| Description | Assessment | Voluntary Contribution | To Discuss Contact | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| This course explores the history of the land on which our school stands. We acknowledge Te Atiawa holds mana whenua over this rohe and learn purakau that are of significance. You will learn about the impact of the arrival of the New Zealand Company and the legacy this has had. You will visit Te Wharewaka and walk around Pipitea to embed your understanding. You will also investigate and share a part of your own family history. | In your learning in Aotearoa New Zealand histories you will use historical sources with differing perspectives, construct historical narratives and make informed ethical judgements about peoples actions in the past. | A number of local trips that may call for contributions, as well as a course booklet. | Mr Austin or Mrs Keenan | Aotearoa histories is compulsory for all students in year 9, and leads to year 10 Social Studies and History in the senior school. |
| Description | Assessment | Note | To Discuss Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Piki mai kake mai ki te ao tūroa, ko te ao Māori! This course is aimed at providing an essential basis of knowledge and understanding of te reo Māori me ngā tikanga. You will learn karakia, how to introduce yourself and your friends and whānau, how to describe the world you see around you and what you are doing in it. And with your language comes the key to the gateway of te ao Māori! You’ll get an awesome appreciation of the uniqueness of our beautiful language and our stories, songs and history. You will participate in lots of fun activities to help you learn. | Your ability to understand and communicate will be assessed throughout the year. You will explore a range of strategies to help you to learn and retain new language and ideas. | It is possible to study Te Reo Māori in Year 10 following the half-year course, but some catch-up work may be required. If you have significant prior knowledge in Te Reo, make sure that you mention this at the Year 8 interview and that you fill in the prior knowledge survey. | Louise Baker |
| Description | Assessment | Note | To Discuss Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Piki mai kake mai ki te ao tūroa, ko te ao Māori! This course is aimed at providing an essential basis of knowledge and understanding of te reo Māori me ngā tikanga. You will learn karakia, how to introduce yourself, your friends and whānau, how to describe the world you see around you and what you are doing in it. With your language learning you open the gateway to te ao Māori! You’ll get an awesome appreciation of the uniqueness of our beautiful language and our stories, songs and history. You will participate in lots of fun activities to help you learn. | Your ability to understand and communicate will be assessed throughout the year. You will explore a range of strategies to help you to learn and retain new language and ideas. | It is recommended that you take this course if you want to study Te Reo Māori in Year 10. If you have significant prior knowledge in te reo, make sure that you mention this at the Year 8 interview and that you fill in the prior knowledge survey. | Louise Baker |
| Description | Assessment | Voluntary Contribution | Note | To Discuss Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| In Year 9 English you will study a range of books; poems, short stories and films, including an introduction to Shakespeare and NZ literature. You will also complete; writing, speaking and presenting activities which show your understanding. There is a strong focus on enjoying the learning process and the development of reading and writing skills in Year 9. | There will be a range of assessed tasks across the year, covering writing, reading, viewing and presenting skills. | You might have small costs for any special trips or performances | English is compulsory in Year 9. This course leads to Year 10 English | Ms Savage |
| Description | Assessment | Voluntary Contribution | Note | To Discuss Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| In Year 10 English you will complete a range of text studies that develop the core English skills of analysis, interpretation, and literacy. At Year 10 we introduce a film study and the main focus is on writing. | There will be a range of assessed tasks across the year, covering writing, reading, viewing and presenting skills. | Classes visit the Katherine Mansfield House as part of their studies and this costs $8 | English is compulsory in Year 10. This course leads to Year 11 English. | Ms Savage |
| Description | Assessment | Voluntary Contribution | Specialist equipment | Note | To Discuss Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The focus of this course is to further develop your mathematical thinking and your understanding of mathematical concepts and language at Level 4 and Level 5 of the New Zealand Curriculum. Ours is an integrated programme covering topics from all three of the curriculum strands: Number and algebra, Geometry and measurement, and Statistics. | You will be assessed throughout the year on the topics you have learnt, with regular feedback provided on the progress you have made. These assessments may be in the form of an assignment, group project or test. | $15 for access to practice resources. | A scientific calculator, a ruler, a compass and a protractor will be required. | The Year 9 Mathematics classes are not streamed, however learning is differentiated in all our classes, allowing students to work at the level most appropriate for them. Students have the opportunity to participate in the WGC Problem Solving Certificate; this is accessible to students of all ability levels and develops their thinking skills. In addition, our most able students may further develop their mathematical and problem solving skills by completing extension booklets on each topic covered. | Lu Chen or Colleen Schuster |
| Description | Assessment | Voluntary Contribution | Specialist equipment | Note | To Discuss Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The focus of this course is to further develop your mathematical thinking and your understanding of mathematical concepts and language at Level 4 and Level 5 of the New Zealand Curriculum. Ours is an integrated programme covering topics from all three of the curriculum strands: Number and algebra, Geometry and measurement, and Statistics. | You will be assessed throughout the year on the topics you have learnt, with regular feedback provided on the progress you have made. These assessments may be in the form of an assignment, group project or test. | $9 for access to practice resources. | A scientific calculator, a ruler, a compass and a protractor will be required. | The Year 10 Mathematics classes are not streamed, however learning is differentiated in all our classes, allowing students to work at the level most appropriate for them. In addition, all students have the opportunity to complete the Algebra Warrant of Fitness throughout the year in order to further develop their understanding of algebraic concepts. Mathematics is compulsory in Years 10 and 11. Year 10 leads to two different courses in Year 11; Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation (11MAP) or Mathematics: Algebra and Relationships (11MAG). Your teacher will recommend the most appropriate course for you based on your Year 10 results. | Lu Chen or Colleen Schuster |
| Description | Assessment | Voluntary Contribution | Specialist equipment | To Discuss Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The focus of this course is to begin to notice and question the science which is happening in your everyday life that you may not have been aware of. The skills you develop in observing and answering questions will support your learning in Science as well as in the range of other subjects you study. The syllabus for the year will cover working safely in the laboratory, designing and carrying out experiments, and exploration of a range of biology, chemistry, physics and space science topics and tasks. | You will be assessed against the Science Capabilities; Investigating, Participating, Communicating and Understanding. These will be assessed using observations throughout the year of participation and work completed in class including bookwork, practicals, posters, written reports, presentations or tests | $22 for Science Field Trips, $20 for a workbook | A calculator would be useful but is not essential | Mr Maxwell |
| Description | Assessment | Voluntary Contribution | Specialist equipment | Note | To Discuss Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| In this course you will continue to find out how Science affects your everyday life whilst adding more depth to the practical and analytical skills covered in Year 9. The skills you develop in solving problems and answering questions will support your learning in Science as well as in the range of other subjects you study. Topics for the year will include: earthquakes and volcanoes; atoms and ions, metals in society; genetics and microbes, and reproduction; electricity, and some aspects of force and motion. | End of unit assessments test the knowledge and skills you have gained in your science classes. Assessments may take the form of posters, pamphlets, tests, written reports, or presentations | $20 workbook | The use of quad paper will be required at times. A calculator is essential. | Science is compulsory in Year 11. All students will be placed into our General Science course which provides a range of topics which are designed to engage students and help prepare those who wish to go on to Level 2. We also provide an addtional optional course which allows students to develop their investigation skills, including the planning, running and evaluation of experiments. | Ms Sabrina Kao |
| Description | Assessment | Note | To Discuss Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social Studies is focused on studying social behaviours and the way individuals and groups interact in society. You will examine how society functions and explore human relationships. You will further develop the skills needed to participate in a changing society as informed, confident and responsible citizens. You will examine cultural conflict, contemporary challenges and other social issues within and outside of New Zealand. | Your ability to show understanding about key Social Studies concepts will be drawn from your course work which will be built into a digital portfolio. Our particular focus is to think critically, evaluate and discuss different concepts and demonstrate an understanding of people’s values and perspectives. | Social Studies is compulsory for all students in Year 9 and leads to Year 10 Social Studies and Sociology, History, Geography and Philosophy in the senior school. It sits alongside Aotearoa Histories. | Ms Beccard |
| Description | Assessment | Note | To Discuss Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social Studies is focused on studying social behaviours and the way individuals and groups interact in society. You will examine how society functions and explore human relationships. You will further develop the skills needed to participate in a changing society as informed, confident and responsible citizens. You will examine cultural conflict, contemporary challenges and other social issues within and outside of New Zealand. | Your ability to show understanding about key Social Studies concepts will be drawn from your course work which will be built into a digital portfolio. Our particular focus is to think critically, evaluate and discuss different concepts and demonstrate an understanding of people’s values and perspectives. | Social Studies is compulsory for all students in Year 10 and leads to Sociology, History, Geography and Philosophy in the senior school. In the junior school it continues to support the Aotearoa Histories curriculum. | Ms Beccard |
| Description | Assessment | Voluntary Contribution | Specialist equipment | Note | To Discuss Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The focus of this course is to educate you in the areas of Physical Education and Health & well-being. In Physical Education, you will have the opportunity to participate in a range of physical activities. Equally important, you will learn to demonstrate essential social life skills such as teamwork, building relationships, fair play, self-management, co-operation and responsibility. Health Education is a safe, inclusive environment where you will learn about and discuss issues that are relevant to you at Year 9, while providing you with the skills to feel safe and manage important decisions concerning your health and well-being. | This takes place at the end of a range of units of work throughout the year, to assist with your understanding of your progress of your individual physical skills, self-management, teamwork, interpersonal skills, understanding and knowledge in both Physical Education and Health. | $10 for specialist instructors. | PE uniform, sports shoes | Outdoor Education day out approximately $65. | Ms Craig |
| Description | Assessment | Voluntary Contribution | Specialist equipment | Note | To Discuss Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The focus of this course is to educate you in the areas of both Physical Education and Health and well-being. In Physical Education, you will have the opportunity to refine your skills in a wide range of physical activities. You will build on your transferable essential life skills such as teamwork, building of relationships, fair play, self-management, co-operation and responsibility. Health Education is a safe, inclusive environment where you will learn about and discuss issues that are relevant to you at Year 10, while supporting you to develop skills to feel safe and manage important decisions concerning your health both now and in the future. | This takes place at the end of a range of units of work throughout the year to provide you with an overall awareness of your skill, self-management, teamwork, interpersonal skills, understanding and knowledge in both Physical Education and Health | $5 for specialist instructors. | PE uniform, sports shoes | Outdoor Education 3-day extracurricular Journey in the Marlborough Sounds: approximately $415. | Ms Craig |
