During the year, students complete 13 week blocks in 3 areas: Visual Arts, Performing Arts and Music.

Visual Arts

Taking visual art as a subject helps students be creative, express themselves, and see the world in new ways. They learn how to make art, explore different materials, and develop their own ideas. Projects will be based on the creative processes of established artists.

Visual art builds skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, and visual communication, all of which are useful in school, work, and life. It’s a fun and rewarding subject that helps students grow as individuals and think more creatively about the world around them.  

Performing Arts

This course teaches students the fundamental techniques and elements of Drama. It is a fun and practical class, where students are encouraged to actively socialise and communicate with their peers in a team environment. In Drama, students will work with their peers, working through units of Storytelling, Improvising and Dance Choreography. The focus is on creating a safe environment where students feel confident and able to contribute. The achievement objectives of this course are to build performance skills and knowledge, develop cooperation and social communication skills, as well as building self confidence.

Music

This course is a practical and creative introduction to music. Students will explore a wide range of music styles from Aotearoa and beyond, learning through listening, composing, and performing activities. Emphasis is placed on using the Elements of Music, developing musical literacy, and gaining confidence in playing instruments and singing.

Group collaboration and class performances are a key part of the course, reflecting our college values of unity and contribution. Students will also use music technology to support composition and performance. This course celebrates the diverse cultural backgrounds of our learners and encourages each student to express their identity through music.

This course is divided into key areas of the NZ English Curriculum. Focus areas for developing reading, writing and speaking skills, include a film unit, a written text study and creative and formal writing. Foundation skills, including writing conventions and language techniques, will be integrated into all learning areas. Reading for enjoyment is also an important part of our course.  

For students learning English as a second language, this course covers:

• Listening Skills- listening tasks, which provide practice and develop students’ ability to understand the main message of the text and everyday spoken English.
• Speaking Skills - students have the opportunity to practise pronunciation and intonation of new language. In the practice sections, the exercises lead to free speaking practice such as role plays and discussions. 
• Reading Skills - Reading texts are relatively short and are carefully graded to allow students to build on their previous knowledge and to increase their confidence. As they progress, texts become longer and more challenging, with students being exposed to increasingly complex language. This encourages them to start deducing meaning from context and enables them to engage with more difficult reading texts. 
• Writing Skills- Writing is based on real-life topics that are relatable. Students learn to write in different styles for specific purposes. 
• Grammar- students are tested and given an individualised independent study course to develop further knowledge and the ability to use correct English in their writing. 
• Vocabulary- Students are expected to work on their vocabulary until they master their essential 3,000 word families.  Each student will have a vocabulary workbook which will be at the appropriate level to study at.  Once they have completed those levels, they will move onto academic English vocabulary.

Students participate in a wide range of physical activities to develop their key competencies, covering many of the learning objectives and strands of the curriculum throughout the junior school. An emphasis is placed on developing self-management and participation skills through physical activity to enable them to function well in challenging physical environments. Students explore health-related issues affecting teenagers within this course.

Students study a half year each of the following two subjects.

Māori: 

Te Reo Māori is the key to understanding the Māori world. Te Reo Māori lays the foundation of communicative skills and cultural knowledge to enable students to be bilingual and bicultural with an appreciation and consideration of a Māori worldview.

An introduction to Māori language and culture is offered in Year 9, with a focus on speaking, listening, reading, and writing. The achievement objectives of this course are to successfully develop students’ understanding of the Māori language and culture from a beginners level.  

Spanish: 

By engaging with this subject, students develop the ability to communicate in Spanish and connect meaningfully with people in different communities around the world.

Languages and cultures play a key role in developing personal, community, national, and global identities. Through Spanish, students build an in-depth understanding of the world around them and become culturally competent global citizens.

In Year 9, students learn how to receive and produce basic information in Spanish in everyday situations.  A knowledge of Spanish enhances multiple career opportunities both nationally and internationally, as well as being useful to anyone thinking of overseas travel.

Students will become more familiar with calculating and estimating, using appropriate mental and written calculation methods in flexible ways. They will start to learn algebraic generalisation and representing patterns and relationships found in numbers, shapes and measures. They will learn valuable thinking and logical reasoning skills.

The theme of this year is beginnings. As students learn within topic areas they will draw upon religious language, symbols and texts that are at the heart of our Christian faith. They will study the life and background of Jesus Christ and how the early Christians took the message of Jesus to the world. They will use creative and critical thinking in order to advance their learning. Students will also give witness to Christian values and Social Justice principles. This will take place within the classroom and through the Journey Programme.

Students will develop their understanding of the world, built on current scientific theories. They will use the scientific skills of investigation and then communicate their observations through symbols and text, in the contexts of living things, matter, energy and the universe. Students will learn to work independently as well as participate with each other in a team. They will then be able to make informed decisions about the applications and implications of science as these relate to their own lives and cultures and to the sustainability of the environment.

Year 9 Social Studies – Understanding Ourselves and Our World
Exploring Identity, Rights, and Power in Aotearoa and Beyond

In the Year 9 Social Studies course, you’ll explore the stories, systems, and struggles that shape who we are in Aotearoa and the wider world. 

You’ll investigate key themes such as human rights, government and power, protest movements, and identity. Explore diverse perspectives on historical and contemporary issues – including colonisation, resistance, and change – through case studies like Parihaka, the Dawn Raids, and Ihumātao.

You’ll examine who holds power, whose voices are heard, and how people have acted for justice and change. You’ll be challenged to reflect on your own values, engage with others respectfully, and apply Catholic Social Teaching principles such as human dignity and the common good.

Throughout the course, you’ll develop the tools to think deeply, communicate clearly, and participate confidently in society – essential skills for life in our increasingly diverse and connected world.

Get Ready to Design, Create, and Innovate!

Are you ready to solve real-world problems through creativity and design?

Technology is all about creating products and solutions that make life better. In 2027 you will explore exciting challenges, such as redesigning your favourite fast-food meal to make it healthier, creating stylish and practical clothing, developing smart storage solutions for everyday problems, or designing engaging digital products.

Along the way, you'll learn how designers and innovators think. You'll investigate real needs, generate creative ideas, test and refine your designs, and produce outcomes that are fit for purpose. Whether you're passionate about food, fashion, digital technology, or product design, this course will challenge you to think differently, work collaboratively, and bring your ideas to life.

You'll gain hands-on skills and knowledge in a ton of cool areas:

• Digital: Dive into the world of coding, app design, and all things techy!
• Design and Visual Communication: Learn how to bring your ideas to life through awesome drawings, models, and presentations!
• Fashion and Design: Unleash your inner trendsetter and create amazing clothing and designs.
• Food: Become a culinary whiz, experimenting with ingredients and making incredible dishes.
• Hard Materials: Get hands-on with different materials and learn how to build awesome stuff!

Technology is always changing, and it's super important to understand how it impacts our world – from what we eat to how we live, and even the environment. Our goal at Garin is to make sure you are at the very cutting edge of technology education, ready for whatever the future holds!

There is a $100 course contribution to cover all the awesome resources you'll use throughout the year. Let's build something amazing together!

Year 10 Art students are continuing to refine their technical skills while developing a personal style in their creative practice. At this level, they explore a broad range of materials and techniques, including drawing, painting, and printmaking. Students are encouraged to experiment and  take creative risks.The course is designed to provide a rich base for students to use at Level 1.

Visual Art fosters valuable skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and visual communication - skills that are applicable in school, the workplace, and everyday life. It’s a fun, hands-on subject that challenges students to see and interpret the world more creatively, helping them grow as thoughtful and expressive individuals.

Design. Create. Bring Your Ideas to Life!

Got a creative mind? Love designing, drawing, or coming up with awesome ideas? Then Design and Visual Communication (DVC) is the subject for you!

DVC is where imagination meets innovation. You'll learn how to turn your ideas into professional designs using freehand sketching, technical drawing, and industry-standard digital design tools. Whether you're designing a dream home, an exciting product, or the next big invention, you'll develop the skills to communicate your ideas like a real designer.

In this course you'll:

• Create eye-catching designs from your own ideas.
• Learn sketching, rendering, and technical drawing techniques.
• Use digital design software to produce professional-quality work.
• Solve real-world design challenges with creativity and innovation.
• Build a portfolio that showcases your talent.

DVC isn't just about drawing—it's about thinking differently, solving problems, and creating designs that make a real impact. If you're interested in architecture, engineering, product design, interior design, graphic design, game design, or any creative career, this course is the perfect place to start.

If you can imagine it, you can design it. Come and bring your ideas to life!

Year 10 Digital Technology: Level Up Your Skills!

Get ready to bring your ideas to life in Year 10 Digital Technology! This year, the course is built around game design and development, giving you the chance to build real, playable games while mastering computer science and digital media skills. Here's what you can look forward to:

1. Build Your Own Games: Learn how to design and create games with clear goals in mind, following the same processes real developers use. You'll explore game mechanics, player feedback, and design principles as you shape your ideas into something people can actually play.
2. Code That Powers Play: Get hands-on with programming, building the logic, rules, and systems that make your games work. You'll learn how modular code, data, and logic come together to create something functional and fun.
3. Test, Tweak, Improve: Nothing is perfect on the first try. You'll test your games with real players, gather feedback, and refine your work, learning that failure is just part of the design process.
4. Behind the Screen: Discover how devices, networks, and cloud systems work together to keep your projects running smoothly, secure, and accessible to everyone who plays them.
5. Design for Everyone: Learn what makes a game or digital experience genuinely usable and inclusive, thinking about accessibility, fairness, and the people who'll actually use what you create.
6. Purpose and Impact: Consider how games can do more than entertain, they can teach, connect communities, and tell stories. Where it fits naturally, you'll explore Māori perspectives on design, storytelling, and ethical practice.
7. Teamwork That Builds Better Games: Work alongside your classmates, sharing ideas and feedback to strengthen each other's projects. Great games are rarely built alone.

Year 10 Digital Technology sets you up perfectly for NCEA Level 1 and leads straight into Year 11 Digital Technology, with pathways ahead into Computer Science or Digital Media. Come build something you're proud of.

This course is divided into key areas of the NZ English Curriculum. Focus areas for developing reading, writing and speaking skills, include a film study, a text connections unit, and a written text study. Foundation skills, including writing conventions and language techniques, will be integrated in all learning areas. There is a strong focus on formal writing skills in this course in preparation for NCEA Level 1 English. If ready, students will have their first opportunity to sit the Literacy Reading and Writing Co-requisites in Term 3, which is required to achieve NCEA Level 1.

For students learning English as a second language, this course covers:

• Listening Skills- listening tasks, which provide practice and develop students’ ability to understand the main message of the text and everyday spoken English.
• Speaking Skills - students have the opportunity to practise pronunciation and intonation of new language. In the practice sections, the exercises lead to free speaking practice such as role plays and discussions. 
• Reading Skills - Reading texts are relatively short and are carefully graded to allow students to build on their previous knowledge and to increase their confidence. As they progress, texts become longer and more challenging, with students being exposed to increasingly complex language. This encourages them to start deducing meaning from context and enables them to engage with more difficult reading texts. 
• Writing Skills- Writing is based on real-life topics that are relatable. Students learn to write in different styles for specific purposes. 
• Grammar- students are tested and given an individualised independent study course to develop further knowledge and the ability to use correct English in their writing. 
• Vocabulary- Students are expected to work on their vocabulary until they master their essential 3,000 word families.  Each student will have a vocabulary workbook which will be at the appropriate level to study at.  Once they have completed those levels, they will move onto academic English vocabulary.

Year 10 Fashion & Design Technology

Unleash your creativity and bring your style ideas to life! Year 10 Fashion and Design Technology is a hands-on, practical course designed for students who want to develop essential sewing skills, explore textile design, and build confidence in making their own clothing.

Throughout this course, you will dive into the design process from concept to creation. You will start by learning how to use professional sewing equipment safely and select the perfect fabrics for your ideas.

Key projects include:

• Custom Pyjama Pants: Learn the fundamentals of reading and using a commercial garment pattern to construct a comfortable, well-fitting pair of PJ pants.
• Graphic T-Shirt Design: Design, customize, and print your own unique graphics onto a T-shirt.
• Independent Creative Project: Once your core projects are complete, you will have the freedom to choose, design, and construct a small sewing project of your own choice.

By evaluating your finished products and understanding how materials work, you will finish the year with tangible, wearable items and the foundational skills needed for senior design pathways.

What you will gain: Practical manufacturing skills, design thinking, and the confidence to create your own wardrobe.

Food Technology – Create, Make, Innovate!

Love food? Love being creative? Then Year 10 Food Technology is for you!

This isn't just cooking – it's designing, experimenting, and solving real-world challenges through food. You'll create exciting recipes, develop your own food products, explore food science, and discover how technology shapes what we eat.

You'll:

• Design and create your own unique food products.
• Learn exciting cooking techniques and food science.
• Take on fun challenges and team competitions.
• Explore flavours and cuisines from around the world.
• Build creativity, confidence, and problem-solving skills.

Whether you dream of becoming a chef, food scientist, nutritionist, entrepreneur, or simply love creating amazing food, this course gives you skills for life.

If you enjoy getting hands-on, thinking outside the box, and bringing your ideas to life, Year 10 Food Technology is the perfect recipe for your future!

This course builds on the learning experiences from Year 9. Students continue to participate in a wide range of physical activities to further develop their key competencies. An emphasis is placed on developing interpersonal skills within physical activity and performing as a team member. Students explore health related issues affecting teenagers within this course.

Hard Materials Technology – Design, Build, Innovate!

Love making things? Love being creative? Then Year 10 Hard Materials Technology is for you!

This isn't just workshop time – it's designing, experimenting, and solving real-world challenges through physical materials. You'll create exciting prototypes, develop your own custom projects, explore material science, and discover how technology shapes the physical objects around us.

You'll:

• Design and create your own unique, physical products.
• Learn exciting workshop techniques and hand-on and digitally assisted fabrication skills.
• Take on fun design challenges and team problem-solving projects.
• Explore sustainable materials and modern manufacturing processes.
• Build creativity, confidence, and practical engineering skills.

Whether you dream of becoming a designer, engineer, builder, architect, entrepreneur, or simply love creating amazing things with your hands, this course gives you skills for life.

If you enjoy getting hands-on, thinking outside the box, and bringing your ideas to life, Year 10 Hard Materials Technology is the perfect blueprint for your future!

Students will increase their understanding of number and algebra, geometry and statistics. They will be exposed to electronic calculation methods to complement mental and written skills. They will further develop their ability to systematically problem solve and mathematically communicate their both their findings and reasoning.

Year 10 students will be given the opportunity to sit the numeracy co-requisite exam. Achievement in this will enable students to gain the 10 numeracy credits required for achievement of NCEA Level 1.

The Year 10 Music course builds on Year 9, with a focus on performing, composing, and listening. Students will appraise music from a wide range of cultures and time periods, including Māori and Pasifika traditions. They will deepen their understanding and use of the Elements of Music.

Performance is an important aspect, and students will be supported to perform as soloists and in groups. There are opportunities to take part in school concerts, Mahi Toi, Rockquest, and chamber music events. Students will learn to use digital tools to create music and reflect on their own and others’ compositions.

A practical course, focused on learning through performance opportunities. There are units on Acting with Scripts, Devised Dance, and a Theatre Technologies unit, where students get to focus on an area of their choice from: acting, script writing, directing, lighting, sound or a combination. Units of work will be assessed in the style of NCEA in preparation for Level 1. The achievement objectives of this course are to build performance skills and knowledge, develop cooperation and social communication skills, as well as building confidence.

The theme of Christian Journey is significant within all topic areas. Students will come to appreciate how their own life and learning is influenced by the way they relate to others and their engagement in the wider faith community. By reflecting upon the journey of others they will understand how their own stories and the story of Christianity are connected and have given shape to the world today.

Students will apply the scientific knowledge and skills they have learned in Year 9 and use them to communicate effectively their observations and the patterns they see in the contexts of chemical reactions, adaptations, geology, forces, electricity and genetics. They will take part in informed discussion and debate on a range of science-related issues, making decisions about the protection and wise use of earth’s resources.

Year 10 Social Studies – Shaping Our Place in the World

In Year 10 Social Studies, you’ll dive deeper into the big questions that shape our lives: Who holds power? Whose voices are heard? How can people create real change? 

Building on your earlier learning, this course explores key issues across Aotearoa and the world, including identity, culture, leadership, conflict, climate change, sustainability, innovation and enterprise. 

You will engage with real-world challenges and develop your ability to think critically, explore multiple perspectives, and make informed judgments. Whether you're learning about the impacts of climate change on communities in Aotearoa and the Pacific, or creating your own business for Year 10 Market Day, you’ll be encouraged to question, innovate, and take action.

Grow your understanding of your own identity and your responsibilities as a global citizen, while building skills in teamwork, communication, and leadership.

By the end of the year, you’ll be ready for senior Social Sciences subjects like History, Geography, Classical Studies, Sociology, and Tourism—with the confidence to question the world around you and contribute meaningfully to it.

By engaging with this subject, students develop the ability to communicate in Spanish and connect meaningfully with people in different communities around the world.

Languages and cultures play a key role in developing personal, community, national, and global identities. Through Spanish, students build an in-depth understanding of the world around them and become global citizens. As our trade connections and cultural relations strengthen between Aotearoa and Latin America, this creates numerous career opportunities in industries such as international relations, agriculture, healthcare, structural engineering, natural resource management, and many more global industries.

This full year course incorporates immersive, cultural projects to build on the basic foundations of Year 9 Spanish and develop readiness for NCEA in Year 11. Students learn to express and respond to their personal needs and interests in a variety of situations across a range of interesting topics in Spanish. 

Te Reo Māori is the key to understanding the Māori world. It lays the foundation of communicative skills and cultural knowledge to enable students to be bilingual and bicultural with an appreciation and consideration of a Māori worldview.

An integrated Te Reo Māori course is offered which focuses on the development of the four main components of the language: speaking, listening, reading and writing. The achievement objectives of this course are to successfully develop students’ understanding of the Māori language and culture in preparation for NCEA Level 1 the following year.

This course is designed to support students who speak English as a second language. These English language learners will develop and build their English skills in speaking, listening, reading, writing, grammar and vocabulary.

Within this course, the specific learning needs of each student will determine their individual academic pathways. Students will be offered workbooks, online grammar and reading programmes and ELL Unit Standards depending on their ability. This will help them prepare for their individual academic and future pathways.

The Unit Standards offered will depend on a student's individual level of English ( ELL Level 1, 2 and 3 standards).

English is the study, use, and enjoyment of the English language, communicated orally, visually, and in writing, for a range of purposes and audiences and in a variety of forms. In Aotearoa New Zealand, the study of English incorporates mātauranga Māori and considers our place in the Pacific. 

The main aim of this course is to improve reading and writing literacy. A key focus for this course will be preparing students for the Literacy Reading and Writing Co-requisite exams and is best suited for students who are yet to achieve these credits or who will benefit from additional time spent on developing their reading and writing skills. Your current English teacher can guide you in deciding whether this course or the ENG1 course is best suited for you.

In terms of assessment and credits, the two Literacy Co-requisite Achievement Standards - reading and writing - are the main focus. Students may also be offered the opportunity to attempt the English 1.2 Develop ideas in writing Achievement Standard, which is worth 5 Level 1 English credits, as part of the course. Finally, there may be opportunities for students to complete Communication Unit Standards to gain Level 1 credits. 

Year 11 Visual Art is a creative and hands-on course where students start working towards NCEA Level 1. It’s all about exploring ideas, building confidence, and having fun with different materials and techniques like drawing, painting, printmaking, and mixed media.

Through practice-based visual inquiry, students explore themes that are meaningful to them, including an Aotearoa New Zealand Māori context and another cultural context. Students will learn how to look at and be inspired by well-known artists, and use what they discover to develop their own unique style.

This course is both challenging and rewarding—it helps students build confidence, originality, and visual communication skills, all while having fun exploring who they are and how they see the world. It provides a strong foundation for senior NCEA Art and Photography in Year 12 and beyond.

Students will gain both a practical and theoretical understanding of consumer decisions, producer decisions and the subsequent behaviour of these two groups in the marketplace. They will explore how different groups in the economy are interdependent, how external factors impact on organisations and understand that decisions made by organisations impact themselves and society. 

Why study Commerce?

Commerce offers the tools with which to approach questions and how to make well – informed decisions about the desirability of individual ideas or the likely impacts of public policies. You will acquire problem-solving skills and develop a logical, ordered way of looking at problems.

Economics and Commerce are important for many areas of society. It can help improve living standards and make society a better place, in turn, it can also make things worse. It partly depends on the priorities of society and what we consider most important.

Commerce leads naturally to careers in business, law, research and consulting, marketing, communications or working within the Government.

Note: This is a foundation course that will equip students with economic terminology, knowledge, skills and models essential to the ongoing study of Economics at higher levels.

This course will include learning opportunities that create a foundational knowledge of the subject, as intended by the revised NCEA Level 1. The Big Ideas and Significant Learning will be the focus and this can then be assessed through the new Achievement Standards. Students will be offered assessment opportunities for a selection of these standards based on their progress through the course and how ready they are. It is expected that all students will be able to attempt three NCEA Level 1 assessments throughout each course for around 15 credits. 

Level 1 DVC (Design & Visual Communication) 

Level 1 DVC is your gateway to the world of design, architecture, and innovation. If you like solving problems, sketching, or bringing ideas to life on a screen, this is where it starts. You won't just learn how to draw—you'll learn how to think like a designer.

This course lays the foundation for advanced design in Levels 2 and 3, giving you the tools to tell your own stories, explore identity, and build the future.

What You’ll Actually Do:

• Design Thinking: Take a real-world brief and invent creative solutions for human needs.
• Sketching & Drawing: Master everything from quick, messy brainstorm sketches to precise technical and 3D drawings.
• Spatial & Product Design: Design spaces people want to live in and products people want to use.
• Cultural Awareness: Weave identity, Māori design principles, and meaningful storytelling into your projects.
• Digital Tools: Get hands-on with CAD software like SketchUp, TinkerCAD, or Fusion 360.

Superpowers You’ll Walk Away With:

By the end of the year, you’ll have a toolkit of transferable skills that look great on any resume:

• Creative Problem Solving (thinking outside the box)
• Visual Literacy (pitching ideas so people can see your vision)
• Spatial Reasoning & Tech Skills (mastering CAD and 3D layouts)
• Project Management (taking an idea from a blank page to a finished product)

Where could this take you? DVC is the launchpad for careers in Architecture, Product Design, Engineering, Game Design, Fashion, Graphic Design, and Landscape Architecture.

Year 11 Digital Technology: Dive into the Future of Tech!

Get ready to unleash your creativity and tech skills in Year 11 Digital Technology! This course is your gateway to mastering the digital world while having a blast. Here’s what you can look forward to:

1. Create Digital Magic: Learn how to craft digital masterpieces with specific goals in mind. From designing games to creating stunning animations, you’ll follow tried-and-true processes and explore design methods inspired by rich cultural traditions (tikanga). Plus, you’ll continuously refine your work through testing and feedback, making it even more awesome!
2. Collaboration and Feedback: Work closely with your peers, drawing on everyone’s unique knowledge to enhance your designs. Teamwork makes the dream work, and together, you'll achieve amazing results.
3. Tech Fundamentals: Dive into the exciting world of algorithms and computer science. Discover how computers solve complex problems and how you can use this knowledge to create innovative solutions. Who knows, you might even come up with the next big tech breakthrough!
4. Social and Cultural Impact: Bring your unique background to the table and consider different perspectives as you learn about the social and cultural aspects of digital technology. Understand the importance of user well-being and protecting digital resources. Through an te ao Māori lens, you’ll gain a deep appreciation for usability and the end-user experience in software design.
5. Innovative Projects: Whether you’re into game development, animation, audio/visual production, or 3D modeling, you’ll get to design and create digital outcomes that you’re passionate about. The sky’s the limit!
6. Programming Fun: Learn Python and create your very own computer program. Coding has never been this exciting!
7. Human-Computer Interaction Exam: Sharpen your knowledge and test your skills in an exam focused on how humans interact with computers. It’s all about making tech work seamlessly for people.

Year 11 Digital Technology is more than just a course—it’s an adventure! You’ll gain invaluable skills, think outside the box, and embrace cultural sensitivity, all while having a ton of fun. Join us and be part of the future of digital innovation!

This course will include learning opportunities that create a foundational knowledge of the subject, as intended by the revised NCEA Level 1. The Big Ideas and Significant Learning (link) will be the focus and this can then be assessed through the new Achievement Standards. Students will be offered assessment opportunities for a selection of these standards based on their progress through the course and how ready they are. It is expected that all students will be able to attempt three NCEA Level 1 assessments for 15 credits. 

English is the study, use, and enjoyment of the English language, communicated orally, visually, and in writing, for a range of purposes and audiences and in a variety of forms. It is creative and critical, receptive and productive. In Aotearoa New Zealand, the study of English incorporates mātauranga Māori and considers our place in the Pacific. The Level 1 English course will include studying a range of texts, learning to understand significant aspects of unfamiliar texts, developing ideas in writing, and using writing conventions with increasing accuracy.

A Level 1 English course is a compulsory subject for all students. Ideally, students who select this course will already have achieved the Literacy Reading and Writing Co-requisite standards.  

Unlocking Fashion & Design Technology

Ready to turn your wildest creative ideas into reality? Whether you dream of rocking the runway or styling the ultimate interior space, this course is your ultimate hands-on design playground.

This is not just about making things—it’s about bringing your unique vision to life. You’ll dive deep into the world of textiles, master the elements and principles of design, and experiment with the cool materials, techniques, and processes that make a design pop.

What You'll Do

• Be the Boss of Your Project: Spot a real-world need or opportunity, write your own design brief, and sketch out brilliant concepts.
• Prototype & Play: Bring your sketches into 3D! You’ll test out fabrics, experiment with techniques, and functional-model your ideas to build a final, high-quality prototype.
• Design for the Future: Research sustainable production methods and look at the social, cultural, and ethical impacts of fashion. You’ll learn how to create beautiful things that are also kind to the planet.
• Critique Like a Pro: Learn to evaluate your own solutions and look at design through a critical, professional lens.

Skills You'll Level Up

This course is the ultimate mashup of creativity, problem-solving, and technical skills. You’ll sharpen your critical thinking and learn what it takes to produce professional, quality outcomes.

The Fine Print

• Open Entry: No gatekeeping here! If you have the passion, you’re in.
• Assessment: 2 Internal standards, 1 External standard.
• Credits: 16 credits total.

Are you ready to sketch, stitch, and stand out? What kind of project are you most excited to create first—something wearable or a vibe for an interior space?

Food Technology – Create. Innovate. Inspire.

Love food? Enjoy being creative and getting hands-on? Food Technology is where great ideas become real products.

This exciting course combines food, science, creativity, and design as you tackle real-world challenges and create innovative food solutions. You'll experiment with ingredients, develop practical cooking skills, and design products that are delicious, sustainable, and fit for purpose.

Why Choose Food Technology?

• Design and create exciting new food products.
• Develop practical cooking and food science skills for life.
• Solve real-world problems through creativity and innovation.
• Explore sustainability, nutrition, and ethical food choices.
• Work collaboratively in a fun, practical learning environment.

Through the new NCEA Level 1 Achievement Standards, you'll complete engaging practical projects and have the opportunity to gain approximately 16 credits.

Whether you're interested in hospitality, nutrition, food science, product development, or simply love creating amazing food, this course is the perfect place to start.

Design it. Create it. Taste the results. Choose Food Technology in 2027!

This entry level course introduces students to the issues, concepts, ideas and skills that geographers study. The course will be developed around the Big Ideas and Significant Learning and will include focus on the tectonic processes relevant in our local and national environment as well as fundamentals of other natural processes such as hydrology and climate. Human and cultural contexts will be explored through migration, demographic change and local decision making. These contexts will allow students to analyse perspectives and decision making here in Aotearoa New Zealand.

The new Significant Learning and Geography skills kete bring a more up to date focus on data analysis to reflect the ease with which spatial data is collected and shared across many disciplines. The course will use data connected to earthquake related disaster preparation as well as data collected from other natural and cultural environments locally and further afield. Students could also study skills in the developing field of spatial analysis in a number of contexts.

Students with a keen eye for patterns and a flair for analysis will enjoy this course. All participants will gain a solid grounding in geographic concepts that will enable them to develop communication, computer and analytical skills as well as develop numeracy and literacy skills in an exciting and contemporary context.

This course will include learning opportunities that create a foundational knowledge of the subject, as intended by the revised NCEA Level 1. The Big Ideas and Significant Learning will be the focus and this can then be assessed through the new Achievement Standards. Students will be offered assessment opportunities for a selection of these standards based on their progress through the course and how ready they are. It is expected that all students will be able to attempt three NCEA Level 1 assessments throughout each course for around 15 credits. Kaiako (teachers) are looking forward to developing exciting and engaging courses around these features as well as assessments from the new NCEA standards.

Future Pathways:

Geography provides students the opportunity to learn a wide range of useful skills for the workplace and tertiary study. Many courses and employers value the broad communication, computer, research and analytical skills that geography students are experienced in.

At Level 1 the basic skill development and familiarity with concepts will naturally enable a student to progress on to Level 2 Geography. Skills learnt in Geography will also be beneficial across many other subject areas including Science, Maths, English and of course the other social studies subjects.

NZ Curriculum Guide for Geography - Career Pathways:

There are many types of positions that fit well with geography qualifications. A geography job is any work that focuses on location.

Geographers work in a wide range of fields, from:

• urban and regional planning
• industrial location and marketing
• environmental monitoring and resource management
• community development at home and abroad
• as researchers, analysts, consultants, technologists and planners.

The ability to work with data is becoming increasingly important in geography, due, in large part, to technological advances. For example, much of our information about where things are located comes from satellites that continuously beam coordinates to global positioning devices on Earth.

Government and commercial satellites greatly increase the accuracy and amount of geographic data available. At the same time, new Geographic Information System (GIS) software can process those data with greater speed and flexibility. This technology creates new career possibilities for people who understand geography and who can process and use geographic information.

A few geography jobs are based almost entirely on the study of location. Remote sensing specialists, photogrammetrists, and surveyors gather data about where things are on Earth. GIS analysts review these data and sometimes use them to make maps. And planners help to determine where buildings and roads should be located.

Many maps rely on photographs or other data taken from airplanes, jets, and satellites. Remote sensing specialists oversee the collection of this information and interpret satellite images. Photogrammetrists interpret the more detailed data from jets and planes.

Further information and reading:

The NZ Geographical Society - Choose Geography resource

Geography Careers Info

Kia mau koe ki nga kupu o ou tupuna - Hold fast to the words of your ancestors

Level 1 History – Conflict and Consequence: Moral Questions in Times of War

Are you curious about why wars begin, how they change the world, and what choices people make when faced with impossible decisions? Level 1 History takes you deep into the human stories, political pressures, and moral questions that shaped the 20th century. With the powerful theme of Conflict, you'll explore how warfare has influenced the course of history and how the past still shapes the present.

This course focuses on two major conflicts: World War Two and the Vietnam War. You'll investigate the roots of these wars, uncover the causes that pushed nations into battle, and examine the far-reaching consequences for soldiers, civilians, and the world stage. You will also step into the shoes of decision-makers and everyday people through historical perspectives—asking critical questions such as:

• Should the United States have dropped the atomic bomb on Japan?
• Was the Vietnam War a fight for freedom or a failure of leadership?
• What were the long-term impacts of war on communities, cultures, and international politics?

You will learn how to analyse sources, explore multiple viewpoints, and think like a historian—questioning evidence, challenging assumptions, and connecting the past to contemporary issues. This course encourages deep thinking and ethical reflection, helping you understand how conflict affects not just countries, but real people with hopes, fears, and beliefs.

What will I gain?

• Strong critical thinking and communication skills
• The ability to interpret evidence and weigh competing viewpoints
• Insight into major global conflicts and their legacies
• Greater understanding of power, resistance, and decision-making
• Preparation for senior history, media studies, law, and social sciences pathways

Whether you’re passionate about justice, fascinated by strategy, or interested in the human cost of war, Level 1 History challenges you to explore the past in order to make sense of today’s world. Join us in uncovering the complexities of conflict—and the lessons history can teach us.

It is expected that all students will be able to attempt all three NCEA Level 1 assessments throughout the course to achieve a total of 15 credits.

Materials & Design Technology: From Blueprint to Build

Want to stop just buying things and start building them? Materials & Design Technology is your backstage pass to the workshop, where raw ideas get transformed into real, physical products. If you like working with your hands, solving puzzles, and creating things that last, this is where you belong.

You’ll step out of the textbook and into the maker space, mastering the tools and techniques needed to work with wood, metal, plastics, and more.

What You'll Do

• Master the Workshop: Get hands-on with the heavy hitters—learning everything from marking out and cutting to machining, shaping, jointing, casting, and achieving that flawless final finish.
• Design to a Brief: You won't just build random objects. You'll take on design challenges, sketch out your concepts, problem-solve the tricky parts, and engineer solutions that actually work.
• Flex Your Craftsmanship: This course places a massive emphasis on precision, hand skills, and pride in your work. You'll learn the art of a great finish and how to critique your own craftsmanship.
• Document Your Journey: Think of yourself as the director of your own project. You'll keep a cool, visual record (written notes mixed with process photos) to prove your research, testing, and critical thinking.

Skills You'll Level Up

You’ll walk away with serious technical workshop skills, spatial design thinking, and practical problem-solving abilities that you can use for the rest of your life.

Don't Wait!

Because this course happens in a specialized workshop with high-tech gear, spots are strictly limited and this class fills up fast.

To keep things fair, entry is first-come, first-served. If the course hits its cap, late applications will unfortunately miss out. If you want in, lock in your selection as soon as possible to secure your workbench!

What’s the first thing you’d want to build if you had total freedom in the workshop—something classic out of timber, or a sleek metal project?

This course is intended to cover the material required to gain the corequisite Numeracy Standard, facilitating students achieving the Numeracy requirement of NCEA. This course will include work from Number, Measurement, Geometry and Statistics. It is designed to develop numeracy skills in practical contexts.

Depending on student ability, Level 1 internal standards may be assessed.

On completion, this course can lead to enrollment in a Level 1 Achievement standard course, but does not directly lead to a NCEA Level 2 course.

This Achievement Standard course is designed around Level 6 of the New Zealand Mathematics and Statistics curriculum to encourage the development of skills and knowledge required to form a deep understanding of mathematical concepts. There is an emphasis on logical and systematic reasoning to enable students to communicate mathematical ideas within a range of meaningful contexts. This course allows for a wide range of options in future years.

This course is the best preparation for those wishing to continue with the MAT 2 course which leads to Calculus.

Students will not be approved for their Mathematics course at level 1 until the results of key assessments are known in term 3 of year 10. Students are encouraged to select the course they think is most appropriate in the meantime. This is important as this system requires a maths course to be selected to continue.

Students are encouraged to engage with their Maths teacher or the Head of Faculty to discuss appropriate courses.

This internally assessed Achievement Standard based course is designed to give students the necessary time to gain the mathematical skills and knowledge in numeracy and provide grounding for future Level 2 Mathematics and Statistics study. This course includes content from a range of Mathematics and Statistics strands although does not cover some elements of Algebra. Students will sit two, five credit internal standards. Due to its structure it does not, however, formally support a pathway to studying Mathematics with Calculus at Level 3 of the New Zealand Curriculum.

Students will not be approved for their Mathematics course at level 1 until the results of key assessments are known in term 3 of year 10. Students are encouraged to select the course they think is most appropriate in the meantime. This is important as this system requires a maths course to be selected to continue.

Students are encouraged to engage with their Maths teacher or the Head of Faculty to discuss appropriate courses.

This course is designed to build a strong foundation in the subject, aligned with the revised NCEA Level 1. Learning will focus on the Big Ideas and Significant Learning outlined in the new curriculum. These will guide the teaching and learning throughout the course and will lead into assessment opportunities using the new Achievement Standards.

Students will be offered assessment opportunities based on their progress and readiness, with the aim that all students will complete around three NCEA Level 1 assessments, which is approximately 15 credits.

This course builds on students’ foundational skills and knowledge learned in Year 9 and 10 Performing Arts (formerly Dance/Drama). It is a very practical class, focused on developing and extending performance skills through the exploration of both scripted roles and devised drama. It is a small class that caters to many ability levels, with a small written component. Students will perform a part in a major play as well as scenes from a New Zealand text, applying drama techniques of voice, movement, body and space. They will also create their own short pieces of drama, inspired by a specific theme, allowing them to explore creativity, character development and storytelling.

They will have the opportunity to perform for the community in the Regional Shakespeare Festival and TheatreFest.

The course can be adapted to students' own interests and talents, with the goal of completing 15 credits at Level 1. 

This course will include learning opportunities that create a foundational knowledge of the subject, as intended by the revised NCEA Level 1. The Big Ideas and Significant Learning (https://ncea.education.govt.nz/health-and-physical-education/physical-education) will be the focus and this will be assessed through the new Achievement Standards. Students will be offered assessment opportunities for a selection of these standards based on their progress through the course and how ready they are. It is expected that all students will be able to attempt three NCEA Level 1 assessments throughout each course for around 15 credits. For 2026, kaiako (teachers) have developed practical and diverse courses around these features, including assessments related to performing a  range of strategies in physical activity, demonstrating kotahitanga (unity/teamwork) in a variety of physical activities and evaluating the influence of movement on personal hauora (well-being).

This course will include learning opportunities that create a foundational knowledge in Religious Education, as intended by the revised NCEA Level 1. The Big Ideas and Significant Learning (see link below) will be the focus and this can then be assessed through the new Achievement Standards. Students will be offered assessment opportunities for a selection of these standards based on their progress through the course and how ready they are. It is expected that all students will be able to attempt three NCEA Level 1 assessments throughout each course for around 15 credits.

Link to Big Ideas: https://ncea-live-3-storagestack-53q-assetstorages3bucket-2o21xte0r81u.s3.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/2023-04/RS%20Learning%20Matrix_0.pdf?VersionId=CXetH4N.KF3X712TEH93VdD_gfMy7Lja

Term 1: Ā Tātou Whakapapa: Our Story. What is the Catholic story  in Aotearoa? Key aspects, beliefs and  practices of religious communities and their origins, development and impacts.

Term 2: Te Rongopai: Good News. The New Testament Gospels, particularly the Gospel of Luke. We examine one gospel narrative in detail exploring its themes and characteristics and how it connects with Catholic teaching and our culture today.

Term 3: Kia Noho Hāhi: Being Church. Key Characteristics of Religions; Morality and Moral Decision-Making. We recognise the sources of Church teaching and their expression in the Catholic Social Teaching Principles, then apply them to contemporary ethical issues today. An alternative perspective will also be sought when analysing a situation.

This course involves study from the specialist areas of Biology, Chemistry and Physics to provide students with a science background to understand everyday science, prepare for the workforce or to choose further study pathways (secondary and tertiary) in all specialist areas. 

At this stage the course will include Biology (genetic variation), Chemistry (combination, combustion, decomposition and neutralisation reactions) and Physics (energy, including electricity, heat and mechanics).

Students will build on a foundation of scientific knowledge and skills gained in Years 9 and 10 to explore how the natural, physical, and material worlds work so that they can participate as critical, informed, and responsible citizens in a society in which Science plays a significant role. The units of work are designed to help students understand the world around them and to develop a wide range of practical skills. Practical work is a major part of this course.

By engaging with this subject, students develop the ability to communicate in Spanish and connect meaningfully with people in different communities around the world.

Languages and cultures play a key role in developing personal, community, national, and global identities. As our trade connections and cultural relations strengthen between Aotearoa and Latin America, this creates numerous career opportunities in industries such as agriculture and dairy farming, structural engineering, government, law, natural resource management, and many more global industries.

Through immersive cultural projects, students learn to communicate information, ideas and opinions in Spanish by reading, listening, writing, and speaking. They also gain an understanding of the ways in which the Spanish language is organised for different purposes. 

Te Reo Māori is the key to understanding the Māori world.  It lays the foundation of communicative skills and cultural knowledge to enable students to be bilingual and bicultural with an appreciation and consideration of a Māori worldview.

An integrated Te Reo Māori course is offered with a focus on the four main components of the language: Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing. The achievement objectives of this course are to successfully prepare students for the new Level 1 NCEA Achievement Standards.   There is one internal Achievement Standards which assess the student's ability to communicate ideas with a crafted piece of writing in Te Reo Māori. There is also an internal/external writing task and an external comprehension assessment offered.

This course is designed to support students who speak English as a second language. These English language learners will develop and build their English skills in speaking, listening, reading, writing, grammar and vocabulary.

Within this course, the specific learning needs of each student will determine their individual academic pathways. Students will be offered workbooks, online grammar and reading programmes and ELL Unit Standards depending on their ability. This will help them prepare for their individual academic and future pathways.

The Unit Standards offered will depend on a student's individual level of English ( ELL Level 1, 2 and 3 standards).

Gateway blends school study with workplace learning and hands-on experience. An individual learning plan is designed including relevant industry unit standards and the opportunity to gain at least 20 NZQA credits. Examples of some unit standards which may be completed are listed below.  Students will also take part in lessons, workshops and courses that develop employability skills and work readiness.  All Students will  gain qualifications in First Aid and Health and Safety.

The work experience component is a minimum of 6 weeks, 1 day per week in the workplace. Where possible, work experience is timetabled to avoid clashing with academic subjects.

The Gateway coordinator will support students in their work placements.

All students need to complete the short survey linked below when they apply for this course joannepiemontesi@garincollege.nz

Link to Gateway Survey

NB Gateway is a funded programme therefore spaces are limited.  If capacity is reached a wait list will be generated and applicants will be assessed for suitability on a case by case basis through the survey and/or interview process and discussion with relevant Deans.  Whilst Students can select both Trades and Gateway, priority will be given to those students who have been unable to secure a place in the Trades Academy.

This course will include learning opportunities that create a foundational knowledge of the subject, as intended by the revised NCEA Level 1. The Big Ideas and Significant Learning (link) will be the focus and this can then be assessed through the new Achievement Standards. Students will be offered assessment opportunities for a selection of these standards based on their progress through the course and how ready they are. It is expected that all students will be able to attempt three NCEA Level 1 assessments for 15 credits. 

English is the study, use, and enjoyment of the English language, communicated orally, visually, and in writing, for a range of purposes and audiences and in a variety of forms. It is creative and critical, receptive and productive. In Aotearoa New Zealand, the study of English incorporates mātauranga Māori and considers our place in the Pacific. The Level 1 English course will include studying a range of texts, learning to understand significant aspects of unfamiliar texts, developing ideas in writing, and using writing conventions with increasing accuracy.

A Level 1 English course is a compulsory subject for all students. Ideally, students who select this course will already have achieved the Literacy Reading and Writing Co-requisite standards.  

This internally assessed Achievement Standard based course is designed to give students the necessary time to gain the mathematical skills and knowledge in numeracy and provide grounding for future Level 2 Mathematics and Statistics study. This course includes content from a range of Mathematics and Statistics strands although does not cover some elements of Algebra. Students will sit two, five credit internal standards. Due to its structure it does not, however, formally support a pathway to studying Mathematics with Calculus at Level 3 of the New Zealand Curriculum.

Students will not be approved for their Mathematics course at level 1 until the results of key assessments are known in term 3 of year 10. Students are encouraged to select the course they think is most appropriate in the meantime. This is important as this system requires a maths course to be selected to continue.

Students are encouraged to engage with their Maths teacher or the Head of Faculty to discuss appropriate courses.

Trades Academy 2027 Information Evening will take place in the Library on Monday 27th July. See the communications for this event and the calendar for more information about enrolment process and timelines.

Students attend NMIT or other Trades Academy providers one day per week in a chosen programme. 

Programmes offered: 

NMIT Nelson

• Mechanical Engineering
• Automotive Engineering
• Arts and Design  
• Sport and Exercise
• Hospitality
• Beauty
• Gamification
• Carpentry
• Aquaculture and Marine Conservation

ETCO

• Electrical

Residential Programmes at Whenua Iti include:

• Adventure Tourism Leadership
• Manaaki Tapoi (Cultural Tourism)
• Adventure Skills Development and Kaitiaki Leadership
• Uniformed Services
• Environmental Sustainability

A timetabled class for Trades Academy allows additional study time.

Please Note: Students are responsible for their own catch-up on school subjects missed while attending the Trades Academy including internal assessments.

Approximately 16-22 credits, earned through NZQA Unit standards, are available in each chosen trade programme. See Trades Academy for learning outcome information. Students work towards a National Certificate in selected trade and gather NCEA Level 1, 2 and 3 credits.

This course is perfect for students who love painting and want to take their skills and creativity further. It’s best suited to students who are motivated, organised, and ready to work more independently.

You will build on your drawing and painting skills while learning how to develop and refine your own ideas. You'll also look at a range of artist models, learning how to analyse and use their work to help shape your own artistic direction.

The programme will be individually tailored to each student’s talents. Students will complete the standards below or negotiate other alternatives as appropriate.

If you're passionate about painting and ready to challenge yourself creatively, this course will help you grow as an artist and prepare you for further study in Visual Arts.

Biology is the study of living organisms.  In this course, students will focus on investigating a biological context. The focus then moves to individual organisms and, in particular, learning about the diversity of animal circulatory and gas exchange systems. Finally we learn about gene expression, genetic variation and genetic change (evolution).

This is a recommended course for students considering tertiary study in Health Sciences, AgriCommerce, AgriScience, Medical Laboratory Science, Veterinary Science and Technology, Biomedical Science, Nursing, Dental Technology, Physical Education and numerous majors in a Science or Applied Science degree.

COURSE OVERVIEW

This course is exemplary for educating students on the fundamentals of business practice and is open to all learner capabilities.

This course includes, product development, marketing, promotions, sales, financials and logistics. It is open to all learning levels and provides fantastic resources to support student learning for success. Students work in groups or independently on running their own innovative, ethical and sustainable businesses online and/or within the local community.

ASSESSMENTS

Make a Product Assessment

The assessment aspect of this requires students to work in a small business group or independently to prepare a product and business plan which covers market research, competitors, strategic vision, objectives, product development, marketing, finances and sale reports. This is a full year assessment worth 9 credits.

Business Psychology Assessment

Motivation in Commerce Internal Assessment in Term 2 explores motivation theory models to address the psychological factors behind why people are motivated in their jobs and why people are not. Students are given a local business to research and analyse and are required to report their findings. This is a 5 week internal assessment worth 3 credits.

Solve the Problem Exam

The end of year exam focuses on external factors that influence a business. Students learn how to implement strategic responses to manage risk on a business wide, professional scale.

All assessments are up-to-date, relevant and relatable. 

Chemistry is the science of matter and the changes it undergoes. In this course students will study an in-depth program of the following aspects: chemical structures and bonding, quantitative analysis, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, physical chemistry and chemical reactions. Class and individual experiments are used to explore the subject and to provide students with the skills to use their knowledge for further study or for use in the workplace.

This is a recommended course for students considering tertiary study in Health Sciences, Engineering, AgriCommerce, AgriScience, Food Technology, Medical Laboratory Science, Nursing, Veterinary Science and Technology, Dental Technology, Biomedical Science and numerous majors in a Science or Applied Science degree.

The following external standard may be available as an alternative to those listed below: A.S. 91165 v2 Chemistry 2.5 - Demonstrate understanding of the properties of selected organic compounds - 4 credits*

*This standard will require students to prepare outside of normal class time.

Level 2 Design and Visual Communication (DVC)

Ready to bring your wildest ideas to life? Level 2 DVC takes the drawing and design foundations you built last year and cranks them up to eleven. This isn't just about drawing lines on paper; it’s about hacking the built world around you. You’ll step into the shoes of a professional designer, tackling real-world challenges and creating epic solutions across two massive arenas:

• Spatial Design: Think architecture, mind-blowing interiors, and epic landscape transformations.
• Product Design: From high-end furniture to the next must-have consumer tech and gadgets.

You’ll take a spark of an idea, run it through the design gauntlet, and pitch it to a target audience like a pro. Along the way, you’ll master everything from rapid freehand sketching to precision CAD modeling, learning how to make your visual storytelling pop off the page (and the screen).

What You’ll Master

• The Design Lab: Decode real-world briefs, hunt down creative inspiration, and evolve your wildest concepts into functional realities.
• Spaces & Stuff: Dive deep into the science of cool. You'll master form, function, sustainability, and ergonomics—making sure your designs don't just look incredible, but actually work.
• Visual Storytelling: Speak the secret language of designers. Express your ideas at lightning speed using sketching, 3D prototyping, CAD, and hyper-realistic rendering.
• Design with Identity: Infuse your work with cultural power. You’ll learn how to meaningfully integrate Māori design principles—like whakairo (carving), whenua (connection to land), and tikanga—giving your projects unique depth and storytelling.
• The Digital Toolkit: Level up your technical precision. Master manual drafting, composition layout, and industry-standard digital software like SketchUp, Fusion 360, and Adobe Illustrator.

Bottom line: If you want to design the spaces people live in, the products people love, and the future you want to see—Level 2 DVC is where it starts. Let's build something awesome.

Year 12 Digital Technology: Design, Code, Create – All in One 

Welcome to NCEA Level 2 Digital Technologies — a dynamic, hands-on course where creativity meets logic, and your mahi reflects your ideas, culture, and community.

In this course, you’ll design and develop a complex digital solution that solves a real-world problem. Whether you're into programming, media design, or both, you'll work on a personalised project that builds your confidence and your digital capability.

One Integrated Course – Choose Your Strengths

In 2027, you won’t need to choose a separate pathway. You’ll complete one digital outcome, shaped by your interests:

• Love coding? Use Python, Flask, and SQL to build full-stack apps
• Prefer media design? Use tools like Visual Studio Code, Blender, Krita to build interactive content
• Want to combine both? Create something unique with both programming and media elements

Your project can be tailored to your strengths while meeting NCEA standards.

What You’ll Learn

• How to define a real-world problem and design an appropriate digital solution
• Project planning using tools like Trello or Notion
• UX design principles like accessibility, layout, and responsiveness
• Programming using Python, Flask, and SQL (if coding-based)
• Evaluation and testing processes using stakeholder feedback
• How digital technologies impact society, culture, and identity in Aotearoa

Tools You Might Use

• Programming: Python, Flask, SQLite, VSCode
• Media: Blender, Krita, Godot, Unreal Engine
• Planning: Trello, Notion, Gantt charts
• Design & Mapping: draw.io, pen & paper sketching
• Testing & Evaluation: Forms, surveys, observation sheets

Who Is This Course For?

• This course is ideal for students who:
• Enjoy designing, coding, or creating visual content
• Like working independently on long-term projects
• Are curious about how tech impacts real people and communities
• Want to build real-world digital skills for study or career

Flexible Projects – Tailored Outcomes

You will complete one digital project but can draw from both programming and media elements. For example:

• A data-visualisation site using Flask and charting libraries
• An interactive story with coded logic and custom graphics
• A portfolio or storytelling site that includes embedded tools or animations

Your teacher will guide your standard selection based on your skills and project direction.

Ready to build something meaningful?
Join Year 12 Digital Technologies and take your creativity, coding, and critical thinking to the next level. 

A practical and theoretical economic approach to the world around us, looking at how we as individuals and member or groups fit into society. An in-depth look at issues facing us and the New Zealand economy as the course focuses on trade, growth and inflation.

Future Pathways:

Why study Economics?

Economics is about choice and the impact of our choices for each other. It relates to every aspect of our lives, from the decisions we make as individuals or families to the structures created by governments and firms.

Economics offers the tools with which to approach questions and how to make well – informed decisions about the desirability of individual ideas or the likely impacts of public policies. You will acquire problem-solving skills and develop a logical, ordered way of looking at problems.

Economics is important for many areas of society. It can help improve living standards and make society a better place, in turn, it can also make things worse. It partly depends on the priorities of society and what we consider most important.

Economics leads naturally to careers in business, law, research and consulting, marketing, communications or working within the Government.

Our NCEA Level 2 English course develops skills in crafted writing and close reading and viewing, with a particular focus on critical analysis. Successful completion of this course will contribute to University Entrance Literacy requirements. The Writing Portfolio achievement standard provides the required UE Literacy writing credits. 10 credits are offered internally and 8 credits externally. 

Students may also opt into the English Scholarship programme, which involves additional tutorials throughout the year and a separate exam, that will most likely take place at the end of Year 13.

Design. Create. Wear Your Ideas!

Ever looked at an outfit, a room, or a product and thought, "I could make that better"? Now’s your chance to prove it.

Welcome to Fashion and Design Technology—the ultimate creative launchpad where your wild ideas transform into real-world, professional-quality masterpieces. This isn't just a class; it’s a hands-on incubator for future designers, stylists, changemakers, and creators.

Whether you want to drop your own streetwear collection, curate stunning interior spaces, build mind-blowing costumes, or pioneer the future of zero-waste eco-fashion, this course is your backstage pass to the design world. You will decode global trends, experiment with cutting-edge textiles, and learn the exact techniques needed to take a sketch from the page to the runway.

What You’ll Actually Do:

• Bring Your Sketchbook to Life: Turn raw concepts into stunning fashion garments or interior textile pieces.
• Master the Craft: Learn professional sewing, construction, and advanced textile techniques that set you apart.
• Prototype like a Pro: Experiment, test, and build physical models of your ideas.
• Design for the Future: Dive into ethical fashion and sustainable design to create styles that look amazing and protect the planet.
• Level Up Your Mindset: Build unbreakable confidence in creative problem-solving, visual storytelling, and spatial design.
• Showcase Your Genius: Walk away with a portfolio of high-quality, show-stopping outcomes you can actually wear, use, and flaunt.

Where This Leads: This course is the ultimate foundation for anyone eyeing a career in fashion design, costume styling, interior architecture, textile engineering, fashion merchandising, or creative entrepreneurship. But even if you just love the thrill of making things with your own hands, you'll build high-level practical skills that will serve you for a lifetime.

Stop waiting for the next trend. Create it. Your next iconic design starts here!

Innovate. Create. Inspire.

Turn your passion for food into real-world innovation. In NCEA Level 2 Food Technology, you'll design, create, and test food products that solve authentic problems while building practical skills and creative confidence.

Work through the design process, experiment with ideas, and develop sustainable, people-centred food solutions. Along the way, you'll strengthen your practical cooking skills, think creatively, and learn how great ideas become successful products.

Perfect for students who enjoy hands-on learning, problem-solving, and making a positive impact through food.

Assessment: Up to 16 NCEA credits
Prerequisite: Level 1 Food Technology recommended.

Create food that matters. Design solutions that make a difference.

Nā tō rourou, nā taku rourou, ka ora ai te iwi. (With your food basket and my food basket, the people will thrive.)

This science course is for students who wish to take a general science course rather than pursue the individual sciences. Whenever possible, a hands-on approach to science is used. 

All assessment will be carried out internally and so this course is not eligible for endorsement. Upon successful completion of the course, students may wish to take a Level 2 course in an individual science or may move onto Level 3 Biology with approval from the Head of Faculty.

A selection of four Achievement Standards will be completed over the course of the year. The number of credits offered in this course will be 14 to 17 credits.  The most likely combination is listed below.  However, depending on student and teacher preference, the following standards are alternative options:

A.S. 91190 v2 Earth and Space Science 2.4 - Investigate how organisms survive in an extreme environment

A.S. 91155 v2 Biology 2.3 - Demonstrate understanding of adaptation of plants or animals to their way of life 

A.S. 91237 v2 Health 2.3 - Take action to enhance an aspect of people's well-being within the school or wider community 

A.S. 91289 v2 Agricultural and Horticultural Science 2.1 - Carry out an extended practical agricultural or horticultural investigation

This course is focused on the complex and ever changing environments in which we live. The first part of the year looks at urban environments, whilst the latter half of the year focuses on the natural landscapes of the South Island high country.

Urban geography is contemporary, engaging and is rapidly becoming more important for New Zealand and the world as our population becomes increasingly urbanised and our cities and towns ever more crowded. This course focuses on introducing students to the principles and theories of urban growth and change through processes and patterns. We start with a focus on planning issues in Nelson before moving on to urban change and processes in the context of larger urban centres in New Zealand. We will conduct fieldwork to investigate processes of urban change in Wellington for our research standard.

The Natural environment of the South Island High Country will be the focus from late term 2 onwards in preparation for external examinations. We will cover the patterns and processes interacting to create and change the environment as well as the significance of the environments for different groups of people.

During the year students will develop geography skills from level 1 which will be assessed with their understanding of geographic concepts in the second external.

Future Pathways:

Geography provides students the opportunity to learn a wide range of useful skills for the workplace and tertiary study. Many courses and employers value the broad communication, computer, research and analytical skills that geography students are experienced in.

At Level 2 the specialism in this field naturally enables a student to progress on to Level 3 Geography.

NZ Curriculum Guide for Geography - Career Pathways:

There are many types of positions that fit well with geography qualifications. A geography job is any work that focuses on location.

Geographers work in a wide range of fields, from:

• - urban and regional planning
• - industrial location and marketing
• - environmental monitoring and resource management
• - community development at home and abroad
• - as researchers, analysts, consultants, technologists and planners.

The ability to work with data is becoming increasingly important in geography, due in large part to technological advances. For example, much of our information about where things are located comes from satellites that continuously beam coordinates to global positioning devices on Earth.

Government and commercial satellites greatly increase the accuracy and amount of geographic data available. At the same time, new Geographic Information System (GIS) software can process those data with greater speed and flexibility. This technology creates new career possibilities for people who understand geography and who can process and use geographic information.

A few geography jobs are based almost entirely on the study of location. Remote sensing specialists, photogrammetrists, and surveyors gather data about where things are on Earth. GIS analysts review these data and sometimes use them to make maps. And planners help to determine where buildings and roads should be located.

Many maps rely on photographs or other data taken from airplanes, jets, and satellites. Remote sensing specialists oversee the collection of this information and interpret satellite images. Photogrammetrists interpret the more detailed data from jets and planes.

Further information and reading:

Links for Future Pathways

NZGS Choose Geography Resource

Level 2 History – Past and Present: History and Modern Geopolitical Conflict

Why is there war in the Middle East? Why did Russia invade Ukraine? Why do some conflicts last for generations while others reshape the world in just a few years?

The answers lie in history.

In Level 2 History, you'll investigate how the past continues to shape today's most significant geopolitical conflicts. Through the theme Past and Present: History and Modern Geopolitical Conflict, you'll explore how historical events, political decisions, competing national identities, and struggles for power continue to influence international relations, global security, and the lives of millions of people today.

Rather than simply learning what happened, you'll ask why it happened, whose perspectives have been remembered or ignored, and how understanding history helps us make sense of the headlines we see every day.

Throughout the year you'll investigate major historical and contemporary case studies, including:

• The Arab–Israeli Conflict – Explore the historical origins of one of the world's most enduring conflicts by examining nationalism, religion, colonialism, competing claims to land, and the challenges of achieving peace in the Middle East.
• The Holodomor and Soviet Rule in Ukraine – Investigate how Stalin's policies led to one of the twentieth century's greatest human tragedies, while exploring authoritarianism, propaganda, human rights, and the lasting impact of Soviet rule on Ukrainian identity.
• The Russia–Ukraine War – Examine how history continues to shape current events by investigating nationalism, territorial disputes, historical memory, international alliances, and the global consequences of modern warfare.

Throughout the course you'll develop valuable skills that extend far beyond History:

• Analyse historical evidence and identify bias.
• Evaluate competing historical perspectives and interpretations.
• Construct convincing, evidence-based arguments.
• Investigate the causes and consequences of conflict across time.
• Understand how historical events continue to influence modern geopolitics and international relations.
• Develop informed opinions about complex global issues.

You'll grapple with challenging questions such as:

• Why do conflicts begin—and why are some so difficult to resolve?
• How do history, identity, and nationalism shape modern conflicts?
• What responsibilities do nations have to protect human rights?
• Can history help explain today's geopolitical tensions?
• What lessons can the past teach us about creating a more peaceful future?

Why choose Level 2 History?

History is about far more than studying the past, it is about understanding the present. Whether you're interested in international relations, politics, law, journalism, defence, diplomacy, education, or simply want to make sense of an increasingly complex world, this course will equip you with valuable skills in research, communication, critical thinking, and evidence-based reasoning.

If you're curious about world affairs, enjoy challenging big ideas, and want to understand the historical roots of today's global conflicts, then Level 2 History is the subject for you.

Turn Ideas into Reality: Materials & Design Technology

Ever looked at a product and thought, I could make that better? Or had a killer idea in your head but didn't know how to build it? Welcome to Materials & Design Technology—the ultimate playground for creators, makers, and innovators.

This isn't your average sit-and-listen class. This is where you roll up your sleeves, grab the tools, and bring your own ideas to life. You won't just learn how things are made; you will become the designer, the engineer, and the craftsman.

What You’ll Do

• Master the Workshop: Get hands-on with everything from traditional woodworking and metal fabrication to modern plastics and casting. You’ll learn the insider tricks for precision cutting, shaping, machining, and flawless finishing.
• Solve Real Problems: You’ll be given a design brief—a real-world challenge—and the freedom to engineer your own unique solution.
• Build a Portfolio: You’ll document your entire journey using sketchbooks, prototypes, and process photos to show off your research, critical thinking, and how you evolved a rough sketch into a masterpiece.

Skills You'll Level Up

• Design & Visual Thinking – Pitch and communicate your ideas like a pro.
• Problem Solving – Learn to think on your feet when materials don't behave.
• Hand Skills & Craftsmanship – Create products that don't just work, but look incredible.

Level Up for Course Endorsement (Alternative Standard)

Want to aim for a course endorsement with Merit or Excellence? We’ve got you covered. By consulting with your teacher, you can opt into an external standard:

• A.S. 91337 (DVC 2.30): Use visual communication techniques to generate design ideas (3 Credits, External).

This option lets you dive deeper into the design and drawing side, giving you the perfect portfolio boost and making your course fully eligible for endorsement.

Stop buying things. Start making them. Choose Materials & Design Technology!

This course is designed to give students an opportunity to access a variety of contexts in which Mathematics and Statistics can be used and so supports students intending to follow a pathway into Level 3 Statistics or Level 3 Mathematics, but not Level 3 Calculus. It is predominately internally assessed with one external assessed at the end of the year.

This course further develops algebraic skills, introduces calculus, and extends both knowledge and understanding of trigonometric and statistical concepts. It is a pre-requisite for NCEA Level 3 Calculus due to the schedule of New Curriculum Level 7 Achievement standards that support the pathway.

The following standard may be available as an alternative to those listed below:

A.S. 91257 v3 Mathematics and Statistics 2.2 - Apply graphical methods in solving problems (Internal - 4 Credits)

2026 Level 2 Media Studies Course Outline .docx (2).pdf

What is Media Studies for Schoolpoint.pptx

Teacher: Whaea Jen Dalton

Course Overview:

"Media studies is about the active exploration, analysis, creation, and enjoyment of the media and its products." (NZQA)

The practical part of the course is divided into pre-production, production and post production activities.

Students will pitch, design, plan, script, storyboard, direct, produce and edit a short drama film for a teen audience (3-4 minutes). They will use film industry standard equipment to bring their ideas and media products to life. 

Internals:

After the practical part of the course, we will then explore a media product ( a film) and analyse its relationship to its audience. There will be lots of discussion and group work, before writing a practice essay in preparation for the external exams. 

External

The year will then come to a close where the student's films will be shown at The Garin Film Festival and the regional Briefs Film Festival at State Cinema.  Later students will sit one NCEA Level 2 external examination.

This course covers musical performance, creative composition and arranging music using a range of digital technologies and builds on students' musical knowledge from Level 1. Students will further develop skills and techniques for performing confidently as a soloist and in groups. It is expected students will be enrolled in itinerant instrumental lessons through the college or privately. Students will be encouraged to perform their own compositions. There are opportunities to prepare for external examinations; 2.5 Developing Aural Understanding and 2.6 Demonstrate Knowledge of Conventions in a Range of Scores. Students may also study for 2.9 Investigate an aspect of New Zealand Music.

The programme will be individually tailored to each student’s talents. Students will complete the standards below or negotiate other alternatives as appropriate. A maximum of between 16-18 credits is preferred.

This course is not endorsable when structured as the table below describes. Students wishing to endorse this course would need to negotiate to be entered into an external standard.

This course is focused on developing interpersonal skills in a practical and outdoor setting. Students will be involved in activities such as tramping, rock climbing, orienteering, sea kayaking and snow craft. All students will study leadership, group dynamics and safety management.

This course moves on from foundational skills and focuses on sustaining and extending performance skills through the exploration of both scripted roles and devised drama. This is a very practical class, with a small written component. Students will perform a lead part in a major play as well as scenes from chosen texts, applying drama techniques of voice, movement, body and space to show an understanding of character motivation and subtext. They will also create their own short pieces of drama, inspired by a specific theme, allowing them to explore creativity, character development and storytelling.

They will have the opportunity to perform for the community in the Regional Shakespeare Festival and TheatreFest.

The course can be adapted to students' own interests and talents, with the goal of completing 14- 18 credits at Level 2. This course is all internally assessed and is currently not endorsable, though students can negotiate to be entered into an external standard.

An interesting and wide ranging beginner level course, establishing competent camera use, and covering many aspects of digital photography. It will help students develop their critical thinking skills and develop ideas. This course is best suited to students that are motivated and capable of operating in an organised and self-directed manner, and planning to pursue Photography at Level 3.

The programme will be individually tailored to each student’s talents. Students will complete the standards below or negotiate other alternatives as appropriate.

This course has a large practical component and covers physical performance, personal training and biophysical principles, social responsibility and coaching, and sports sociology. The achievement standard assessments are in the form of a written report and/or a practical demonstration. This course is valuable for anyone interested in the sport and exercise industry and will lay foundations for health related studies as well as going some way to develop personal traits useful to all in the future.

This course will include topics on mechanics (forces, motion, momentum and energy), waves (light and mechanical), electricity (static and DC) and electromagnetism. Students will learn conceptual, experimental, and problem-solving skills that many employers appreciate as valuable, and get to learn first hand from class work, practicals, and research.

The course will also include practical work which will form part of the internal assessment. If time permits, aspects of Atomic and Nuclear Physics* will be explored as well.

This is a recommended course for students considering tertiary courses in Engineering, Health Science, Veterinary Science, Aviation, Construction, Food Technology, Radiation Therapy, Surveying, Architectural Studies, Building Science and numerous majors in a Science or Applied Science degree. 

The following standards may be available as alternatives to those listed below: 

A.S. 91170 v2 Physics 2.3 - Demonstrate understanding of waves - 4 credits, external

A.S. 91172 v2 Physics 2.5 - Demonstrate understanding of atomic and nuclear physics - 3 credits, internal*

*This standard will require students to prepare outside of normal class time.

Student learning is centred on common life experiences. Students will learn about Church history and beliefs, other religions, vocation and commitment, and managing relationships. They will look at the significance of social action in the quest for justice. The compulsory standards are 90822, 90823 and 90821.

By engaging with this subject, students develop the ability to communicate in Spanish and connect meaningfully with people in different communities around the world.

Languages and cultures play a key role in developing personal, community, national, and global identities. As our trade connections and cultural relations strengthen between Aotearoa and Latin America, this creates numerous career opportunities in industries such as agriculture and dairy farming, structural engineering, government, social services, natural resource management, and many more global industries.

Students learn to use Spanish to communicate their ideas and opinions on a variety of themes related to young people in New Zealand and Hispanic culture. Themes explored at this level deal with young people relating to others, their health, facing teenage issues such as use of technology and considering their future options, environment and Hispanic traditions.

Te Reo Māori is the key to understanding the Māori world. It lays the foundation of communicative skills and cultural knowledge to enable students to be bilingual and bicultural with an appreciation and consideration of a Māori worldview.

An advanced integrated Te Reo Māori course is offered which focuses in greater depth on the four main components of the language: Speaking, Listening, Reading, and Writing.  The achievement objectives of this course are to successfully prepare students for Level 2 NCEA Achievement Standards. 

There are two internal Achievement Standards completed which assess the student's listening comprehension and writing skills.  Both are Portfolio style assessments. An external reading comprehension assessment is offered at the end of the year also. There is a noho marae trip planned for term 1 of the year.  

Supported Learning Courses is selectable by exemption only and in discussion with Mrs Maguire.

Support class is to act as a liaison class for students to receive additional support to access their chosen subjects, to self manage workload, and to participate more fully in learning, pastoral and extra curricular activities within the school. 

This course is designed to support students who speak English as a second language. These English language learners will develop and build their English skills in speaking, listening, reading, writing, grammar and vocabulary.

Within this course, the specific learning needs of each student will determine their individual academic pathways. Students will be offered workbooks, online grammar and reading programmes and ELL Unit Standards depending on their ability. This will help them prepare for their individual academic and future pathways.

The Unit Standards offered will depend on a student's individual level of English ( ELL Level 1, 2 and 3 standards).

Gateway blends school study with workplace learning and hands-on experience. An individual learning plan is designed including relevant industry unit standards and the opportunity to gain at least 20 NZQA credits. Examples of some unit standards which may be completed are listed below.  Students will also take part in lessons, workshops and courses that develop employability skills and work readiness.  All Students will  gain qualifications in First Aid and Health and Safety.

The work experience component is a minimum of 6 weeks, 1 day per week in the workplace. Where possible, work experience is timetabled to avoid clashing with academic subjects.

The Gateway coordinator will support students in their work placements.

All students need to complete the short survey linked below when they apply for this course joannepiemontesi@garincollege.nz

Link to Gateway Survey

NB Gateway is a funded programme therefore spaces are limited.  If capacity is reached a wait list will be generated and applicants will be assessed for suitability on a case by case basis through the survey and/or interview process and discussion with relevant Deans.  Whilst Students can select both Trades and Gateway, priority will be given to those students who have been unable to secure a place in the Trades Academy.

Trades Academy 2027 Information Evening will take place in the Library on Monday 27th July. See the communications for this event and the calendar for more information about enrolment process and timelines.

Students attend NMIT or other Trades Academy providers one day per week in a chosen programme. 

Programmes offered: 

NMIT Nelson

• Mechanical Engineering
• Automotive Engineering
• Arts and Design  
• Sport and Exercise
• Hospitality
• Beauty
• Gamification
• Carpentry
• Aquaculture and Marine Conservation

ETCO

• Electrical

Residential Programmes at Whenua Iti include:

• Adventure Tourism Leadership
• Manaaki Tapoi (Cultural Tourism)
• Adventure Skills Development and Kaitiaki Leadership
• Uniformed Services
• Environmental Sustainability

A timetabled class for Trades Academy allows additional study time.

Please Note: Students are responsible for their own catch-up on school subjects missed while attending the Trades Academy including internal assessments.

Approximately 16-22 credits, earned through NZQA Unit standards, are available in each chosen trade programme. See Trades Academy for learning outcome information. Students work towards a National Certificate in selected trade and gather NCEA Level 1, 2 and 3 credits.

Biology is the study of living organisms.  In this course, students will focus on investigating a biological context. The focus then moves to individual organisms and, in particular, learning about the diversity of animal circulatory and gas exchange systems. Finally we learn about gene expression, genetic variation and genetic change (evolution).

This is a recommended course for students considering tertiary study in Health Sciences, AgriCommerce, AgriScience, Medical Laboratory Science, Veterinary Science and Technology, Biomedical Science, Nursing, Dental Technology, Physical Education and numerous majors in a Science or Applied Science degree.

Chemistry is the science of matter and the changes it undergoes. In this course students will study an in-depth program of the following aspects: chemical structures and bonding, quantitative analysis, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, physical chemistry and chemical reactions. Class and individual experiments are used to explore the subject and to provide students with the skills to use their knowledge for further study or for use in the workplace.

This is a recommended course for students considering tertiary study in Health Sciences, Engineering, AgriCommerce, AgriScience, Food Technology, Medical Laboratory Science, Nursing, Veterinary Science and Technology, Dental Technology, Biomedical Science and numerous majors in a Science or Applied Science degree.

The following external standard may be available as an alternative to those listed below: A.S. 91165 v2 Chemistry 2.5 - Demonstrate understanding of the properties of selected organic compounds - 4 credits*

*This standard will require students to prepare outside of normal class time.

Our NCEA Level 2 English course develops skills in crafted writing and close reading and viewing, with a particular focus on critical analysis. Successful completion of this course will contribute to University Entrance Literacy requirements. The Writing Portfolio achievement standard provides the required UE Literacy writing credits. 10 credits are offered internally and 8 credits externally. 

Students may also opt into the English Scholarship programme, which involves additional tutorials throughout the year and a separate exam, that will most likely take place at the end of Year 13.

This science course is for students who wish to take a general science course rather than pursue the individual sciences. Whenever possible, a hands-on approach to science is used. 

All assessment will be carried out internally and so this course is not eligible for endorsement. Upon successful completion of the course, students may wish to take a Level 2 course in an individual science or may move onto Level 3 Biology with approval from the Head of Faculty.

A selection of four Achievement Standards will be completed over the course of the year. The number of credits offered in this course will be 14 to 17 credits.  The most likely combination is listed below.  However, depending on student and teacher preference, the following standards are alternative options:

A.S. 91190 v2 Earth and Space Science 2.4 - Investigate how organisms survive in an extreme environment

A.S. 91155 v2 Biology 2.3 - Demonstrate understanding of adaptation of plants or animals to their way of life 

A.S. 91237 v2 Health 2.3 - Take action to enhance an aspect of people's well-being within the school or wider community 

A.S. 91289 v2 Agricultural and Horticultural Science 2.1 - Carry out an extended practical agricultural or horticultural investigation

This course will include topics on mechanics (forces, motion, momentum and energy), waves (light and mechanical), electricity (static and DC) and electromagnetism. Students will learn conceptual, experimental, and problem-solving skills that many employers appreciate as valuable, and get to learn first hand from class work, practicals, and research.

The course will also include practical work which will form part of the internal assessment. If time permits, aspects of Atomic and Nuclear Physics* will be explored as well.

This is a recommended course for students considering tertiary courses in Engineering, Health Science, Veterinary Science, Aviation, Construction, Food Technology, Radiation Therapy, Surveying, Architectural Studies, Building Science and numerous majors in a Science or Applied Science degree. 

The following standards may be available as alternatives to those listed below: 

A.S. 91170 v2 Physics 2.3 - Demonstrate understanding of waves - 4 credits, external

A.S. 91172 v2 Physics 2.5 - Demonstrate understanding of atomic and nuclear physics - 3 credits, internal*

*This standard will require students to prepare outside of normal class time.

They will be expected to be highly creative thinkers and have a self-motivated approach to their studies.

Skills learnt over L1 & L2 will be extended and refined to be able to apply to a personally selected theme, chosen after research on a range of genres.

The personal approach to this course relies on the student being motivated and it is essential that studies are continued out of classroom time, in order to create art works to complete a three board portfolio for the external ( 14 credits).

The chosen theme will allow for self-reflection and exploration. 

This course prepares students for tertiary study and some of the work created can be used for entrance applications.

The programme will be individually tailored to each student’s talents. Students will complete the standards below or negotiate other alternatives as appropriate.

Biology is the science of living organisms.  This course involves a study of animal behaviour and plant responses, genetic transfer, homeostasis in humans and human biological and cultural evolution. It is designed for those students who have an interest in Biology, whether or not they intend to pursue a career in the field of science.

This is a recommended course for students considering tertiary study in Health Sciences, AgriCommerce, AgriScience, Medical Laboratory Science, Veterinary Science and Technology, Biomedical Science, Nursing, Dental Technology, Physical Education and numerous majors in a Science or Applied Science degree.

COURSE OVERVIEW 

This course is exemplary for educating students on the fundamentals of business practice and is open to all learning capabilities. It is hugely beneficial if you have taken Level 2 Business Studies already, however not a requirement. 

This course includes, product development, marketing, promotions, sales, financials and logistics. This course provides fantastic resources to support student learning for success. Students work in groups or independently on running their own innovative, ethical and sustainable businesses online and/or within the local community. They then create a promotional campaign on Instagram or Facebook to promote their product. Students achieve 15 credits by following this process. 

This is a university approved subject.

Make a Product 

The assessment aspect of this requires students to work within a business group of their choice or independently. Students are required to prepare a business plan which covers all components of a business model and gives focus to creative ideas, sustainability and ethical decision making. This is a full year assessment and is worth 9 credits. 

Promote Your Product: 'Insta' Assessment 

Marketing is a 10 week internal assessment which requires business groups to complete a marketing campaign to promote their product to a target audience and is worth 6 credits.

Optional External

A.S. 91380 v2 Business Studies 3.2 - Demonstrate understanding of strategic response to external factors by a business that operates in a global context - 4 credits

This external standard is offered for students as an optional/ extra standard decided after consultation with Mr Birch. It is expected students are not entered for more than 18 credits except for exceptional circumstances so most likely this would be in lieu of another standard.

This standard focuses on international business and strategic responses to external factors. Students undergo a case study on a specific NZ business that operates in a global context and they are expected to use this content within the examination.

This course covers Level 3 Calculus Achievement Standards. The course is essential for later study in physics, engineering or calculus. It is also appropriate for students with an interest in computing, chemistry, economics, auditing, the continued study of mathematics, and in general any field where mathematical analysis is an important tool.

Alongside the core curriculum all student will be taught the curriculum covered in the 'Apply trigonometric methods in solving problems' standard. The assessment of this standard will be optional and is required for subject endorsement.

Optional Standard - A.S. 91575 v2 Mathematics and Statistics 3.3 - Apply trigonometric methods in solving problems (Internal - 4 credits).

The course follows a similar pattern to that of Level 2, but provides for more in-depth study of the topics. These include organic chemistry, thermochemistry, equilibrium chemistry, and redox chemistry. Both theory and practical work are used to explore the ideas and concepts, while providing students with the required skills to progress into higher levels of study.

This is a recommended course for students considering tertiary study in Health Sciences, Engineering, AgriCommerce, AgriScience, Food Technology, Medical Laboratory Science, Nursing, Veterinary Science and Technology, Dental Technology, Biomedical Science and numerous majors in a Science or Applied Science degree.

The following external standard may be available as an alternative to those listed below:

A.S. 91391 v2 Chemistry 3.5 - Demonstrate understanding of the properties of organic compounds - 5 credits*

*This standard will require students to prepare outside of normal class time.

Level 3 DVC: Stop Consuming. Start Creating.

Everything around you—from the phone in your hand to the building you're sitting in—started as a blank page. Level 3 Design and Visual Communication (DVC) is your invitation to stop just living in the world and start actively reshaping it.

This is a fast-paced, hands-on creative incubator. Forget memorizing facts; here, you are the lead designer. You’ll take massive, real-world problems and sketch, model, and digital-build your way to brilliant solutions. If you want to build the environments we inhabit or the products we interact with every day, this is where it begins.

The Toolkit You'll Master

• Spatial & Architecture Design: Draft sustainable eco-housing, public spaces, and futuristic structures that respect both culture and the environment.
• Product & Industrial Design: Engineer the next generation of physical tech and functional objects, focusing on sleek aesthetics and ergonomics.
• Industry Tech: Get ahead of the curve by mastering Fusion 360, SketchUp, and the Adobe Suite to render your ideas in stunning detail.
• The Creative Pitch: Learn how to present your work, back up your choices, and sell your vision to a client.

Skills That Make You Employable

This course isn't just about an NCEA grade—it builds an elite creative portfolio. You will walk away with highly sought-after capabilities:

• Visual Literacy: You’ll speak fluently in sketches, renders, and 3D models.
• Iterative Thinking: The ability to prototype, test, and pivot when a design breaks.
• Tech Mastery: Serious, resume-ready skills in CAD and digital modeling.
• Project Management: The self-discipline to take a project from a rough sketch on a napkin to a final presentation.

Where this takes you: Architecture, Industrial Design, Engineering, VR/Game Design, Urban Planning, and Creative Tech.

The world is full of bad design. Come fix it. Select Level 3 DVC.

Year 13 Digital Technologies: Create with Purpose – Lead with Impact

In this integrated course, you’ll take your digital creativity and technical skills to the next level. Whether you lean towards coding, design, or media production, this course empowers you to plan, create, and evaluate a complex digital outcome that solves a real-world problem.

What You'll Do

• Plan and manage a large-scale digital project from idea to execution
• Use advanced coding and/or media design tools to create your outcome
• Incorporate stakeholder feedback, testing, and real-world impacts
• Explore how your project connects to cultural, social, and ethical issues
• Build a professional-grade portfolio to showcase your skills

What You'll Learn

• Complex planning and project management
• Programming using Python, Flask, and SQL
• System and database design (ERD, schema, validation)
• UX/UI design, accessibility, and inclusive design practices
• Evaluation and reflection through stakeholder engagement and testing

Key Tools You’ll Use

• Programming & Back-End: Python, Flask, SQLite
• Front-End & Media Design: Figma (free), Webflow (free tier), Piskel, Canva, Vectr, or other browser-based tools
• Project Management: Trello, Notion, Gantt charts
• Evaluation: Stakeholder surveys, user testing, feedback logs
• Frameworks: Ao Māori, inclusive and ethical design principles

Ready to bring your ideas to life and make an impact through digital technology? Join Year 13 DigiTech and create something that matters.

Have you ever wondered how individuals make purchase decisions and how firms make decisions about the allocation of resources? This course will answer these fundamental economics questions. Students study the role of markets in the economy and the implications of allocative efficiency. They gain an insight into why government intervenes in markets and examine what happens when good markets go bad. Students gain economic literacy and understanding which allows them to develop a continuing interest in contemporary economic issues.

Why study Economics?

Economics is about choice and the impact of our choices for each other. It relates to every aspect of our lives, from the decisions we make as individuals or families to the structures created by governments and firms.

Economics offers the tools with which to approach questions and how to make well – informed decisions about the desirability of individual ideas or the likely impacts of public policies. You will acquire problem-solving skills and develop a logical, ordered way of looking at problems.

Economics is important for many areas of society. It can help improve living standards and make society a better place, in turn, it can also make things worse. It partly depends on the priorities of society and what we consider most important.

Economics leads naturally to careers in business, law, research and consulting, marketing, communications or working within the Government.

The total credits for this course will show below as 14. There is an alternative external standard that some students may choose over AS91399 which would increase the total credits to 16.

Alternative external - entry to be discussed with the teacher

AS 91403 v2 Economics 3.5 - Demonstrate understanding of macroeconomic influences on the New Zealand economy, 6 credits. 

Level 3 English develops critical and analytical thinking skills around a range of written and visual texts. Students are assessed through both internal and external achievement standards. A minimum of 10 credits are offered internally and up to 8 externally in an end of year exam. 

Students may also opt into the English Scholarship programme, which involves additional tutorials throughout the year and a separate exam.

ENG3 will prepare you for the writing and critical thinking required at university.

Fashion Design Technology

Turn Your Creative Sparks into Runway Realities & Spaces that Wow!

Open entry – just bring your imagination.

Are you obsessed with style, fascinated by fabrics, and ready to create things that actually look good and work well? Welcome to your creative launchpad. In this hands-on, high-energy course, you’ll choose your canvas: dive deep into the world of fashion or mix things up in interior design.

This isn't just about making clothes; it's about mastering the entire design universe. You’ll learn how to take a wild idea, sketch it, test it, and prototype it into a high-quality reality. Plus, you’ll get ahead of the game by exploring sustainable production and ethical design—because the future of fashion is green, and you’re going to help build it.

What You’ll Master

• The Design Toolkit: Decode the elements and principles of design, and get tactile with materials, techniques, and cutting-edge processes.
• Concept to Reality: Call the shots by defining a real-world need or opportunity, creating a killer statement of intention, and developing your own conceptual designs.
• Prototyping & Testing: Get your hands dirty by experimenting with materials, testing techniques, and bringing your prototypes to life.
• The Critic’s Eye: Learn how to evaluate, critique, and level-up your own designs like a professional.
• The Big Picture: Sharpen your problem-solving, critical thinking, and technical skills while exploring how fashion impacts culture and society.

Where This Leads

Dreaming of a future in the creative industries? This course builds the absolute perfect foundation for a Bachelor of Design degree and beyond.

The Blueprint

• Format: 3 Internals | 1 External
• Credits: 20 credits total
• (Bonus: Scholarship pathways are available for students looking to push their limits!)

Ready to create the future of design? Select this course and let’s start making.

Year 13 Food Technology
University Entrance Approved Subject

Food Technology at Level 3 is where creativity, innovation, and real-world problem solving come together. Whether you’re passionate about nutrition, product design, hospitality, or food science, this course offers the perfect mix of hands-on learning, design thinking and critical reflection—helping you build essential skills for both tertiary study and future employment.

This exciting, future-focused course centres around two main areas of learning:

Processing & Prototyping
Explore advanced processing techniques as you develop complex food products. You'll work with a range of ingredients, tools and equipment to build your technical skillset. Learn about food safety, nutrition, yield testing, and how to adapt recipes to meet a brief, dietary need or sustainability goal.

Brief & Conceptual Design
You’ll respond to real-world issues by developing food-based solutions. Work with stakeholders to explore needs, generate innovative ideas and carry out research. Projects will include deep dives into issues such as food poverty, cultural food practices, and dietary challenges within Aotearoa.

Throughout the course you will:
• Apply the Technology Process from the NZ Curriculum
• Investigate safe food practices and food hygiene
• Explore nutrition and health in a real-world context

Study of Geography at level 3 continues students’ development of geographical skills and their understanding of important concepts and ideas that have been learnt in level 1 and 2. Skills in research, spatial pattern analysis, cultural and natural processes, statistical and mapping skills and analysis of contemporary issues all form part of this course.

Students will study a global topic, such as tourism, before focusing on conducting their own primary geographic research incorporated into a residential field trip over 3 days. The remaining internal is an analysis a geographic issue. This issue is selected by students based on interest and challenge. In past years the issues studied have included forced migration either by war, persecution or global warming; regional responses to sea level rise; development decisions around tourism infrastructure such as the Tarras airport proposal. 

The first of the external assessments is the culmination of the skills learnt through the course as demonstrated through analysis a given environment. This paper seeks to examine how well students have developed their skills and, crucially, how well they can identify the appropriate skills to complete the analysis. The final external is the most challenging and advanced, requiring in depth understanding of a cultural process, such as tourism development, and how it is responsible for shaping and changing an environment, such as Queenstown.

Future Pathways:

Geography provides students the opportunity to learn a wide range of useful skills for the workplace and tertiary study. Many courses and employers value the broad communication, computer, research and analytical skills that geography students are experienced in.

The University of Auckland, New Zealand’s top ranked university both by Times Higher Education and QS Rankings, views level 3 credits in Geography just as desirable as any other subject that can be studied in NCEA. Geography is one of the 14 approved subjects that the University of Auckland use to calculate rank scores for admission to all of their courses. It is also one of the courses that are required for some of the university’s most popular courses, including Bachelor of Health Sciences, Architecture and Commerce. For more information on this, see the Auckland University website.

NZ Curriculum Guide for Geography - Career Pathways: 

There are many types of positions that fit well with geography qualifications. A geography job is any work that focuses on location. Geographers work in a wide range of fields, from: urban and regional planning, industrial location and marketing, environmental monitoring and resource management, community development at home and abroad as researchers, analysts, consultants, technologists and planners.

The ability to work with data is becoming increasingly important in geography, due, in large part, to technological advances. For example, much of our information about where things are located comes from satellites that continuously beam coordinates to global positioning devices on Earth.

Government and commercial satellites greatly increase the accuracy and amount of geographic data available. At the same time, new Geographic Information System (GIS) software can process those data with greater speed and flexibility. This technology creates new career possibilities for people who understand geography and who can process and use geographic information.

A few geography jobs are based almost entirely on the study of location. Remote sensing specialists, photogrammetrists, and surveyors gather data about where things are on Earth. GIS analysts review these data and sometimes use them to make maps. And planners help to determine where buildings and roads should be located.

Many maps rely on photographs or other data taken from airplanes, jets, and satellites. Remote sensing specialists oversee the collection of this information and interpret satellite images. Photogrammetrists interpret the more detailed data from jets and planes.

Further information and reading about future pathways and careers in Geography is available on this document:

Geography Careers Info - Links

NZGS Choose Geography

Level 3 History – Empires, Resistance, and the Legacies of Colonisation

Level 3 History challenges you to think deeply, argue persuasively, and engage critically with some of the most powerful forces that shaped our modern world. Through the theme of Colonisation and Empire, you'll explore how the British Empire extended its reach across the globe—and the profound and lasting impacts this had on Indigenous peoples, cultures, and nations.

In this course, you will act as a young historian: questioning narratives, weighing evidence, and making informed, ethical judgements about the past. You’ll explore key case studies of British imperialism, including:

• The Opium Wars in China – where trade, drugs, and diplomacy collided in the name of empire.
• The British Raj in India – how a subcontinent was transformed through conquest, resistance, and cultural control.
• The Invasion of the Waikato – a defining conflict in Aotearoa’s colonial history, and its impact on te ao Māori and our national identity.

This course isn’t just about learning what happened—it’s about asking why, how, and so what? You’ll develop high-level skills in:

• Critical thinking – examining bias, reliability, and competing interpretations.
• Historical argument – crafting well-supported judgements using primary and secondary evidence.
• Ethical reasoning – reflecting on justice, power, identity, and legacy.
• Independent inquiry – designing and carrying out your own historical research.

Why study Level 3 History?
This course prepares you for university and beyond. You'll sharpen your ability to argue effectively, think independently, and communicate with clarity and depth—skills highly valued in fields like law, journalism, international relations, education, and social justice.

Studying the impacts of colonisation helps you understand the historical roots of inequality, resistance, and cultural survival across the globe and here in Aotearoa New Zealand. If you're passionate about uncovering truth, challenging dominant narratives, and engaging with the big ideas that shaped our world, Level 3 History is your opportunity to lead the conversation.

Hard Materials: The Ultimate Final Year

Ready to turn four years of workshop experience into something you’re genuinely proud of? Welcome to your ultimate final year.

Forget cookie-cutter exercises and step-by-step instructions. This year, you’re stepping into the shoes of a real-world designer, maker, and engineer. You’ll be running projects exactly like you would in a professional workshop or design firm.

We’re looking for students who are ready to take the driver's seat. If you are self-directed, imaginative, and ready to collaborate to solve messy, real-world problems, this is your launchpad. It takes a solid commitment to independent studio time and sharpening your practical skills, but the payoff is massive: a portfolio of incredible physical work that you built from scratch.

What You'll Master

• Advanced Practical Skills: Go beyond the basics. You'll learn and execute complex workshop procedures to get a flawless, professional finish.
• Material Mastery: Test, push, and understand how different materials behave so you always choose the perfect medium and tool for the job.
• Prototyping & Innovation: Take a complex brief, unleash your own ideas, and build a fully functional, real-world physical prototype.

The Blueprint

You will typically design and build two major projects over the year, earning credits from a high-value mix of Generic Technology and Specialist standards. Want to push your limits to the absolute peak? You'll also have the option to enter for Technology Scholarship.

Level Up with the DVC Option

If you want to focus heavily on the design, ideation, and drawing side of your project—and give yourself a shot at a course endorsement—you can talk to your teacher about swapping out one internal standard for this high-impact external option:

• A.S. 91627 v3 (DVC 3.30): Initiate design ideas through exploration (4 Credits | External)

If you're ready to work hard, think outside the square, and finish the year with an incredible portfolio of physical work, this is where you belong. Let's build something epic.

This NCEA Level 3 course is designed to offer a range of internally assessed Mathematics and Statistics Achievement Standards. It is appropriate for students interested in any field where mathematical analysis and interpretation is an important tool.

2026 Level 3 Media Studies .docx.pdf 

What is Media Studies for Schoolpoint.pptx

"Media studies is about the active exploration, analysis, creation, and enjoyment of the media and its products." (NZQA)

Students will begin the course by exploring the media representation of Māori in NZ through an internal:

We will then move to the practical part of the course which is divided into pre-production, production and post production activities.

Students will pitch, design, plan, script, storyboard, direct, produce and edit a short documentary film for a teen audience. They will use film industry standard equipment to bring their ideas and media products to life. 

Internals:

After the practical part of the course, we will then explore 'Film Noir' as a genre and how art imitates life and life imitates art. There will be lots  of discussion and group work, before writing a practice essay in preparation for the external exams. 

External:

The year will then come to a close where the student's films will be shown at The Garin Film Festival and The Briefs Film Festival at State Cinemas. Later in the year, students will sit one NCEA Level 3 external examination. This essay will explore the relationship between the documentary genre and its audience. Students will watch a range documentaries and question their purpose and how it documentaries can be biased but also challenge audience perspectives.

An advanced course where each student chooses from a range of topics, from Making Music and Music Studies Achievement Standards. The course will cover: solo and group performance (on a main instrument and possibly a second instrument), aural skills, composition, research, harmony and score analysis. Students may choose to arrange music. This course will be tailored towards each student’s individual talents and interests. Students are encouraged to perform at school and in Rockquest, Jazz Fest, Chamber Music Festival and concerts at NCMA. It is expected that students will be enrolled in the Garin itinerant music programme or be taking private instrumental lessons. 

Students will complete the standards below or negotiate other alternatives as appropriate. A maximum of between 16-18 credits is preferred.

This course is not endorsable when structured as the table below describes. Students wishing to endorse this course would need to negotiate to be entered into an external standard.

This course will expand on, and extend the skills gained in OED2. The course will focus on developing interpersonal and leadership skills through practical application. Students will use current outdoor education theory and apply critical thinking skills. The course is internally assessed through achievement standards.

OED3 provides a clear vocational pathway to Outdoor Leadership/Education or Tourism Management tertiary courses and is a UE approved subject.

Students will be involved in activities such as tramping, orienteering, sea kayaking, rock climbing, and mountain biking.

This course focuses on extending performance skills through the exploration of both scripted roles and devised drama. This is a very practical class, with a small written component. Students will have leadership opportunities in a mixed level environment. They will perform a significant role in a major production, as well as studying a playwright and scenes from a chosen text, applying crafted drama techniques of voice, movement, body and space. They will also create their own pieces of drama, through both devising and playwriting, inspired by a specific theme, allowing them to explore creativity, style, character development and meaning. This course requires previous drama experience, from either a school or community context.

They will have the opportunity to perform for the community in the Regional Shakespeare Festival and TheatreFest.

The course can be adapted to students' own interests and talents, with the goal of completing 15- 19 credits at Level 3. This course is all internally assessed and not currently endorsable, though students can negotiate to be entered into an external standard.

Students will develop and explore a self directed theme through photography, exploring numerous techniques and processes. It will help students develop their critical thinking skills and develop ideas. They will be encouraged to research contemporary and historical photographers and work in a self managing and self directed manner. Students need to be willing to work out of class time to complete the three-panel folio for examination. They will be prepared for a wide range of tertiary courses as Photography teaches students how to think for themselves and explore alternative solutions to problems.

The programme will be individually tailored to each student’s talents. Students will complete the standards below or negotiate other alternatives as appropriate.

This course looks at maintaining well being for life. Students will evaluate exercise programmes drawing on their knowledge of physiological principles and socio-cultural factors. A research project investigating a current sports related issue is also undertaken. On the practical side, students look at how to improve their skill level in a practical performance, as well as participating in the Garin duathlon event. The course is internally assessed through achievement standards with 16 credits available throughout the year.

This fully internal course is UE approved.

This course examines further aspects of mechanics (translational, circular, simple harmonic motion) waves (musical instruments, interference and sound effects) and electricity and electromagnetism, building on Level 2 skills and knowledge. Students will learn conceptual, experimental, and problem-solving skills.

The course will also include practical work which will form part of the internal assessment.

This is a recommended course for students considering tertiary courses in Engineering, Health Science, Veterinary Science, Aviation, Construction, Food Technology, Radiation Therapy, Surveying, Architectural Studies, Building Science and numerous majors in a Science or Applied Science degree. 

The following standards may be available as an alternative to those listed below:

A.S. 91523 v2 Physics 3.3 - Demonstrate understanding of wave systems - 4 credits, external

A.S. 91525 v2 Physics 3.5 - Demonstrate understanding of Modern Physics - 3 credits, internal*

*This standard will require students to prepare outside of normal class time.

Religious Studies at Level 3 recognises that for many students this is their final year at secondary school. Christian adulthood requires critical judgement, the ability to see issues, judge actions and make decisions. What we have learnt from the last millennium is that human beings are smart enough to deal with the major problems that have occurred as a result of the many technological advances; others occur simply because long term impacts of advances have not been considered in terms of what is ethical, moral, what is ecologically and socially sustainable for our planet and its occupants. More than ever, the development in human intelligence and technological advancement needs to be developed within a moral, ethical (religious) and emotional framework. The course recognises how important it is to consider one's own world-view and to recognise the word-view of others.

By engaging with this subject, students develop the ability to communicate in Spanish and connect meaningfully with people in different communities around the world.

Languages and cultures play a key role in developing personal, community, national, and global identities. As our trade connections and cultural relations strengthen between Aotearoa and Latin America, this creates numerous career opportunities in industries such as agriculture and dairy farming, structural engineering, government, social services, natural resource management, and many more global industries.

Students learn to use Spanish effectively in a wide range of contexts, to express and justify their own ideas and opinions, and support or challenge those of others. Themes for this course include in-depth studies of Hispanic culture , the use of technology in our lives, future plans, unemployment and immigration, and the comparison of NZ lifestyle with Hispanic lifestyle.

This course covers Level 3 Mathematics and Statistics Achievement Standards with a predominate focus on the use of statistical methods. It is an appropriate course for students interested in quantitative aspects of the biological and social sciences, medicine, commerce and in general any field where the collection, analysis and interpretation of quantitative data is important.

The following standard may be available as an alternative to those listed below:

A.S. 91581 v2 Mathematics and Statistics 3.9 - Investigate bivariate measurement data (Internal - 4 credits) 

Te Reo Māori is the key to understanding the Māori world. It lays the foundation of communicative skills and cultural knowledge to enable students to be bilingual and bicultural with an appreciation and consideration of a Māori worldview.

An advanced integrated Te Reo Māori course is offered which focuses in greater depth on the four main components of the language: Speaking, Listening, Reading, and Writing. The achievement objectives of this course are to successfully prepare students for Level 3 NCEA Achievement Standards and Unit Standards. There is a possibility of a noho marae at the beginning of the year.

Supported Learning Courses is selectable by exemption only and in discussion with Mrs Maguire.

Support class is to act as a liaison class for students to receive additional support to access their chosen subjects, to self manage workload, and to participate more fully in learning, pastoral and extra curricular activities within the school. 

Gateway blends school study with workplace learning and hands-on experience. An individual learning plan is designed including relevant industry unit standards and the opportunity to gain at least 20 NZQA credits. Examples of some unit standards which may be completed are listed below.  Students will also take part in lessons, workshops and courses that develop employability skills and work readiness.  All Students will  gain qualifications in First Aid and Health and Safety.

The work experience component is a minimum of 6 weeks, 1 day per week in the workplace. Where possible, work experience is timetabled to avoid clashing with academic subjects.

The Gateway coordinator will support students in their work placements.

All students need to complete the short survey linked below when they apply for this course joannepiemontesi@garincollege.nz

Link to Gateway Survey

NB Gateway is a funded programme therefore spaces are limited.  If capacity is reached a wait list will be generated and applicants will be assessed for suitability on a case by case basis through the survey and/or interview process and discussion with relevant Deans.  Whilst Students can select both Trades and Gateway, priority will be given to those students who have been unable to secure a place in the Trades Academy.

Trades Academy 2027 Information Evening will take place in the Library on Monday 27th July. See the communications for this event and the calendar for more information about enrolment process and timelines.

Students attend NMIT or other Trades Academy providers one day per week in a chosen programme. 

Programmes offered: 

NMIT Nelson

• Mechanical Engineering
• Automotive Engineering
• Arts and Design  
• Sport and Exercise
• Hospitality
• Beauty
• Gamification
• Carpentry
• Aquaculture and Marine Conservation

ETCO

• Electrical

Residential Programmes at Whenua Iti include:

• Adventure Tourism Leadership
• Manaaki Tapoi (Cultural Tourism)
• Adventure Skills Development and Kaitiaki Leadership
• Uniformed Services
• Environmental Sustainability

A timetabled class for Trades Academy allows additional study time.

Please Note: Students are responsible for their own catch-up on school subjects missed while attending the Trades Academy including internal assessments.

Approximately 16-22 credits, earned through NZQA Unit standards, are available in each chosen trade programme. See Trades Academy for learning outcome information. Students work towards a National Certificate in selected trade and gather NCEA Level 1, 2 and 3 credits.

Level 3 English develops critical and analytical thinking skills around a range of written and visual texts. Students are assessed through both internal and external achievement standards. A minimum of 10 credits are offered internally and up to 8 externally in an end of year exam. 

Students may also opt into the English Scholarship programme, which involves additional tutorials throughout the year and a separate exam.

ENG3 will prepare you for the writing and critical thinking required at university.

Religious Studies at Level 3 recognises that for many students this is their final year at secondary school. Christian adulthood requires critical judgement, the ability to see issues, judge actions and make decisions. What we have learnt from the last millennium is that human beings are smart enough to deal with the major problems that have occurred as a result of the many technological advances; others occur simply because long term impacts of advances have not been considered in terms of what is ethical, moral, what is ecologically and socially sustainable for our planet and its occupants. More than ever, the development in human intelligence and technological advancement needs to be developed within a moral, ethical (religious) and emotional framework. The course recognises how important it is to consider one's own world-view and to recognise the word-view of others.

Supported Learning Courses is selectable by exemption only and in discussion with Mrs Maguire.

Support class is to act as a liaison class for students to receive additional support to access their chosen subjects, to self manage workload, and to participate more fully in learning, pastoral and extra curricular activities within the school.