence and enables people to share ideas and skills in a variety of contexts. This course provides an excellent foundation for further study and complements the extra-curricular activities offered both at WHS and in the community. Students will study a core of achievement standards but there will be the opportunity to choose areas that best suit their interests and skills. 

Course information:  
This course further develops students' skills in the key areas of performance, composition, music context/genres, and sound engineering.

Course options include development of skills in at least one instrument/vocals for performance situations, the ability to create, structure and present student’s ideas using a variety of approaches and contexts, the understanding of music elements and features to analyse specific pieces of music and the use of sound technology in recording situations.

This course leads to: 
Level 3 Music (8MUS) which builds on the skills learned at Level 2. Students can focus on specific areas of interest such as music technology, composition, performance, music history analysis/context and skills related to aural and musicianship.

Why this course: 
This course is fun, challenging and involves a range of new skills, experiences and opportunities to learn practical and physical skills, as well as an awareness of self and others. It is a chance to become involved with the outdoors for the first time, or continue to build on skills and knowledge from prior camps and experiences.

Course information:  
Students will learn about:

• Kayaking – Lake Wakatipu, Kawarau and Shotover Rivers.
• Snowcraft – Remarkables snow camp.
• Bushcraft/Tramping (day tramps and an overnight tramp and camp in Mt Aspiring National Park).
• Conservation issues.
• Weather studies.
• Increasing self-confidence and self-esteem.
• Safety – learn good outdoor safety as it relates to self and others.
• Relationships – sharing experiences and developing awareness of others around you and leadership skills.

The course includes numerous kayaking practicals in Term 1. There are two multi-day trips in Terms 2 and 3. 

This course leads to: 
Level 3 Outdoor Education (8OED).

Please note this is a vocational pathways course that does not lead to a university entrance (UE) approved course at Level 3.

Why this course: 
This course develops students’ skills in the areas of the performing arts. Students will choose at least three areas of focus which provides an excellent foundation for further study and complements the extra-curricular activities offered at WHS and in the community.

Course information: 
NCEA Performing Arts is designed to enable students to further their interest in the performing arts which includes the areas of sound, lighting, costume, set design, make-up and production. Students will choose from a list of unit standards to create their course.

This course leads to: 
Level 3 Performing Arts Technology (8PAT).

Please note this is a vocational pathways course that does not lead to a University Entrance (UE) approved course at Level 3.

Why this course: 
This course expands on foundational concepts learnt in Level 1 Physical Education and is designed to lead on to Level 3 Physical Education and Scholarship. Students will gain valuable skills and insight into improving personal physical performance, fitness and interpersonal skills. Students need to be enthusiastic and passionate about learning about the human body and its connection to physical activity and movement. There is a considerable practical component to this course in a variety of contexts. This practical experience is used as a tool for us to apply theoretical concepts from the context of Physical Education.

Course information:   
Students will learn about:

• Anatomy, biomechanics and skill learning principles which are applied to improve physical skills and analysis.
• Developing and leading an event for WHS students. 
• Developing skills to be socially responsible in physical activity contexts. 
• Fitness concepts and exercise physiology concepts in order to create and implement a training programme to improve and enhance personal fitness. 
• Group dynamics, interpersonal skills, leadership theories and roles within a team.

Why this course:
Studying Physics at Level 2 helps students develop a solid foundation for careers in science, engineering, architecture, aviation, medicine and health sciences, and many technology-based fields. It also strengthens mathematical reasoning and analytical skills that are valuable across a much wider range of disciplines. Physics is highly regarded, even for those not pursuing science long-term; the ability to think logically, ask critical questions, and understand how the physical world operates is an asset in any career path.

Course information:   

Level 2 Physics deepens students’ understanding of the physical world and introduces scientific models to explain how and why things move, interact, and behave the way they do. Key topics include mechanics, electricity and electromagnetism, and atomic and nuclear physics.

Through a combination of theoretical learning, practicals, and real-world application, this course equips students with essential skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, and scientific reasoning and communication. 

This course leads to:
Level 3 Physics (8PHX).

Psychology is the scientific study of human cognition, emotion, and action. In this class you will make connections through psychology to explore a range of human experience and emotions. You will use critical and lateral thinking skills to dissect a range of literature and craft essays.  You will need to be a passionate reader and have strong writing skills.

Topics covered may include:

 - Different psychological approaches

- How psychological debates have changed over time

- Psychological theories

- Ethical issues in research

This course leads onto 8PSY.

Why this course: 
This course prepares students to gain personal independence in languages. Students will extend their Spanish speaking skills to be able to relate well to a wide variety of Spanish speaking cultures and to prepare them for the international workforce.  Skills developed by completing this course are problem solving, analytic skills, flexibility of mind, confidence and clarity in oral communication and a greater level of fluency in Spanish.

Course information: 
This course will extend students’ comprehension and production of the Spanish language and culture to Level 7 of the NZ Curriculum. Students will be discussing and building the cultural competencies required to interact and operate in the Spanish speaking world. Students will develop their interpersonal skills and ability to explore other worldviews and cultures.

At Level 7, students of Spanish will learn how to:

• interpret selected and adapted media (newspapers, magazines, television, video, radio, and popular music); 
• give and ask reasons for or against an idea or activity (critical thinking); 
• develop the communication skills required to interact with native Spanish speakers about a range of more complex ideas and topics.

Topics include: personal relationships, socio-economic concerns in the Spanish-speaking world, media and film study, health, music and an introduction to Spanish history and literature.

This course leads to:
Level 3 Spanish (8SPA)

Why this course:    

This course provides a stepping stone for students who wish to take courses and/or pursue career pathways in the Tourism sector.

Topics include: 

• Demonstrating knowledge of world tourist destinations, work roles in tourism and tourist characteristics and needs
• Describing and comparing the social and cultural impacts of tourism
• Knowledge of New Zealand as a tourist destination.

Course information:   

The unit standard credits gained in this course contribute to NCEA Level 2.

This course leads to: Level 3 Tourism (8TOU).

Please note this is a vocational pathways course that does not lead to a university entrance (UE) approved course at Level 3

Why this course:    

This course provides the background learning for students to make informed decisions for a wider range of career pathways in the trades.  Individual learning potentially leads to either employment or pathways focusing on one particular career pathway beyond school.

Course information:    

This course will focus on a range of BCITO standards and construction techniques to build skills and knowledge that can transfer to a career pathway in trades.  You will learn construction techniques and procedures, and health and safety requirements while building knowledge of varying machinery use.

When it comes to the Year 12 construction project you will be building something either individually or in a group that will challenge you, and require calculations along with planning to execute to a high standard.  Learning and content may be revised to best suit the class.

Please note: The running of this course will be dependent on student numbers, staffing, and resourcing.  This is an alternative pathways course that does not lead to a university entrance (UE)-approved course at Level 3.

Students may be restricted to opt for one of the following subjects 7AUT, 7TRD or 7HTK

This course leads to:    Level 3 Trade skills at WHS (8TRD).

Why this course: 

The purpose of the Trades Academy is to:

• Provide students with a wider range of options for study in NCEA.
• Provide students with clear post-school pathways and give them a head start to achieving vocational qualifications.
• Allow schools and Otago Secondary-Tertiary College to be more responsive to local business and economic needs.

How does studying at the Trades Academy fit in with school?

Course Information:

Your trade qualification will be one subject of your NCEA selected subjects. You will attend Otago Polytechnic in Cromwell for at least one day a week to study for your vocational qualification and then attend school for the remainder of the week to study the rest of your NCEA qualifications. Trades Academy will show as one subject line on your timetable. During these periods you will catch up on subject work missed whilst at Trades Academy with the assistance of our supported ACA class. Transport will be provided between school and Cromwell free of charge.

In 2026 Otago Secondary Tertiary College will offer the Trades programmes listed below. (These courses are dependent on numbers.)

• Automotive – Level 2 (1 day)
• Automotive – Level 3 (2 days)
• Hospitality - Level 2 (1 day)
• Cookery - Level 3 (2 days)
• Beauty Therapy - Level 2 (1 day)
• Beauty Therapy - Level 3 (1 day)
• Building and Construction (BCATS) Level 2 (1 day)
• Building and Construction (BCATS) Level 3 (2 day)
• Sports Turf Management - Level 3 (1 day)
  
  

This course leads to:   Please note this is a vocational pathways course that does not lead to a university entrance (UE)-approved course at Level 3.

Students are required to maintain an attendance rate of higher than 80% and may be removed if attendance falls below this. This would also disqualify a student the course in the following year. 

Why this course:

Gateway will assist the student to succeed in obtaining entry either in their chosen areas of employment or set them up for further study leading to employment.

Course information:

This programme is intended to assist students to make a start on their vocational pathway while still at school. It gives students the opportunity to gain qualifications in a career they are motivated to pursue for the future. There will be an opportunity to gain informed insight into a specific career area and gain some NCEA qualifications. 

Workplace learning will be a minimum of 10 hours spread over a number of days. 

Students will become work ready and learn new skills in the workplace. Where possible students will be assessed by an accredited assessor in the field they are exploring (industry dependent). Interested Year 12 and 13 students are asked to apply for Gateway by recording this as one of their subject choices. Prior to students starting work placement the following will be covered:

• Health and Safety Requirements.
• Setting up the Learning Plan.
• Goal Setting.
• Identifying Career Pathways.
• Effective Work Practice.
• Specific Employer Expectations.
• Workplace Study.

This course is assessed using:

NCEA Levels 1, 2 and 3 Unit Standards. There is an expectation that students will achieve a minimum of 20 credits through the industry provider and in the related employment skills Unit Standards. This combined with workplace learning/experience is equivalent to a full subject.

This course leads to:    

Please note this is a vocational pathways course that does not lead to a university entrance (UE)-approved course at Level 3.

Why this course:    

An opportunity for students in Year 12 and 13 to personalise a course that would meet their learning needs in relation to a passion and/or a pathway. The course would be constructed in conjunction with teachers and is not restricted to any one learning area. It provides an opportunity to enhance and develop areas of interest (passion subjects) as well as "learn to learn" (6 week programme). It can also serve to assist pathways to further study. Students from Year 11 may be considered on an individual basis (please contact Mrs Richards).

Course information:    

Students with identified passions and/or pathways could use this course to extend and challenge their areas of interest. Learning would be project and inquiry focused with guidance from teachers and access to specialists, as required. This is not an assessment driven course, although a limited number of credits can be provided in collaboration with other teachers. Students could potentially extend into Level 4 studies through SIT and online University courses.

Course design is individualised to construct a purposeful and meaningful course of learning for each student. 

This process begins toward the end of the previous academic year with information being gathered by students for and about themselves. The process of mapping out the course would be completed in the first few weeks of the academic year. This process will be co-constructed with the input of Kaiārahi, subject teachers and Whānau. This is an involved and considered process; not an open menu of standards that students freely pick and choose. 

Examples of possible course themes:

• Fashion and Costume Design
• Passion Project Human Rights Topic, e.g. Gender Inequality.
• Mountain Biking – technology, engineering, health, physical education.
• Philosophy

Why this course:    
The aim of the course is continue to build on the English language that students have already acquired while learning more complex grammar and improving on their reading, writing, speaking and listening skills to support their learning in mainstream classes.

Course information:  
This class is for senior students who are at a level of English where they can manage in some mainstream classes but still need support, and still have a lot more English vocabulary and grammar to learn. 

In this course you will learn to:

• Read, understand and respond to information texts, instructions and explanations.
• Write information texts, instructions and explanations.
• Ask for, listen to and give oral information, opinions, instructions and explanations.
• Take part in discussions and talk about themselves in an interview.

This course leads to:
ELLP Stage 2 (7ESL).

This class is for High Needs and Very High Needs ORS funded students. 

In this class students will

• Develop life skills such as literacy and numeracy skills, social skills, financial awareness and communication skills
• Daily Living Skills are a high focus - utilising what our community has to offer and using the public transport system independently.
• Participate in the SPEC programme (South Pacific Educational Courses), where credits can be gained through passion project-focused booklets.
• Experience volunteering and community service
• Prepare and be supported in accessing work experience
• Contribute to the wider life of the school community
• Be supported to take part in opportunities beyond the classroom

Individualised goals are set for these students during the year.

Available for study in:    Year 9 to Year 13

Main areas of study:    

Please discuss with Mr Richards or Mrs Hearn what courses might be available

Course information:    

Distance Learning, also known as “online learning” and “e-learning”, refers to any learning that is undertaken by students at school but with a teacher or tutor from outside our school. There are currently two avenues for distance learning for our students:

• Te Aho o te Kura Pounamu – the Correspondence School
• NetNZ learning community

Who can enrol in Distance Learning courses

• Year 11, 12 and 13 students wishing to access courses which Wakatipu High School does not offer
• Year 9 to Year 13 students wishing to study their first or second language, if it is not offered at Wakatipu High School

What is required of students

• To be able to work independently, take ownership of their own learning.
• Regular attendance at NetNZ video conferences.
• To submit work on a regular basis to their e-teacher.
• To communicate regularly with the e-teacher. This can be done by email, phone, Google Talk.
• To communicate regularly with the e-learning co-ordinators (Mr Richards and Mrs Hearn).

Methods of assessment:    

Once you are entered in a course you will work with your e-teacher and Mr Richards to confirm your assessment programme for the year, e.g. the number and range of standards that you will be attempting.

The e-teacher will provide an online learning course where resources, lessons, homework and assessments are made available.

Students will have their online class on their timetable and will be in a supervised area during this time.

Available for study in:
ESL courses are offered to students who do not have English as their first language.

The nature of these courses depends on the ability of the students, their length of time in New Zealand and their educational goals. Course placement follows testing and discussion with students about their goals. Following testing students are placed in the corresponding English Learning Language Proficiency (ELLP) stage (From Foundation to Stage 3). 

Main areas of study:
This course provides elementary to advanced skills for English language learning in reading, writing, listening and speaking, vocabulary and grammar.

Outcomes:

• You will join in everyday conversation and hone your listening skills.
• You will be able to read basic to advanced texts.
• You will be able to write basic to advanced texts.

We aim to build your confidence in speaking, listening, reading and writing English and will teach you more vocabulary and grammar.

Methods of assessment:

• You will learn new vocabulary and have regular tests.
•  NCEA levels 1 - 3 standards are offered in this course.

Why This Course:

This course is designed to better serve our high achieving and promising senior student-athletes and will support these students to achieve both their academic and sporting goals. 

Course Information:

The course will be available to Year 12 and 13 students and is designed to be very holistic. Key focus areas will include; self-management and organisation (balancing various academic and sporting demands across the year); utilising class time to train both together and individually; wellness and the factors that feed into a healthy well-balanced athlete i.e nutrition, sports psychology and injury prevention. 

Academy Southland will provide support materials and guidance for students who will also get access to the local knowledge and expertise available at Axis Sports Medicine as well as other expertise.

Students would also have the ability to utilise the sessions to prioritise academic demands in other subjects and/or train specifically for their individual sports. This course will replace a study line for Year 13 students. This course is predominantly for Year 12 and 13 students, entry to other year levels on a case-by-case basis. 

Why this course: 

The purpose of the Trades Academy is to:

• Provide students with a wider range of options for study in NCEA.
• Provide students with clear post-school pathways and give them a head start to achieving vocational qualifications.
• Allow schools and Otago Secondary-Tertiary College to be more responsive to local business and economic needs.

How does studying at the Trades Academy fit in with school?

Course Information:

Your trade qualification will be one subject of your NCEA selected subjects. You will attend Otago Polytechnic in Cromwell for at least one day a week to study for your vocational qualification and then attend school for the remainder of the week to study the rest of your NCEA qualifications. Trades Academy will show as one subject line on your timetable. During these periods you will catch up on subject work missed whilst at Trades Academy with the assistance of our supported ACA class. Transport will be provided between school and Cromwell free of charge.

In 2026 Otago Secondary Tertiary College will offer the Trades programmes listed below. (These courses are dependent on numbers.)

• Automotive – Level 2 (1 day)
• Automotive – Level 3 (2 days)
• Hospitality - Level 2 (1 day)
• Cookery - Level 3 (2 days)
• Beauty Therapy - Level 2 (1 day)
• Beauty Therapy - Level 3 (1 day)
• Building and Construction (BCATS) Level 2 (1 day)
• Building and Construction (BCATS) Level 3 (2 day)
• Sports Turf Management - Level 3 (1 day)
  
  

This course leads to:   Please note this is a vocational pathways course that does not lead to a university entrance (UE)-approved course at Level 3.

Students are required to maintain an attendance rate of higher than 80% and may be removed if attendance falls below this. This would also disqualify a student the course in the following year. 

Why this course:

Gateway will assist the student to succeed in obtaining entry either in their chosen areas of employment or set them up for further study leading to employment.

Course information:

This programme is intended to assist students to make a start on their vocational pathway while still at school. It gives students the opportunity to gain qualifications in a career they are motivated to pursue for the future. There will be an opportunity to gain informed insight into a specific career area and gain some NCEA qualifications. 

Workplace learning will be a minimum of 10 hours spread over a number of days. 

Students will become work ready and learn new skills in the workplace. Where possible students will be assessed by an accredited assessor in the field they are exploring (industry dependent). Interested Year 12 and 13 students are asked to apply for Gateway by recording this as one of their subject choices. Prior to students starting work placement the following will be covered:

• Health and Safety Requirements.
• Setting up the Learning Plan.
• Goal Setting.
• Identifying Career Pathways.
• Effective Work Practice.
• Specific Employer Expectations.
• Workplace Study.

This course is assessed using:

NCEA Levels 1, 2 and 3 Unit Standards. There is an expectation that students will achieve a minimum of 20 credits through the industry provider and in the related employment skills Unit Standards. This combined with workplace learning/experience is equivalent to a full subject.

This course leads to:    

Please note this is a vocational pathways course that does not lead to a university entrance (UE)-approved course at Level 3.

Why this course:    

An opportunity for students in Year 12 and 13 to personalise a course that would meet their learning needs in relation to a passion and/or a pathway. The course would be constructed in conjunction with teachers and is not restricted to any one learning area. It provides an opportunity to enhance and develop areas of interest (passion subjects) as well as "learn to learn" (6 week programme). It can also serve to assist pathways to further study. Students from Year 11 may be considered on an individual basis (please contact Mrs Richards).

Course information:    

Students with identified passions and/or pathways could use this course to extend and challenge their areas of interest. Learning would be project and inquiry focused with guidance from teachers and access to specialists, as required. This is not an assessment driven course, although a limited number of credits can be provided in collaboration with other teachers. Students could potentially extend into Level 4 studies through SIT and online University courses.

Course design is individualised to construct a purposeful and meaningful course of learning for each student. 

This process begins toward the end of the previous academic year with information being gathered by students for and about themselves. The process of mapping out the course would be completed in the first few weeks of the academic year. This process will be co-constructed with the input of Kaiārahi, subject teachers and Whānau. This is an involved and considered process; not an open menu of standards that students freely pick and choose. 

Examples of possible course themes:

• Fashion and Costume Design
• Passion Project Human Rights Topic, e.g. Gender Inequality.
• Mountain Biking – technology, engineering, health, physical education.
• Philosophy

Why this course: 
Any students considering tertiary study in the visual arts, architecture or design courses are recommended to take at least one art course. Further, research suggests that art education is important for developing thought processes and perceptual awareness which is helpful in developing creative thinking.

Course information: 
This course offers students the opportunity to continue following their personal interests as a continuation from their Level 2 study in greater depth. They are required to explore design issues that relate to a chosen area of interest and as a result, formulate their own brief. The majority of the year is spent generating, analysing and clarifying design work that meets the needs of the tasks outlined in their brief. A willingness to engage in both written and practical aspects of the course.

Why this course: 
Any students considering tertiary study in the visual arts, architecture or design courses are recommended to take at least one art course at Level 3. Furthermore, research suggests that art education is important for developing thought processes and perceptual awareness which is helpful in developing creative thinking. This, of course, can be applied to any field of endeavour.

Course information: 
This course offers students the opportunity to follow their personal interests in greater depth as a result of having successfully completed Level 2 Art Painting (7ARP). They are required to explore painting issues that relate to a chosen area of interest and as a result, formulate their own theme study for the duration of the year. The majority of the year is spent generating, analysing and clarifying drawings and paintings that explore ideas, techniques, processes and methods arising from their theme study.

Why this course: 
Biology at this level encourages students to develop skills and attitudes which will enable them to:

• Effectively carry out independent and cooperative investigations.
• Use resources for self-directed study.
• Use their understanding of biology with respect to decisions individuals and the wider community have to make.
• These skills and attitudes are important for either tertiary study or the workplace.

Course information:
Students will learn about:

• Investigating responses of plants and animals 
• Gene expression in relation to biotechnology 
• The relationships between organisms and their environment
• Human biological and cultural evolution
• Biological understanding that relates to a contemporary issue

Scholarship

Students with a strong academic background in Science will be offered an opportunity for extension by participating in the Scholarship programme within their timetabled Biology class.

Why this course:    

The knowledge and skills gained in Business Studies, and exposure to enterprise culture can help shape ‘creative, energetic and enterprising’ young people who will contribute to New Zealand’s economic future. Studying business enables students to appreciate the issues that challenge business in a rapidly changing world.

This subject leads directly to tertiary courses and is a valuable foundation for career pathways in finance, business, marketing, entrepreneurship, management, trade and politics.

Course information:    

Students will gain knowledge, skills and experience to:

• Plan, take to market, review and then refine an innovative, sustainable business activity; analyse the activity and its success in the marketplace (group task)
• Develop a marketing plan for an existing business (group task)
• Analyse how and why New Zealand businesses operating in global markets make operational and strategic decisions in response to interacting internal and external factors

This is a UE-accredited course.

Why this course:

Chemistry at Level 3 picks up where we left off at Level 2: re-familiarising ourselves with the principles we have already learned and looking at new applications and challenges as we lay a strong foundation for university degrees in chemistry, biochemistry, technology, pharmacology, medicine, veterinary science, geology...the list is endless. A strong practical component will be involved in the course.

Course information:

The Level 3 Chemistry course is assessed under the following headings:

• Atomic structure, bonding and related properties
• Inorganic chemistry
• Energetics of chemical and physical processes equilibrium
• Oxidation – reduction reactions
• Organic chemistry

Students may also be expected, in addition to laboratory practical classes, to carry out an extended practical investigation—a challenging and exciting opportunity.

Although 27 credits are offered to Level 3 Chemistry students there is not a requirement for all Achievement Standards to be attempted. Rather, each student can tailor-make a course for themselves that will give them the best chance of experiencing success at this Level.

Why this course:    

Level 3 Digital Technologies offers students the opportunity to develop a larger project while following the technology design process. This course prepares students for further study in the vast field of Technology/Computer Science/Engineering.

Course information:    

Students will develop a computer program that utilises object oriented programming.  They will study some complex computer science concepts and they will build familiarity with industry standard project management tools. In addition, they will undertake a major project in an area of interest that may include website development, database design, mobile app development, 3D modelling and game development.

• Skills learned in the course may include but are not limited to:
• Object oriented programming using the Python programming language.
• Design and development of responsive websites.
• Computer science concepts.
• Project management processes; tools, planning and version control.

The standards used in this course are still in development, therefore the exact standards used for assessment may change. However, the overall topics and themes for the course will remain consistent. 

Why this course: 
This is an invigorating, challenging and engaging course for mature students. You will embark on a personal journey that will bring immense rewards. There is an opportunity for both solo and group work to allow you to refine and master your craft. Students are enabled to develop: a high level of self-awareness and an ability to evaluate themselves and others; confidence, assertiveness, tolerance, self-worth and discipline; an ability to face and respond to an audience; and a greater understanding of the multi-cultural society in which we live.

Course information: 
This course further develops key skills in the areas of live performance, devising, analysis and development of role, integration of drama techniques, interpretation of text and an in-depth study of theatre practitioners. Students are encouraged to work on extra standards such as directing and scriptwriting should this interest them.

Pathways include writing, directing, acting, law, arts management, communications, media studies, stage management, teaching, film and TV production, TV presenting and creative industries.

Level 3 is recognised as a University Entrance course and prepares students to work in the professional industry or apply for tertiary drama courses. This course provides an excellent foundation for further study at tertiary level and supports those who wish to gain acceptance into performing arts schools such as Toi Whakaari (NZ Drama School), NASDA, Unitec and Arts degrees majoring in theatre/performing arts.

Why this course:    

Design & Visual Communication focuses on real life problem solving. It also has a strong emphasis on high quality presentation. This course should appeal to students who enjoy to initiate and explore design ideas and who are able to produce and present their solutions creatively. At this level independent study skills are essential. Level 3 Design and Visual Communication leads to tertiary study in architecture, architectural drafting, Graphic design, fashion, landscape design, interior design, engineering, product design amongst others.

Course information:    

Design and Visual Communication involves the presentation of each student’s solution to a personally identified design problem through application of the design process. This Level 3 course provides students with the opportunity to develop an in depth design solution within an area of personal interest where they will choose between either a spatial or product design.

Why this course:    

This course explores how people, businesses, and governments make decisions about using limited resources.

Anyone interested in decision making in financial, management or political roles will benefit from an understanding of the underlying economic concepts. The course also looks at the free market and government intervention - whether it is justified or not.

This subject leads directly to tertiary courses and is a valuable foundation for career pathways in finance, business, management, trade, law or politics.

Course information:    

Level 3 Economics is the study of allocative efficiency and government policies — how society can best use its resources to meet the needs and wants of its citizens.  You will find that the Level 3 course is more analytical than Level 1 or Level 2 Economics. You will use a range of economic models (graphs) to develop your understanding. In addition to classroom learning, your course will involve individual investigations. As always, we endeavour to apply learning to real life situations with a New Zealand context.

Internal assessment takes different forms including written report and portfolio tasks completed in class.

This is a UE-accredited course.

Scholarship:

Students with a strong academic background will be offered an opportunity for extension by participating in the scholarship programme outside of their timetabled class.

Why this course: 
Who is the most important writer to have lived? Is poetry more enjoyable than films? How important is literacy and the ability to communicate? What does reading and writing mean in a world where anyone can self-publish any text they create? Is violence in films and in the media out of control? What is more important; the written word or the spoken one? 8ENA will not necessarily answer these questions but reading widely and thinking, debating, discussing and analysing the ideas of others is integral to this course. We explore symbolism and writer’s craft and purpose in detail, with students putting this knowledge into practise in their own writing.

The study of ‘English: Academic’ at Level 3 develops language knowledge and thinking skills which are important in most courses of study at tertiary level and all future career paths. It is also required or recommended for entry into many tertiary courses.

Course information: 
This course is designed to prepare students for tertiary study. Students will prepare for two externally assessed standards and learn the skills for writing an academic essay.

Throughout the course, students work independently on reading tasks associated with the internally assessed ‘core’ standards – this is an exciting component of the course as students are able to draw on their own personal interests using a range of extended written texts (novels), visual texts (films) and short texts to use alongside their study of the class set texts studied. This is a demanding and interesting course that requires students to be able to read independently of a range of texts.

Scholarship is an option for students interested in English and will be offered as a series of additional classes. Students who elect to do scholarship will study a Shakespeare play as part of their independent reading choices for Level 3.

Why this course: 
Do you like English but find writing essays boring and soul destroying? Do you have an interest in films, film-making, TV shows, the media and concepts that relate to these areas? 8ENV is a challenging course that focuses on the creative aspects of English (writing and presenting) and developing a critical appreciation for visual and oral texts. This course is appropriate for students who enjoy English but do not necessarily need to develop academic writing skills in preparation for university or tertiary study.

Course information: 
This course is designed to explore the creative side of English. All areas of the NZ Curriculum are taught. Students will learn to analyse and evaluate complex and sophisticated texts, discovering that there are diverse ideas in this world that may challenge their current ways of thinking. 

Students will work independently on viewing tasks associated with the internally assessed standards—this is an exciting section of the course as students are able to draw on their own personal interests using a range of extended visual texts (films) and short visual texts to use alongside their study of the class-set texts studied. 

Students will also have multiple opportunities to write in a range of styles to publication standard. Throughout the year students will create and maintain their own blog plus write in a range of other forms for a reading audience. This course is designed for students who are interested in, and capable of, working creatively in both written and visual forms. The majority of credits in this course are internally assessed but students will prepare for one external standard.

Why this course: 
The aim of the course is continue to build on the English language that students have already acquired while teaching more complex grammar and improving reading, writing, speaking and listening skills to support their learning in mainstream classes. This is not a UE-approved course.

Course information:
This class is for senior students who have been learning English for several years. Students will be doing mainstream subjects but still need English support.

In this course students will review all English grammar but at a more complex level. They will learn academic vocabulary, reading and how to do research. They will develop their writing for different purposes, such as explanations.

In this course you will learn to:

• Read, understand and respond to arguments, information texts, instructions, explanations and persuasive texts.
• Write information texts, instructions and explanations.
• Ask for, listen to and give oral information, opinions, instructions and explanations.
• Take part in formal discussions and interviews.

Why this course:

We pick up where we left off in 7SCE and continue to explore Earth and Space Science topics, building on the work done at Level 2. This course of learning will give students a strong foundation of skills and knowledge in preparation for tertiary studies in the Earth and Space Sciences.

Course information:

This course is divided into five 6 week learning blocks. 4 of the 5 learning blocks will have an Earth science focus. The final learning block will be planned in conjunction with the students based on areas of interest and future pathways (this may involve a more individualised programme for some students)

Why this course: 
Photography is an academic, creative and practical university approved course which provides an excellent extension program for creating your own theme direction.

This course provides effective relationship-building with students reflecting, critiquing, developing and refining their own and others’ ideas. There is a strong focus on communication and confidence to express ideas freely. We understand the real need for our students to enjoy the challenges of being creative and believe that these skills are fundamental in playing a significant role in meeting the demands of the future workforce and personal lifelong learning goals. 

Practical photography skills such as digital camera knowledge, picture composition, Photoshop skills, digital editing software, moving image, studio lighting, lens experimentation and understanding photographic genres are just a few of the fundamental practical skills you will learn. It is also an art subject requiring knowledge and understanding of artist models and analysis or artworks. 

The course requires commitment from students who will need to use time out of class including after school and some weekend work.

This course will challenge students to think as broadly and as creatively as possible which will develop their ability to discuss, develop and produce original and thought-provoking photographs.

Course information:   
This course is recognised as a University Entrance course and is designed to extend photography skills which includes digital development and printing using computer based imaging through Photoshop. Each student will generate and develop ideas and images based on their own personal ideas and explore a range of image making processes. This course provides an extension in creativity, conceptual thinking and photography skills.

Why this course: 
Students will gain full confidence when using the language in many different contexts. Studying French at this level allows students to find excellent career opportunities overseas or locally. This course is designed to enhance the proficiency of students when using the French language within a wide variety of situations. By the end of Year 13, students should be able to explain and discuss many of their own ideas and may use the language creatively. They will be able to read authentic materials and write expressively for a range of purposes Learning French at a Year 13 level will enable the students to gain full confidence when using the language in a wide variety of contexts.

French is used widely and spoken by over two hundred million people in more than forty different countries. Therefore studying it at this level allows the students to find excellent career opportunities either overseas or locally.

Course information:
Students will develop their communication skills on:

• Certainty, uncertainty, possibility and probability.
• Dealing with the same information in different ways and contexts. 
• Developing an argument with reasons.
• Recounting a series of event to inform, persuade, or entertain.

The suggested topics will be: 

• Our changing world.
• The creative arts.
• Environmental issues.
• Media.

Why this course:   

Food Technology allows you to work creatively and analytically to identify, trial and evaluate potential solutions, and eventually put your ideas into practice. It is a fun but challenging subject that is approved for university entrance. Technology is the way of the future and there are numerous jobs and scholarships available for those that wish to pursue it. Whether or not you plan to engage in a career in food technology, you will develop a level of technological understanding that will enable you to be involved as an informed participant in an ever changing society. Food Technology will allow you to look at the world differently.

Course information:    

The aim of this course is to explore complex concepts and procedures used in food technology. As well as developing your cooking skills, you will be given the opportunity to complete a major ten-credit project which will involve you working with a client or stakeholder to develop a solution for a need or opportunity that you have established through research and exploration of a context and its associated issues.

Why this course:    

Geography is a dynamic subject that takes a contemporary approach to relevant and significant issues for people and environments today and in the future. This course provides students with strong communication and analytical skills, which are highly sought after by both private and public sectors.

Geography at this level allows students to develop skills which enable them to:

• Research a local geographic issue of their choosing
• Look at a variety of perspectives on a rapidly changing world
• Communicate information in a variety of effective ways
• Think laterally and provided reasoned explanations to a variety of topics
• Analyse an issue using geographical information systems

Course information:   

This course develops an understanding of how people and the natural environment interact. These aspects are examined in both theoretical and practical terms.

Students will / could explore:

• Tourism on a local and global scale
• Human trafficking
• Sustainable energy
• Urban planning and sustainability
• Local geographical issue

Scholarship:

Students with a strong academic background will be offered an opportunity for extension by participating in the scholarship programme outside of their timetabled class. 

Why this course: 
This course is aimed at students who are interested in a health science, psychology, public health or education pathway. It is a university approved subject and UE is available. The content of this course is student driven so you can direct your learning in topics you feel passionate about. This course is for students with an interest in Health and wellbeing at a personal, interpersonal and societal level. 

Course information: 
Students will select a health issue, illness or disease and investigate a variety of health practices used to treat the matter. They will learn about ethical principles and debate a range of ethical issues such as abortion, euthanasia, and the use of drugs in sport. Students will also analyse a New Zealand health issue, such as methamphetamine use, binge drinking or teenage pregnancy, and look at the impact this is having on our society. For the external exam, students will learn about and analyse an international health issue. 

Why this course

This UE-accredited course encourages students to be critical in their thinking, improve their literacy skills including reading, annotating, and academic writing, comprehend complex ideas, and hone their research skills through extensive reading. 

This course leads to tertiary studies such as university courses in the areas of history, law, political science, media, journalism, management and administrative systems etc. Additional pathways are also available such as entry levels into various public sectors such as immigration, social and public works.

This course provides students with strong communication and critical thinking skills, which are highly sought after by both the private and public sectors as skills offered are transferable into many different areas.

Course Information:

This course involves possible areas of study which may include:

• the impact of colonisation in both national and global contexts
• an investigation of the Cambodian Genocide

Research topics for internal assessment provide students with the opportunity to study topics of their own choice, with guidance.

Scholarship

Students with a strong academic background will be offered an opportunity for extension by participating in the scholarship programme outside of their timetabled class. 

Introduction to Year 13 Agriculture and Horticulture Course

Welcome to the Year 13 Agriculture and Horticulture course at Wakatipu High School, where we delve into advanced concepts and practices shaping New Zealand's agricultural and horticultural landscape. This course is designed to equip you with comprehensive skills and knowledge essential for leadership roles in agriculture and horticulture.

Big Idea 1: Agriculture and Horticulture connect people to locations of purposeful production.

At the core of our curriculum is the exploration of how agriculture and horticulture forge meaningful connections between communities and the strategic locations where food and resources are purposefully cultivated. Through immersive fieldwork and in-depth study, you will analyze the socio-economic impact of agricultural practices locally and across diverse regions of New Zealand.

Big Idea 2: Primary producers manage life processes and the growing environment.

You will advance your understanding of managing life cycles, from optimizing soil health to maximizing crop yields and ensuring animal welfare. Experiences with local industry leaders will enhance your ability to implement sustainable practices and innovative techniques.

Big Idea 3: Primary producers make informed decisions about sustainability.

Critical to this course is examining how primary producers make informed decisions to enhance sustainability in agricultural and horticultural operations. You will conduct research into environmental issues affecting New Zealand's primary production, analyze complex market dynamics influencing supply and demand, and develop strategies to promote profitability while preserving ecological balance.

Throughout the year, you will engage in assessments, including investigating specific aspects of New Zealand primary products, analyzing profitability factors, and critically evaluating sustainability strategies. By the end of this course, you will be prepared to navigate and innovate within the dynamic landscape of agriculture and horticulture, making significant contributions to sustainable practices and industry advancement.

Why this course:    

Queenstown thrives on tourism, with hospitality playing a key role in supporting the local economy. Whether it’s working in hotels, serving in cafés or restaurants, preparing food as a chef, or crafting coffee as a barista, there is a wide range of exciting and rewarding job opportunities available.

This course is tailored for students who are interested in building a career in hospitality—whether in Queenstown, across New Zealand, or internationally. It offers a strong foundation for those eager to enter this dynamic and fast-paced industry.

Course information:    

This course is designed to further develop practical cooking skills while building confidence in customer service within a hospitality environment. Alongside hands-on learning, students will complete written work through Service IQ workbooks, which carry equal importance in the overall assessment.

Topics taught are likely to include:

• Review of food safety practices.
• Food preparation and presentation of the following;
  • Pasta dishes
  • Meat dishes
  • Pickles, chutney's and preserves 
  • Cakes, sponges, and scones
  • Complex sandwiches

Please note this is an alternative pathways course that does not lead to a university entrance (UE) due to being a unit standards course.

Please note this means that a subject endorsement is not possible, nor is it possible to gain credits towards an NCEA Level endorsement. 

Why this course:    

Hard Technology focuses on the development of outcomes to address real-world needs or opportunities as identified by you, based on research and stakeholder consultation. There is an emphasis at Level 3 on the documentation of the design process, as well as an expectation that practical skills and knowledge are at a high standard.

Course information:   

This Level 3 course is a UE approved subject. It offers a range of different Achievement Standards that allow students to embark on an individual pathway based on their passions and interests.

Why this course:    

This course extends students’ ability and confidence when listening, reading, writing and speaking in Japanese. Students are moving towards becoming socially competent and will be able to use the language more flexibly in a wider range of familiar and some less familiar situations.

Course information: 

Students will develop the skills needed to understand and use spoken and written Japanese; communicate effectively in Japanese for authentic purposes; and learn the conventions of communicating in Japanese and develop an understanding of Japanese culture.

Students will be able to respond to and use a wider variety of more complex language. They will be able to organise and analyse language which expresses information and justifies personal opinions and ideas, and drawing on comparisons. They will be introduced to informal language and be able to use language variably and effectively in different text types and for different purposes.

Topics covered will be: Travel, Homestays and Japanese Pop Culture.

This course is assessed using:
Achievements Standards. 

Note: The running of this course will depend on sufficient number of students choosing this course. Students may be offered this as a ‘multi-leveled’ option.

Why this course: 
This course caters to students who are strong mathematicians and are fluent in algebra. Students looking to study mathematics, statistics, sciences (including medical sciences), computer science, surveying, engineering, finance and business at university should be taking Level 3 Calculus.

Course information:
This course covers aspects of mathematics such as derivatives, integrals, differential equations, real and complex numbers, conic sections and trigonometric functions.

Why this course: 
By the end of this course, students can take part in general conversation with speakers of te reo Māori, understand most of what is said, and contribute relevant comments. They can explain and discuss many of their own ideas and opinions and may use te reo Māori creatively. They can read a variety of authentic te reo Māori materials and write expressively for a range of purposes. Students use a range of strategies to help them learn te reo Māori effectively, and they demonstrate a high level of fluency for a learner of te reo Māori as a second language.

Within the new NZ Curriculum, it is recommended that Level 3 Te Reo Māori students should be at level 8 – Achieving personal independence of Te Reo Māori of the NZ Curriculum guidelines for learning Te Reo Māori in English medium schools.

Course information:
Students should be able to:

• Communicate about certainty and uncertainty, possibility and probability.
• Develop an argument or point of view, with reasons.
• Recount a series of events to inform, persuade or entertain.
• Communicate the same information in different ways for different audiences.
• Respond to selected and adapted texts in te reo Māori that are about te reo and tikanga Māori, for example, texts from recorded speeches, literature, film, newspapers, magazines, television, video, DVD and radio.

Students in the Level 3 Te Reo Māori course have five achievement assessments throughout the year. These NCEA Te Reo Māori assessments evaluate five skills: ‘Whakarongo’ listening, ‘Kōrero’ speech, ‘Pānui’ reading comprehension, ‘Tuhituhi’ writing, ‘Waihanga tuhi’ crafted writing. Assessments are a combination of three internal and two external examinations, and have a total credit value of 28 credits. 

Why this course: 

This course is designed for students eager to deepen their statistical understanding and strengthen their data literacy. It focuses on developing key skills in statistics and probability, laying a strong foundation for tertiary study. Ideal for students considering pathways in the sciences, social sciences (such as psychology and sociology), medical and health sciences (including medicine, dentistry, physiotherapy, psychiatry), physical education, geography, consumer science, accounting, marketing, or economics, this course equips learners with the analytical tools needed to engage confidently with data in a wide range of fields.

Course information: 

Students will use the PPDAC cycle to investigate the time-series, bivariate, multi-variate and experimental data. They will also learn about probability theory including various distributions. Students with high literacy skills and the ability to make connections between mathematical concepts and real-world contexts will do well in Statistics. 

Why this course:  
This course caters to students who require Level 3 Mathematics credits for their chosen pathway, but do not have the algebraic experience necessary for Calculus or the desire to do Statistics. It is designed to complement the General Mathematics course at Level 2. This course would be appropriate for students needing Level 3 Mathematics as a University Entrance subject, or may be planning on a practical career pathway. 

Course information: 
This course caters to students who have had some success in Level 2 Mathematics but find mathematics difficult and prefer their mathematics to have practical meaning to the real world.

All credits are gained through Achievement Standards, meaning this course could meet the requirements for University Entrance (although this is not the primary goal of the course). Students can gain up to 18 internally assessed credits and 4 externally assessed credits. 

Why this course: 
The media is constantly changing and shaping our society. The progress of technology, mobility, connectivity, and digitization affects how we communicate in the world. Students are participants in this dynamic new environment and through media studies can gain the knowledge and skills to plan, design and make media products that engage audiences. Students who wish to carry on with tertiary study in the arts, broadcasting or marketing and communications will benefit from the critical components of this course.

Course information: 
Students will gain knowledge, skills and experience to:

Evaluate media contexts, particularly film. As an example, students may explore how the political landscape in New Zealand has changed as a result of changes in the social media industry. 

Evaluate meaning in media texts – students will evaluate the conventions used in particular genres of films.

Apply understanding – students will plan and produce a media product that meets the criteria of a brief and demonstrates understanding of conventions and technology.

Why this course:
Music is a strong source of communication, creativity and wellbeing that allows people to express themselves in many ways, both as an individual and as part of a group. Music develops self-confidence and enables people to share ideas and skills in a variety of contexts.  This course provides an excellent foundation for further study at a tertiary level and strongly complements the extra-curricular activities offered at WHS and in the community. 

Course information: 
This course further develops students' skills in the key areas of performance, composition, music context/genres, and sound engineering.

Options or study include: development of skills in instrumental/vocals in preparation for extended performance situations; the ability to create, structure and present students' ideas in a portfolio of work using a variety of programmes and contexts; further develop the understanding of music elements and features to analyse specific pieces of music and use of sound technology in recording situations.

Why this course: 
The Wakatipu area is blessed with an excellent environment in terms of outdoor recreation: lakes, rivers, a variety of mountainous country and bush offer many opportunities to learn new skills and recreate. This course aims to provide students with an educational means to utilise their surrounding environment and develop some life-long recreational skills. It provides a sound introduction to various adventure tourism and adventure recreation/pursuit courses available at polytechnics.

Course information:  
Students will learn about:

• Kayaking skills – Shotover, Kawarau & Clutha Rivers (3-day Clutha River Journey).
• Tramping/Bushcraft skills (3-day tramp in Mt Aspiring National Park).
• Mountaincraft skills – snow camp and expeditions (3 overnights in the mountains).
• Conservation and environmental learning.
• Leadership opportunities.

The course includes one afternoon session a fortnight in Term 1, which continues to 5 pm. There are four multi-day trips. The course combines both practical and theory components.

Activities in this course are subject to resource availability.

Why this course: 
This course develops students skills in the areas of the Performing Arts. Students will choose at least three areas of focus which provides an excellent foundation for further study and complements the extra-curricular activities offered at WHS and in the community. This is not a UE-approved course.

Course information:   
NCEA Performing Arts is designed to enable students to further their interest in the performing arts which includes the areas of sound, lighting, costume, set design, make-up and production. Students will choose from a list of unit standards to create their course.

Pathways include working within the performing arts industry in the areas of sound, lighting, costume, set design, make-up and production.

Why this course:   
Level 3 Physical Education offers further depth of study in optimising personal physical performance, leadership and sociology. It is an opportunity to apply specific training methods to enhance personal performance and experience new and challenging contexts. It is a stepping stone to tertiary study in the field of physical education, health sciences, health and recreation, personal training, coaching, physiotherapy, massage therapy and any career based around the human body.

Course information:    
Students will learn about:

• Leadership and providing opportunities for other students to participate in physical activity.
• Skill analysis, practice and improvement.
• Anatomy and biomechanical application.
• Personal performance improvement plans, training programmes and concepts, and exercise physiology.
• Sociology and the effects of social issues on a sporting event.
• Practical skills and knowledge, tactics and strategies.

Why this course:

Level 3 Physics is essential for students considering careers in engineering, physics, architecture, astronomy, medicine and health sciences, electronics, or any technology-driven field. It develops high-level analytical and mathematical skills, scientific literacy, problem-solving, and the ability to think systematically – all of which are highly valued in tertiary education and modern workplaces. Even for those not pursuing science directly, Physics teaches you how to break down complex problems, model systems, and justify solutions clearly and confidently.

Course information:

Level 3 Physics is an advanced course that challenges students to apply scientific reasoning and mathematical skills to explore the laws that govern our universe. This course covers key areas of mechanical systems, electrical systems, wave systems, and modern physics topics like quantum theory and nuclear physics.

Students will build on their Level 2 knowledge to solve complex problems, carry out investigations, and critically evaluate scientific information. The course emphasises precision, logical thinking, and a deep conceptual understanding of physical principles and models.

Psychology is the scientific study of human cognition, emotion, and action. In this class you will make connections through psychology to explore a range of human experience and emotions. You will use critical and lateral thinking skills to dissect a range of literature and craft essays.  You will need to be a passionate reader and have strong writing skills. 

The level three course differs from level two by having to apply psychological understanding to modern day issues and contexts. 

Topics covered may include:

- Interaction between psychological approaches

- Significance of  psychological research and its impact on society

- Psychological research

- Appication of psychological practice

Why this course:

Students are provided time to complete work which is generated from their other subjects. The main focus is the teachings of thinking and metacognitive skills to develop students’ ability to be successful and self-aware high performing independent learners.

Course information:

In this course you will learn to:

• Plan your own learning.
• Manage your time.
• Work productively collaboratively.
• Reflect on your own learning.
• Set goals and plan a pathway to achieving them.
• Study, revise and take notes successfully.
• Become self-aware around your own learning dispositions and habits.
• Learn how to learn.
• Reflect on your own thinking.

Students will be on an individual program contextualised by where they are at on the learning continuum.

Why this course: 

The Year 13 Spanish course aims to expand upon Year 12. Students will further develop their Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing skills to reach a strong level of oral and written confidence in Spanish. 

Students will be able to discuss and also debate complex issues in thematic studies.
The goal of Year 13 Spanish is to develop students' competencies and fluency so that they are able to discuss in depth topical issues that are relevant to today's world and society.

Why this course:

This course provides a stepping stone for students who wish to take courses and/or pursue career pathways in the Tourism sector.

Course Information: 
Topics include:

• Describing and promoting New Zealand and Australia as a tourist destination
• Analysing the economic impact of tourism
• Demonstrating knowledge of New Zealand as a tourist destination
• Demonstrating knowledge of Pacific Island countries as a visitor destination.

This Course leads to:
Please note this is a vocational pathways course that does not lead to a university entrance (UE)-approved course at Level 3.

Why this course:    

• Applied learning in a wider range of trades.
• Career-focused.
• Gain industry qualifications, knowledge, and skills as preparation for securing an Apprenticeship or place in a pre-trades course at Polytech.

This course provides the background learning for students to make informed decisions for a wider range of career pathways in the trade areas primarily focused on the building and construction industry. Individual learning leads to either employment or decisions to focus on one particular career pathway beyond school.

Course information:    

The course is based on acquiring skills and knowledge in Construction and Carpentry/Cabinetry. Content covered in each area is as follows:

• Select, use, and maintain tools, equipment and machinery
• Construction skills and knowledge
• BCATS building project

This course is modular course with a selection of Unit Standards offered.

This course leads to:    

Varying trades pathways.  Primarily construction industry 

Please note: The running of this course will be dependent on student numbers, staffing, and resourcing.  This is an alternative pathways course that does not lead to a university entrance (UE)-approved course at Level 3.

Students may be restricted to opt for one of the following subjects 8AUT, 8TRD, 8HTK

Why this course:    
The aim of the course is continue to build on the English language that students have already acquired while learning more complex grammar and improving on their reading, writing, speaking and listening skills to support their learning in mainstream classes.

Course information:  
This class is for senior students who are at a level of English where they can manage in some mainstream classes but still need support, and still have a lot more English vocabulary and grammar to learn. 

In this course you will learn to:

• Read, understand and respond to information texts, instructions and explanations.
• Write information texts, instructions and explanations.
• Ask for, listen to and give oral information, opinions, instructions and explanations.
• Take part in discussions and talk about themselves in an interview.

This course leads to:
ELLP Stage 2 (7ESL).