Sancta Maria College

Recommended study for: Year 10  

Technology can be described as intervention by design. It has an impact on us all whether you are academic or practical. It is a useful subject if you choose to take a trade apprenticeship, choose a career in a technology- related industry, or even if you choose a university career path.

Year 9 technology will provide students with practical and creative experiences, gaining skills while completing a range of activities and learning experiences.

All Technology courses include:

• Technological practice
  • The stages that must be followed to solve a problem or issue that leads to a solution that is successful and fit for purpose.
• Technological knowledge
  • Developing and learning new knowledge skills through research, problem-solving and critical reflection.
• Nature of Technology
  • Investigating how technology fits into our community, society and the world around us 

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Recommended study for: Year 10  

Technology can be described as intervention by design. It has an impact on us all whether you are academic or practical. It is a useful subject if you choose to take a trade apprenticeship, choose a career in a technology- related industry, or even if you choose a university career path.

Year 9 technology will provide students with practical and creative experiences, gaining skills while completing a range of activities and learning experiences.

All Technology courses include:

• Technological practice
  • The stages that must be followed to solve a problem or issue that leads to a solution that is successful and fit for purpose.
• Technological knowledge
  • Developing and learning new knowledge skills through research, problem-solving and critical reflection.
• Nature of Technology
  • Investigating how technology fits into our community, society and the world around us 

Recommended study for: Year 10  

Drama has the capacity to move and challenge values, cultures and identities. Through participation in drama, students develop their capacities of expression and imagination and learn to focus on and use their senses. The process of making and presenting drama gives students opportunities to develop their self-confidence and skills in interpreting, researching, negotiating, problem solving and decision making 

This course includes: 

• Improvisation/Theatre sports – You will learn a series of theatre sports games designed to help you think quickly, initiate and advance ideas, accept other peoples’ ideas and learn basic performance skills. 
• Role-play and character development – Through a series of exercises and activities you will learn to create and portray a range of convincing characters and sustain a role throughout a performance.
• Drama techniques workshop (use of voice, body, movement and space) - In this workshop you will learn how the effective use of drama techniques help to show meaning in a performance. You will learn how to speak clearly and to project your voice on stage. 
• Performance Poetry – You will show the use of drama techniques in a performance of a given poem. 
• Perform an acting role – You will research a character in a given script, and will develop the characteristics that allow the audience to see the character and not you – use drama techniques to shape your character. 
• Drama journal work – You will complete a written journal on all the units covered in this course. 

Recommended study for: Year 10 English 

The Year 9 English programme explores how characterisation, language and narrative structure construct ideas about identity, and how these choices position readers to consider the ways in which readers, writers and texts connect with one another to develop deeper understanding.  

Students will engage with a range of literary and non-literary texts, developing their ability to respond creatively, personally and critically. Across the year, students strengthen their reading, writing, speaking and listening skills while building their knowledge and application of grammar, punctuation, vocabulary and language choices. 

This class caters to students who are from a second language English background and have been identified as needing support in learning academic English. It is vital for identified students as it gives them a strong foundation for success, not only in NCEA English, but in all NCEA subjects. It is compulsory for identified candidates. 

Recommended study for: Year 10  

Technology can be described as intervention by design. It has an impact on us all whether you are academic or practical. It is a useful subject if you choose to take a trade apprenticeship, choose a career in a technology- related industry, or even if you choose a university career path.

Year 9 technology will provide students with practical and creative experiences, gaining skills while completing a range of activities and learning experiences.

All Technology courses include:

• Technological practice
  • The stages that must be followed to solve a problem or issue that leads to a solution that is successful and fit for purpose.
• Technological knowledge
  • Developing and learning new knowledge skills through research, problem-solving and critical reflection.
• Nature of Technology
  • Investigating how technology fits into our community, society and the world around us 

Recommended study for: Year 10

Students will be challenged in the areas of personal health and development, relationships, movement concepts, healthy communities and environments. The course will focus on developing personal performance and tactical awareness in invasion games and net and wall games. Students will also develop a personal exercise plan by monitoring physiological changes, and they will engage in outdoor education focusing on sustainable practices, kaitiakitanga (guardianship), and risk documentation. 

Health topics covered over the year focus on adolescent change, building resilience, and navigating personal transitions. Students will explore health-enhancing decisions around nutrition, alcohol, and other drugs, with a strong emphasis on harm reduction and managing peer pressure. The course also covers bodily autonomy, understanding hormonal changes, and the legal age of consent, strategies for staying safe online, and critically examining how media influencers shape self-perception 

Recommended study for: Year 10  

Follow on from their Year 8 Course, Year 9 students will be involved in a comprehensive Introductory Course in Japanese. Students will learn how to express themselves in Japanese in everyday situations, such as introducing oneself and others, talking about family, pets and friends, discussing one’s favourite hobbies, food or social events using social media platforms and digital tools in collaborative learning contexts. Students will also learn more about Japan, its people, culture, and customs through literature, media, information technology and people interaction. Students will have the opportunity to host visiting Japanese student groups during the year to put into practice their Japanese language skills. Students will be able to apply to go on Sancta Maria College Japan Cultural trip in their senior year of studies. 

Recommended study for: Students who are identified as needing a literacy boost to prepare them for the CAA Reading and Writing assessments, usually completed in Year 10. 

Literacy Acceleration (9LIT) 

This class caters to students who lack confidence and/or skill in reading comprehension and writing, especially students who have literacy delays due to dyslexia / dyspraxia etc. Teachers will identify candidates for this English class, and placement will be by invitation. It is run during an option line and occurs as well as mainstream English. Use of Assistive Technology to support literacy will be integrated into learning tasks. Elements of structured literacy approaches will also be used. This class is vital, and as such, compulsory for identified students. It will give them a strong foundation for success, not only in NCEA English, but in all subjects as NCEA is very literacy rich. 

Recommended study for: Year 10 Mathematics & Statistics 

Year 9 students will study a generic course that gives them an understanding of concepts that are the basis for studying Mathematics through to Year 13. The course aims to give students the numeracy skills and conceptual knowledge required to use Mathematics in everyday situations. Key strands covered are Number, Algebra and Graphs, Measurement, Geometry, Statistics and Probability. 

Recommended study for: Year 10 Music

Year 9 music students will develop the following skills which lead to Year 10 Music: 

• Performance: Developing core instrumental skills (by singing, playing the guitar, ukulele, keyboard) as a soloist or in a group ensemble.)
• Music Theory notation: by learning how to read music or further develop their theory level.
•  Listening and Responding to Music: by referring to the Elements of music through analysis and their Historical context.
• Music Technology and Composition: Creating digital music with music software.

All students studying music are encouraged to learn an instrument or sing through either the itinerant scheme or with private lessons.

In 2027 the instruments offered through the Itinerant Music Scheme are:

Voice (singing) , Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Bass Guitar, Trumpet, Trombone, Clarinet, Flute & Saxophone, Guitar and Drum Kit. There are limited spaces.

Students who study music and have itinerant music lessons are also expected to be involved in a co-curricular music group, such as the Choir, Concert Band, Big Band, Stage Band or Symphonia or Chamber Strings, or a Rock Band.

Recommended study for: Year 10 Religious Education 

Religious Education is central to all that we do at Sancta Maria College. It is through Religious Education that we learn more about our faith. The basis of study this year will be from a mixture of the “Understanding Faith” and “Tō Tātou Whakapono Our Faith” programmes mandated by the New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference. 

The theme for this year’s study is ‘Tūhono - Connected’. God’s grace connects us with God, each other and the world. The course will begin with introductory topics on the Special Character and Values of Sancta Maria College. Students will experience a variety of prayer forms over the course of the year. 

Topics covered:

·         Creation & Covenant

·         Journeys of Freedom

·         The Trinity

·         The Gift of Belonging

Recommended study for: Year 10 Science

Year 9 Science introduces students to increasingly abstract scientific ideas and helps them connect these ideas to everyday life and the environment.

Students will learn about:

·         Matter and chemical change:

·         Motion and forces

·         Earth systems

·         Genetics and variation

·         Transport in living organisms

·         Ecosystems

Throughout the course, students will carry out practical investigations, use scientific equipment safely, interpret graphs and data, construct and evaluate models, and examine the quality of scientific claims. 

Recommended study for: Year 10 Junior Social Sciences

Students in Year 9 Junior Social Sciences learn about the world around them and how they can participate as informed citizens in New Zealand society. From 2027, the new Social Sciences curriculum will be implemented.

Topics are drawn from the following strands:

• Civics and Society – Democracy process and international relations
• History – New Zealand history and global history
• Geography – Tourism and New Zealand Coasts
• Financial and Economic Activity – Financial systems, decision-making and managing money

Recommended study for: Year 10

Students will build confidence in understanding and communicating using te reo Māori through familiar sentence patterns and everyday vocabulary. 

Learning will take place through engaging contexts such as Whanaungatanga (relationships) - building on from their Year 8 ‘Ko Wai Au?’ (Who am I?) unit of work; Te Huarere (the weather), Matariki, Hauora (health and wellbeing), Te Wiki o te Reo Māori and Te Kīngitanga.

Alongside learning the language, students will explore tikanga Māori and deepen their understanding of te reo Māori revitalisation within Aotearoa and their role in supporting te reo Māori to flourish.

Technology can be described as intervention by design. It has an impact on us all whether you are academic or practical. It is a useful subject if you choose to take a trade apprenticeship, choose a career in a technology- related industry, or even if you choose a university career path.

Year 9 technology will provide students with practical and creative experiences, gaining skills while completing a range of activities and learning experiences.

All Technology courses include:

• Technological practice
  • The stages that must be followed to solve a problem or issue that leads to a solution that is successful and fit for purpose.
• Technological knowledge
  • Developing and learning new knowledge skills through research, problem-solving and critical reflection.
• Nature of Technology
  • Investigating how technology fits into our community, society and the world around us 

Technology can be described as intervention by design. It has an impact on us all whether you are academic or practical. It is a useful subject if you choose to take a trade apprenticeship, choose a career in a technology- related industry, or even if you choose a university career path.

Year 9 technology will provide students with practical and creative experiences, gaining skills while completing a range of activities and learning experiences.

All Technology courses include:

• Technological practice
  • The stages that must be followed to solve a problem or issue that leads to a solution that is successful and fit for purpose.
• Technological knowledge
  • Developing and learning new knowledge skills through research, problem-solving and critical reflection.
• Nature of Technology
  • Investigating how technology fits into our community, society and the world around us 

Recommended study for: Year 10  

Students will develop the following skills which leads to Year 10 Art. 

• Drawing: Using pencil to create realistic, observational drawing 
• Painting: Using painting conventions such as flat colour and blending to create a finished painting  
• Printmaking: Students will be introduced to woodcut printmaking, learning the process to create a finished print 
• Photography: Students will have an opportunity to learn about photography conventions and complete their own set of photographs 

Students will create artwork that responds to both contemporary and traditional artists and themes. Students will work within a theme but will have choice of their own subject matter and creative outcomes which allows agency and their own creativity to develop.

Students will be introduced to ways of working that support learning at senior level.

Recommended study for : Year 11 Commerce; Year 13 Economics, Accounting, and Business Studies.  

• Economics 
  • Introductory economic concepts, resources and sustainability, demand, supply and exchange via markets 
• Accounting 
  • Preparing financial statements e.g. transaction analysis, profit and loss and balance sheets 
• Financial Literacy 
  • Borrowing, insurance, consumer protection laws, budgeting and the decision-making process 
• Enterprise and Business 
  • Starting and running a business to produce a product for sale on Market Day 

Recommended study for: Year 11 Digital Technologies

Digital Design

When creating a feature cover, you will use digital design tools within Photoshop to create a purposeful product, consider accessibility for different users, follow legal and ethical guidelines when using images and text, and work collaboratively to manage and share your project effectively.

 Programming

When learning Python programming, you will develop a functional digital solution by designing, coding, and testing programs to ensure they work reliably and meet user needs. You will follow legal and ethical guidelines to create safe and responsible digital outcomes, use cloud-based and digital systems appropriately, and work collaboratively using agreed file-naming conventions and version histories to manage your projects effectively.

Web Design

When learning web design, you will plan, create, and refine a website that effectively communicates information to an intended audience. You will consider how design choices, layout, colour, and navigation impact the user experience, ensure your website is accessible to a range of users, and evaluate its effectiveness through testing and feedback to create a purposeful digital outcome.

Recommended study for : Year 11, Year 12 and Year 13 Drama.  

Individual and group assessments in movement work/physical theatre, devising and script work, study of theatre forms, research, theory and public performances.

Co-operation and participation with enthusiasm is essential. 

COURSE LEADS TO:  

NCEA Level 1 Drama  

NCEA Level 2 Drama  

NCEA Level 3 Drama 

Tertiary Study Bachelor of Performing Arts National Certificate in Performing Arts  

Prerequisite for: Year 11 English

 The Year 10 English programme builds on students’ knowledge and skills developed in Year 9, with a focus on how texts shape meaning, influence audiences and reflect different perspectives and contexts. Students will explore a diverse range of literary and non-literary texts, developing their ability to analyse how language, structure, style and literary features work together to communicate ideas and create effects. The Year 10 course aims to prepare students for the Co-Requisite Literacy (Reading and Writing) assessments and the Foundational Award in Year 11. Students will develop their analytical skills, create purposeful texts, and communicate effectively with different audiences. They will demonstrate these skills through written, visual, and oral forms.

Students will examine how texts are influenced by their historical, cultural and social contexts, and how different readers may interpret texts in different ways. They will make connections between texts, their own experiences and the wider world, developing increasingly sophisticated personal and critical responses.

 Recommended study for: Year 10ENL – teacher directed

This class caters to students who are from a second language English background and have been identified as needing support in learning academic English. It is vital for identified students as it gives them a strong foundation for success, not only in NCEA English, but in all NCEA subjects. It is compulsory for identified candidates.

Recommended study for: Students who are identified as needing a literacy boost to prepare them for the CAA Reading and Writing assessments, usually completed in Year 10. 

Literacy Acceleration (10LIT) 

This class caters to students who lack confidence and/or skill in reading comprehension and writing, especially students who have literacy delays due to dyslexia / dyspraxia etc. Teachers will identify candidates for this English class, and placement will be by invitation. Use of Assistive Technology to support literacy will be integrated into learning tasks. Elements of structured literacy approaches will also be used. Students who are eligible for Special Assessment Conditions will be given chances to trial these prior to the CAA exams. This class is vital, and as such, compulsory for identified students. It will give them a strong foundation for success, not only in NCEA English, but in all subjects as NCEA is very literacy rich. 

Recommended study for: Year 11 Materials and Processing Technology. 

Based on the Technology curriculum, this course offers a variety of food technology projects and problem-based learning. Students will be challenged to design solutions in response to specific food needs and situations. This course will help to develop students’ knowledge and skills for NCEA. Working collaboratively is essential for the success outcomes of this course. 

COURSE LEADS TO:  

NCEA Level 1 Material and Processing Technology - Food, Textiles or materials, or Design and Visual Communication (Graphics).  

Career Pathway of Hospitality (Year 12HOS and 13HOS). 

Prerequisite for : Year 11 Physical Education Studies

Students will be challenged in the areas of personal health and development, relationships, movement concepts, healthy communities and environments. The course will focus on the advanced application of rules, tactics, strategy, and officiating in invasion games and cultural games, applying SPORT principles and SMART goals to a personal exercise plan, and developing outdoor leadership skills. 

Health topics covered over the year focus on analyzing stress, self-care practices, and understanding how substance use affects maturing brain development and leads to progressive addiction. Students will investigate relational power in consent, contraception, and STI prevention to support safe and respectful relationships. The course also critically assesses digital media's impact on body image and online safety, including the psychological impacts of cyberbullying.

Recommended study for : Year 11 Japanese 

This is an introductory course in Japanese. Students will continue to develop and have practice in the four language skills (listening / reading / writing / speaking); they will explore Japanese language through everyday contexts - meeting new people, going on an outing/ shopping/ inviting friends to a party, making travel arrangements etc. Through literature, media, information technology and people interaction, students will continue to learn more about Japan, its people, culture, and customs. 

Students will have the opportunity to: 

• Host visiting Japanese student groups during the year to put into practice their Japanese language skills 
• Apply to go on Sancta Maria College Japan Cultural trip 

Prerequisite for : Any Year 11 Mathematics and Statistics Course 

Year 10 students will study a generic course that gives them an understanding of concepts that are the basis for studying Mathematics through to Year 13. The course aims to give students the numeracy skills and conceptual knowledge required to use Mathematics in everyday situations. Key strands covered are: Number, Algebra and Graphs, Trigonometry, Measurement, Statistics and Probability. 

Recommended study for: Year 11 Music (NCEA Level 1 Music)  

Recommended study for: Year 11 Music (NCEA Level 1 Music)

Year 10 music students will develop the following music skills which lead to NCEA Music.

• Performance: where students either perform as a soloist or in a group ensemble (by singing, playing keyboards, ukulele, drums, guitars, etc.)
• Music Theory notation: by learning how to read music or further develop their theory level.
• Listening and Responding to Music: by referring to the Elements of music through analysis and their Historical context.
• Music Technology and Composition: Creating digital music with music software.

 All students studying music are encouraged to learn an instrument or sing through either the itinerant scheme or with private lessons.

 In 2027 the instruments offered through the Itinerant Music Scheme are:

Voice (singing), Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Bass Guitar, Trumpet, Trombone, Clarinet, Flute & Saxophone, Guitar and Drum Kit. There are limited spaces.

Students who study music and have itinerant music lessons are also expected to be involved in a co-curricular music group, such as the Choir, Concert Band, Stage Band,

Big Band, or Symphonia or Chamber strings or a Rock Band.

Music students are also encouraged to become involved in Music Competitions, such as the Chamber Music Contest, Rock Quest, Tangata Beats, The Big Sing, the KBB Festival, Play it Strange and Stand Up Stand Out.

Prerequisite for: Year 11 Religious Education 

Religious Education at Sancta Maria College continues to bring students to Christ in the way of Mary. Guided by the principles of Tō Tātou Whakapono, deepening knowledge of faith, tradition, ritual, culture, and history.  Like Mary, who pondered God’s word deeply in her heart, students are encouraged to encounter Christ in meaningful ways, including prayer, reflection and contemplation. This course prepares students for level 1 NCEA study in 2027. 

Topics covered: 

• Journeys of Freedom 
• Gift of Vocation 
• Medieval Church 
• Images of God  
• Religious Education

 Prerequisite for : Year 11 Science

 Year 10 Science extends students’ knowledge and prepares them for specialised Science courses in Years 11–13. Students apply ideas from different branches of science to more complex problems and real-world challenges.

 Students will learn about:

• Atomic structure and bonding
• Chemical reactions
• Energy and waves
• Earth and climate
• Earth and space:
• Disease and immunity
• Control and coordination in the body
• Human impacts on ecosystems

Students will design and carry out increasingly independent investigations, analyse data, identify possible errors and suggest improvements. They will use scientific vocabulary, diagrams, models, calculations and evidence to communicate explanations and make informed decisions about issues affecting people, communities and the environment.

Prerequisite for: NCEA level Social Sciences subjects – Year 11-13 Geography; Year 11-13 History; and Year 13 Classical Studies.

Students study a variety of important social and civil issues, enabling them to make informed decisions as global citizens. Social Sciences at Year 10 develops students’ critical thinking and analytical skills, crucial to study at the NCEA level. From 2027, the new Social Sciences curriculum will be implemented.

 Topics are drawn from the following strands:

• Civics and Society – International cooperation and global citizenship
• History – New Zealand history and global history
• Geography – Urbanisation, megacities, and global inequalities
• Financial and Economic Activity – Financial systems, decision-making and managing money

Recommended study for : Year 11 Te Reo Māori  

Students will build on their existing knowledge, using familiar language with greater flexibility while beginning to understand new language through context. They will read and write simple stories, dialogues, and recipes in te reo Māori, and use language to respond to everyday situations such as giving and following directions and requests. They will also continue to develop effective language learning strategies to support their ongoing progress. 

Students will do this in contexts such as mihimihi – formal introduction, te marae, ngā hākari (feasts and celebrations), Matariki, ngā haerenga (journeys), Te Wiki o te Reo Māori and ngā pūrākau (Māori legends). 

Students will continue to engage with tikanga Māori and examine the ongoing revitalisation of te reo Māori in Aotearoa, developing a sense of responsibility for promoting and upholding the language within their communities. 

Recommended study for: Year 11 Materials and Processing Technology 

A resistant, multi-materials-based course involving aspects of the Technology curriculum, allowing students to be innovative and creative. Students will acquire practical skills when making products of ‘take home’ quality. This course provides a strong skill foundation and understanding of technology procedures for study in Year 11 Technology. 

Graphics and design (DVC) will also be partly covered as appropriate to the course. 

COURSE LEADS TO:  

NCEA Level 1 Materials and Processing Technology – Materials, Food or Textiles and Design and Visual Communication (Graphics) 

Recommended study for : Year 11 Materials and Processing Technology 

This is a course that will prepare you for Level 1 - Materials and Processing Technology – Textiles, as well as Year 12 and 13 Fashion & Design (FAD).   At Year 10 you will firstly work on a group project, learning collaboration and decision-making, as well as developing new textiles skills.  The second project will be your own project* of choice that solves an issue or problem for an end-user who could be you, a family member or a friend. Textiles will allow you to build sewing confidence, explore creativity with fabric mediums, and applied design. in the use of a variety of textiles. 

COURSE LEADS TO:  

NCEA – Level 1 Materials and Processing Technology– Food, Textiles or Materials or Design and Visual Communication  

Recommended study for: Year 11 DVC 

This course covers all aspects of graphics communication and technical drawing skills. Students will apply the design process when developing product concepts and ideas. 

Students will also use a range of tools, equipment and multimedia. 

COURSE LEADS TO:  

NCEA Level 1, 2 and 3 DVC  

Recommended study for: Year 11 Art 

Students will develop the following skills which leads to Year 11 Art. 

• Drawing: Using pencil to create realistic, observational drawing 
• Painting: Using painting conventions such as flat colour and blending to create a finished painting  
• Printmaking: Students will be introduced to dry-point etching and will work through the process of creating a finished print  
• Photography: Students will have an opportunity to learn about photography conventions and complete their own set of photographs 
• Sculpture: Students will learn how to make a vessel using ceramic clay, which will be fired and glazed into a final work 

Students will create artwork that responds to both contemporary and traditional artists and themes. Students will work within a theme but will have choice of their own subject matter and creative outcomes which allows agency and their own creativity to develop. 

Students will be introduced to ways of working that support learning at senior level.