Curriculum

A school curriculum is only partly defined by the content of the subjects that are taught.  Whilst it is important that students learn traditional subject content, students also study a curriculum which consists of skills, attitudes and values that are learned through the delivery of that subject content.

The Junior school curriculum aims to deliver a course that implements this approach.  Students in Year 9 and Year 10 will study core subjects with a language option at Year 9.  In Year 9 students also select two Art and two Technology subjects which they study for 10 weeks each.  In Year 10 students select one Art, one Technology and one further option subject that they study for the full year.

Year 11, 12 and 13

There is a wide variety of optional courses available at each of these levels. The annual Senior Course Information lists those currently provided.  All courses of study are subject to student enrolment numbers and staffing availability.  The aim is to provide a course of study at which each student is likely to succeed.

Students must study Religious Education at all levels. They must also study either English or Maori in Years 11 and 12, and Science and Mathematics at Year 11. Students then choose their other subjects from the wide variety offered. All courses in the senior school lead to either national or local awards.

To make informed choices, students will need to think carefully, read the information provided in the Course Information and go through the following:

Assess your ability in subjects:
Look at results – your individual ability
Discuss this with teachers and parents
Don’t forget the value of hard work!

Think about the importance of interest in the subject:
Do you really enjoy the subject?  Don’t just do what your friends are doing.

Future requirements:
Be careful here and do not narrow your options by dropping critical subjects, especially mathematics, the sciences and some arts subject.

Ask and find out what the subjects are like
Talk to teachers and students – what is the subject really about and will you enjoy it?

Get help if you are uncertain:
The Careers Advisor, Mrs Pascoe, your Dean, Form Teacher, Faculty Heads and teaching staff can all assist.

In summary, option choice is determined by an evaluation of:

1. Previous year’s study
2. Necessity for future career flexibility
3. Ability
4. Interest and enjoyment of the subject

To help you in your decision making we have provided Course Information and a Choice Sheet for each Level.

Course Information Level 1

Choice Sheet Level 1

Course Information Level 2

Choice Sheet Level 2

Course Information Level 3

Choice Sheet Level 3

Career Education

Students are encouraged to consider a range of career paths and to choose subjects which keep options open to them. Students are made aware of the wide range of tertiary courses available and they are given advise and support to enable them to move confidently into tertiary study or to work.

Senior Examination Timetable and Examination Rules

Information for Parents/Caregivers about NCEA

NZQA Examination Timetable 2009

National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Assessment Procedures