Ara Tokomairiro
Respect Responsibility Excellence
Introduction
Years 9 and 10 are important years in a student’s academic life. They are the years where students need to consolidate good learning habits so that they can move into NCEA, secure in the knowledge that they have all of the skills required for success. Each student is unique and has different passions and interests. It is by tapping into these passions and interests that we believe that each student will engage more in their learning and be the best they can.
The school year will be broken up into two semesters and students will choose 12 different courses for the year. They will complete six in the first semester and then six in the second. For students who complete two years of this curriculum they will complete 24 courses.
Each Semester a student must select:
~ Core Mathematics (A in Semester 1 and B in Semester 2) or Foundation Mathematics (Pink Group).
~ Core English (A in Semester 1 and B in Semester 2). Some students will be required to take Core Literacy as well to assist with developing skills to sit the Level 1 Literacy Requirement (Blue Group).
Students are also required to take one subject over the 24 courses (two years) from each of the following areas:
~ Core Science
~ Physical Education/Health
~ Art/Languages (Yellow Group)
~ Social Sciences (Red Group)
~ Technology (Orange Group)
Students can take more than one in each area, as long as each of the five criteria are met over Year 9-10.
House group teachers will work closely with students and their caregivers to help ensure that each student chooses options that suit their passions and interests, as well as allowing them to follow a meaningful course of study at NCEA and beyond.
Course confirmation will be held with families before school in 2026 with the Assistant or Deputy Principal. Bookings for these will be available in early 2025\6.
Whakaute Haepapa Hiranga
All
About Me
My skills and interests outside school:
What am I proud of so far in school?:
Things I need to work on are:
What is important in my future?
What does my family expect of me?
Things I want to know more about are:
Things that might interest me are:
Things my family think might interest me are:
Choosing Your Courses
Step One - Read the course list
There are a large number of courses to choose from. To help you narrow down your choices and make sure you choose the right courses for you, you should follow the steps below.
1. Read through all of the courses
2. If you have any questions about the courses you should ask your teachers about them. If they can’t answer the question then they will be able to tell you who to speak to.
3. Complete the table below by placing the courses into one of the three columns.
Green Courses I love the sound of
Yellow Courses that might be okay Red Absolutely not for me
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Step Two - Shortlist your courses
Use your green and yellow lists to help you shortlist the courses you want to choose. Remembering that you must have at least Core A and B Mathematics courses and Core A and B English. Over Year 9-10 you also need to complete Core Science and Health. You must also choose courses from The Yellow, Purple and Orange group.
Subject Area
The Arts
English
Health
Languages
Mathematics
Physical
Education
Science
Social
Studies
Technology
Course Code
Step 3 Final Course Selection
Complete your course selection on the school portal. You will be shown how to do this.
The Tokomairiro Way
Ara Tokomairiro is designed to develop our Tokomairiro Way values. We believe that these values will set our students up for success in whatever field they choose to pursue after school.
Whakaute / Respect
● I will listen to others.
● I will treat others with kindness.
● I work well with others of different genders, cultures or beliefs. Haepapa / Responsibility
● I am motivated to work hard towards goals.
● I understand, and reflect on, my own words, actions and behaviour, and how these affect others.
● I will care for the physical and emotional environment of the school.
Hiranga / Excellence
● I will always try to be the best I can be.
● I am positive and have a “can do” attitude.
● I am willing to learn new skills and information and attempt new tasks.
● I am curious and enthusiastic about learning.
● I look for opportunities to work more effectively.
● I accept advice and learn from feedback.
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Ngā Toi -The Arts
You must select one yellow course minimum in either Year 9-10.
Paint like a Pro
Subject Area: Literacy Skills: Reading and understanding artistic concepts, visual communication skills
Numeracy Skills: Measurement and perspective
Digital Literacy Skills: Digital camera work
Course
Description
This course provides the opportunity for students who are keen painters to really develop skills in a range of styles. The classwork involves looking at established artists, with a focus on painters from Aotearoa. Blending, scale, perspective and framing will become familiar terms as you build a repertoire of practical skills and subject specific knowledge. Students will be able to recreate works in the style of artist models, which will directly lead to the skills needed for the Level 1 NCEA Visual Arts course. The artist models for 2026 will be refreshed, so those who took the painting course in 2025 can continue to build their portfolio. This course will also include a look at research and critical thinking. This course is highly recommended if you are planning to continue with Visual Arts in Level 1 - it will give you a sound understanding of what is required and a head start on course work.
Pathway NCEA Level 1 Visual Arts
New Perspectives
Subject Area: Literacy Skills: Visual communication skills, research skills, recording ideas
Numeracy Skills: Measurement, geometry
Digital Literacy Skills: Online media, digital camera skills
Course Description
A brand new course for 2026 with a focus on drawing and sculpting skills. With an introduction to scale, shape and perspective through drawings, students will then work towards creating a significant sculpture, or series of sculptures. Materials used include cardboard, plaster, wire, clay and found objects, and some work will take place outside of the classroom. Imagination and an open mind are key for this course, and an interest in art is required but any skill level is welcome.
Pathway NCEA Visual Arts Level 1, Hard Materials Technology
Subject Area:
Course Description
Respect Responsibility Excellence
Carve, Scratch, Print, Repeat!
Literacy Skills: Research skills, visual communication skills, recording ideas
Numeracy Skills: Perspective and measurement
Digital Literacy Skills: Online tools, digital camera skills
For those who couldn’t put down the woodcarving tools - here’s your chance to extend your skills with a semester focus on Printmaking. Transfer your photos and drawings into a series of woodcuts, etchings and beyond. Prepare your own mixed media backgrounds and print over the top. Train your artistic mind to “think in reverse” as printmaking challenges you to consider light and dark contrasts and mirror images. Mix inks to suit your palette and master the art of the roller. Look at the history of printmaking - from the traditional to the bleak, the expressive to the refined… This unit is a lot of fun and rewards those who like to really focus and spend a decent amount of time perfecting a skill.
Pathway NCEA Visual Art Level 1
Music
Subject Area:
Course Description
Literacy Skills: Subject specific terminology, research skills
Numeracy Skills: Digital Literacy Skills: Digital Audio Workstations, online media.
Ever wondered why some notes create harmony while others clash? In this course, you will embark into the world of music theory, learning to read and write music, rhythms, and listening skills. You will also unleash your creativity by creating your own songs and performing as part of a band. This course caters to people who can’t play an instrument and to those who are a pro!
Pathway NCEA Level 1 Music.
In the Studio
Subject Area:
Course Description
Literacy Skills: Subject specific terminology, research skills
Numeracy Skills: Digital Literacy Skills: Digital Audio Workstations, online media.
Do you enjoy listening to music, creating your own sounds, or performing in a band?
In this course, you will dive into creating your own beats using a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation), program and sequence instruments, and use
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effects. You will also get the opportunity to analyse the music of a film; you will watch the film, study its soundtrack, and create your own original song to accompany it/
This course embraces a variety of musical styles, from classical to metal, welcoming all levels of experience - whether you are a seasoned musician or starting to experiment!
Pathway NCEA Level 1 Music.
Drama: Mask, Movement and Melodrama
Subject Area: Performing ArtsDrama
Literacy Skills: Read and analyse increasingly sophisticated texts; understand that a text can be interpreted at multiple levels; recognise different perspectives and differences in voice and style
Numeracy Skills: N/A
Social Skills: Gain confidence in themselves as a performer. Attendance is important to ensure group success and the learning of lines.
Course Description This course is for those who want to extend their confidence and love of the dramatic. We use drama games and improv as a way to warm up and introduce dramatic elements and techniques. We will explore the origins of theatre and the use of masks and ritual. We will use movement, narration, and Te Mata Kokako o Rēhia (Māori Performance Mask) to tell stories of conflict and triumph in early South Otago. Learn about the heroes and villains of Victorian Melodrama theatre. We will practise exaggerated gestures and stage fighting techniques, and apply these skills in the creation of Silent Films. We will view and reflect on a live performance. Learn and practise comic acting techniques. Work in groups on scripted comedy scenes using costumes and props and present to an audience.
Pathway NCEA Level 1 Achievement Standards
Subject Area: Languages (French)
Course Description
Respect Responsibility Excellence
Languages
- French
Year 9/10 French Studies
Literacy Skills: Reading, spelling, grammar and language knowledge
Numeracy Skills: Digital Literacy Skills: Information, Presentation, Google docs
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the French language and cultural aspects of life in France and other French speaking countries. Students develop skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing as well as enriching their vocabulary and grammar. Students will also participate in some practical activities such as making French cuisine.
Pathway NCEA L1 French: Please note that students would need to take French for at least 3 semesters to be ready for L1. Learning another language also helps with English Literacy in terms of grammar and some vocabulary.
Whakaute Haepapa Hiranga Languages – Te Reo
Te Reo Māori (Full/Half Year)
Subject Area:
Literacy Skills: Learning a language involves learning about grammar and spelling.
Numeracy Skills: Students will explore concepts such as time, patterns, measurement, and counting as they relate to tikanga Māori practices and traditional knowledge.
Digital Literacy Skills: Use digital tools to research, create, and present learning about tikanga Māori. Students will develop skills in online collaboration, digital safety, and the use of technology to enhance their understanding of te ao Māori.
Course Description This course focuses on strengthening your ability to communicate in te reo Māori. By the end of the year, you will be able to interact with growing confidence in the language while deepening your understanding of Tikanga Māori and Te Ao Māori. Year 10 students planning to progress to Level 1 te reo Māori must complete both Semesters A and B. Year 9 students wishing to take only one semester must complete Semester A.
Pathway This course is for students who want to develop a deeper understanding of te reo Māori and Tikanga. Knowledge of the te reo Māori language and culture is increasingly valued in many careers and workplaces.
Tikanga / Te Ao Māori (Full/Half Year)
Subject Area: Māori, The Arts - Ngā Mahi Toi and Tikanga
Literacy Skills: Develop the ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in both English and te reo Māori. Students will express ideas clearly, use appropriate vocabulary, and demonstrate understanding of tikanga through written and oral tasks.
Numeracy Skills: Students will explore concepts such as time, patterns, measurement, and counting as they relate to tikanga Māori practices and traditional knowledge.
Digital Literacy Skills: Use digital tools to research, create, and present learning about tikanga Māori. Students will develop skills in online collaboration, digital safety, and the use of technology to enhance their understanding of te ao Māori.
Respect Responsibility Excellence
Course Description
Pathway
Students will participate in hands-on activities such as waiata, pōwhiri, mihi, and cultural events, helping them to connect theory with practice. They will also develop communication, collaboration, and critical thinking skills as they explore the significance of Māori traditions in contemporary life.
This course is ideal for students who want to gain a deeper understanding of Te Ao Māori, strengthen their cultural awareness, and prepare for future learning in level 1 Tikanga Māori.
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Te Reo Ingarihi - English
Te Reo Ingarihi- English
Subject Area: English
Course Description
Literacy Skills:reading, essay writing, creative writing, grammar
Numeracy Skills: N/A
Digital Literacy Skills: Information, presentation skills, google docs
This is a year long course in 2026. The purpose is to provide you with a wide range of skills and knowledge which are considered essential for everyday living and that will also provide a basis for entry into a wide range of courses in the following years, including post-school. The course will be language rich and provides opportunities for students to develop a love of reading as well as gain strategies and practice in comprehension. Literature will include poetry and/or songs, a novel and a film study. Students will further develop essay skills and will have the opportunity to develop creative writing skills. You will get an opportunity to input into themes and learning tasks for your class.
Pathway NCEA L1 Achievement Standard English course, NCEA L1 Literacy Co-Requisite
Core Literacy
Subject Area: English
Literacy Skills: everyday reading and writing skills such as reports, emails, proposals, letters, applications etc
Numeracy Skills: N/A
Digital Literacy Skills: Information, presentation skills, google docs
Course Description This course is designed for students needing extra support to achieve the Literacy Co-Requisite for NCEA Level One. This is not a replacement for English which is compulsory. The focus will be on different types of strategies for reading and comprehension.
Pathway
Respect Responsibility Excellence
Content will provide for a range of writing styles from across the curriculum. This will include improving your knowledge of grammar and sentence structures. Students will get an input into themes for learning e.g. sports, the outdoors, animals, music and the environment. If you have achieved less than 4A for any curriculum grade in English, you are strongly recommended to do this course. You need to talk to the Heads of English as well as your House Group Teachers to get advice.
NCEA L1 Literacy Co-Requisite, NCEA Levels 1-3
Structured Literacy
Subject Area: English Literacy Skills: Reading, spelling, grammar & language knowledge
Numeracy Skills: N/A
Digital Literacy Skills: information, presentation, google docs
Course Description Structured Literacy is a class for those who need some more practice in achieving lifelong literacy skills. Students will follow the Structured Literacy approach to spelling and reading. This course aimed at developing literacy fluency to support achievement in all areas of the curriculum - and life!
Pathway
NZ Certificate in Foundation Skills or NZ Certificate in Skills for Living Level 1 or other Ara Tokomairiro English courses.
Whakaute Haepapa Hiranga Learning Support
SPEC/ Foundation Skills
Subject Area:
Literacy Skills: Spelling, basic grammar, creative writing, reading, learning about which texts provide helpful information.
Numeracy Skills: Maths for life - budgeting skills.
Digital Literacy Skills: Presenting ideas using technology, writing and sending formal emails, finding key information online (banking, weather).
Course Description
The South Pacific Education Course is very unique and we are lucky to offer it here at Tokomairiro High School! You will be able to learn skills for life - things that will help you when you leave school.
The course includes modules on how to keep yourself safe, how to budget, ways to find support in the community, how to prepare meals.. Basically everything you need to set yourself up for a good life. Each module comprises 8 activities, it is realistic that 3 to 4 modules are completed in a year. Students undertaking the SPEC classes can continue through to Year 13, and will work towards gaining the NZQA Level 1 qualification in Skills for Living. This can lead to the New Zealand Certificate in Foundation Skills (Level 2) provided by Otago Polytech. SPEC classes have been working on community connections over the last two years, we plan to continue this into 2026.
The classes are creative and fun, with an emphasis on student choice.
Pathway New Zealand Certificate in Foundation Skills (Level 2)
Subject Area: Mathematics
Course Description
Respect Responsibility
Pāngarau - Mathematics
Core Mathematics
Literacy Skills: Reading and comprehension of a range of different problems and situations. Recording ideas and thinking through writing. Topic specific vocabulary.
Numeracy Skills: Number and Algebra, Geometry, Measurement and Statistics.
Digital Literacy Skills: Online learning tools, recording ideas and extension opportunities.
This course is compulsory for all Year 9-10 students to complete across both semesters of 2025. It covers knowledge in Number, Measurement, Statistics, Algebra, Geometry and Probability. Students are given real life contexts to apply new mathematical knowledge in.
• Number will focus on part-whole numbers as well as problem solving approaches.
• Measurement will cover concepts such as area and volume as well as using the metric system.
• Statistics allows students to investigate a question, collect data, formulate an analysis and draw a conclusion.
• Algebra involves finding the known from the unknown and is useful in a range of different career options.
• Geometry involves using angles and shapes which involves a brief introduction to Pythagoras Theorem and Trigonometry. This course prepares students to sit the compulsory Common Assessment Activity co-requisite for NCEA endorsement.
APEX Mathematics
Subject Area: Mathematics
Literacy Skills: Reading and comprehension: Interpretation of complex mathematical problems, situations, and proofs. Written communication of mathematical reasoning, logical thinking, and problem-solving processes. Use of advanced mathematical terms, symbols, and notations.
Numeracy Skills: Number and Algebra, Geometry, Measurement and Statistics. (Level 5)
Pathway NCEA L1 Mathematic Achievement Standards
Course Description
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Digital Literacy Skills: Online learning tools, recording ideas and extension learning tools.
Are you ready to challenge yourself?
This course is an accelerated, extension course aimed at highachieving Year 10 students(year 9’s at HOD’s discretion), intended to challenge their understanding of mathematics at NZ Curriculum Level 6.
• Over two semesters, students explore a wide range of mathematical concepts in Number, Algebra, Geometry, Measurement, Statistics, and Probability, with a focus on abstract thinking and real-world application.
• It involves participation in a range of competitions including ICAS, Problem Solving Challenge, O'Mathalon amongst others.
• It offers the opportunity to explore puzzles and challenges to open our minds and explore how we solve a range of puzzles.
• Throughout the course, students will engage with complex problem-solving tasks and develop skills in logical reasoning, mathematical proof, and digital modelling. This course will also offer relevant Level 1 Achievement Standards.
Pathway Level 1 & 2 Mathematics Achievement Standards
Subject Area: Mathematics
Course Description
Foundation Mathematics
Literacy Skills: Reading and comprehension of a range of different problems and situations. Recording ideas and thinking through writing. Topic specific vocabulary.
Numeracy Skills: All Mathematics Strands (Level 1-3).
Digital Literacy Skills: Online learning tools.
Students who need a foundation to achieve NCEA Level 1. Students will work towards making progress in their Mathematics journey with an individualised programme that meets their particular needs. Connections across other areas of the curriculum are made to allow students to use their new learning in practical, real life examples.
Pathway Core Mathematics.
Subject Area: Mathematics
Course
Description
Respect Responsibility Excellence
Business Studies / Economics
Literacy Skills: Reading and comprehension of a range of different problems and situations. Recording ideas and thinking through writing. Topic specific vocabulary.
Numeracy Skills: All Mathematics Strands (Level 4-5).
Digital Literacy Skills: Online learning tools.
Want to learn about how business works in New Zealand and the wider world?
This course explores different business concepts and how they link to a range of different sectors. It will cover a range of different Mathematical strands with a strong focus on financial literacy.
Students will be encouraged to explore taxation, marketing and strategic management.
Pathway NCEA L1 Achievement Standards - Economics and Mathematics.
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Te Taha Tinana –
Physical Education and Health
Physical Education and Health
Subject Area: Literacy Skills: Reading and comprehension through health texts. Numeracy Skills: Measurement, Statistical analysis, and interpretation. Digital Literacy Skills: Online learning tools.
Course Description
This course develops both physical skills and health knowledge within the context of sports and physical activity. Students will develop their motor skills, participate in various team games, and enhance their cooperation and teamwork skills. In the health units, learning will focus on personal health and development as well as the influence of societal values on wellbeing. The program encourages students to make positive choices and apply their learning both in sport and in everyday life.
Pathway Level 1 Physical Education
Subject Area: Science
Course Description
Respect Responsibility Excellence
Pūtaiao - Science
Core Science
Literacy Skills: Comprehend and compose texts including those that provide information, describe events and phenomena, recount experiments, present and evaluate data, give explanations and present opinions or claims.
Numeracy Skills: Graphing, Probability, Number skills, Algebra.
Digital Literacy Skills: Online learning tools such as Google Classroom, Padlet, Google Suite, NZ Grapher.
This course is compulsory for all Year 9-10 students to complete during one semester over Year 9 and 10. It is focused on the skills that scientists need which include investigating scientifically, thinking creatively and problem solving, digital processing of data and communicating effectively in science.
Pathway NCEA Level 1 Science
NCEA Level 1 Agricultural & Horticultural Science Rockets
Subject Area: Science
Course Description
Literacy Skills: Finding and comprehending reliable online or print sources. Reading graphs, measurements, and schematics. Report writing. Recording hypotheses, experiment results, and observations clearly and accurately. Using and understanding subject-specific terms related to physics (e.g., thrust, drag, aerodynamics), measurement, and engineering.
Numeracy Skills: Ratios, Rates, Volume, Equations, Area, Right-angles Triangles, Scatter Plots
Digital Literacy Skills: Creating a digital portfolio using online tools such as Google Suite, CAD software, design software.
This course will encourage students to create a water-bottle rocket in order to engage in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) learning experiences. Students, through a range of design, experimentation and testing procedures, aim to create a rocket then compete against others to see which rocket flies the highest and farthest, and are aesthetically appealing. Throughout the design, development and production phases of the project, students expand their knowledge of STEM and collaboratively develop an engineered solution. Students document their evidence of scientific testing, mathematical problem-solving and design development through the use of digital technologies.
Pathway NCEA Level 1 Science
Subject Area: Science
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Keeping Healthy
Literacy Skills: Reading charts, biological diagrams (e.g., the kidney, blood), and experimental results. Understanding information about health, disease, and body systems.Gathering facts from reliable sources about illnesses, treatments, and the body’s defences. Writing paragraphs to explain biological processes like immunity, infection, and enzyme action. Using clear and accurate scientific language to describe body functions and processes.
Numeracy Skills: Data Collection and Measurement, Averages, Interpreting Graphs and Diagrams, Ratios, Percentages, Proportions.
Digital Literacy Skills: Evaluating the reliability and accuracy of digital health information. Using digital tools (e.g., spreadsheets or graphing software) to record, organise, and analyse experimental data. Presenting research or experimental results using digital presentation tools (e.g., PowerPoint, Canva, or slides).
Course Description
In this unit, students explore what it means to be healthy and how the body maintains health through a series of engaging investigations and activities.They will examine how illness is identified and caused, including hands-on testing of “synthetic urine” and studying diseases like malaria. Students will investigate how bacteria grow and how good hygiene helps prevent disease. They’ll also learn how the body defends itself against infection, how the kidneys clean the blood, and how chemical reactions and enzymes support vital body functions.
Pathway NCEA Level 1 Science
NCEA Level 1 Agriculture & Horticultural Science
Mission to Mars
Subject Area: Science
Literacy Skills: Summarising scientific information. Identifying author purpose. Writing comparative explanations using scientific vocabulary. Writing an experimental aim, hypothesis, and conclusion using scientific language. Writing clear explanations and descriptions. Comparing and contrasting information from multiple sources.
Numeracy Skills: Reading numerical data, Constructing and interpreting graphs, Ratios, Percentages, Reading graphs, Measuring distance and time, Calculating average speed, Constructing graphs.
Digital Literacy Skills: Evaluating online scientific information, Using Google Suite, Using digital tools to create posters or presentations. Accessing and interpreting images, diagrams, and animations.
Course Description
Respect Responsibility Excellence
Documenting experimental results using spreadsheets or digital lab notebooks.
This half-year inquiry engages Year 9–10 students in a crossdisciplinary scientific investigation of what it would take for humans to live sustainably on Mars. Over two terms, students explore planetary science, physics, chemistry, and biology while developing literacy, numeracy, and digital literacy skills through practical experimentation, research, and design thinking.
Pathway NCEA Level 1 Science
Subject Area: Science
Construction Materials
Literacy Skills: Reading and interpreting technical texts, such as surveyor reports and building material catalogues. Summarising information from written and visual sources. Writing clear explanations and descriptions. Using scientific vocabulary correctly (e.g., polymer, displacement reaction, corrosion, acid rain). Creating posters and visual reports that communicate scientific ideas effectively. Comparing and contrasting information from multiple sources.
Numeracy Skills: Mass, Volume, Dimensions, Tables, Graphs, Charts, Proportions, Ratios, Interpreting Data, Density, Weight. Digital Literacy Skills: Researching information about building materials and plastics using online catalogues and resources. Using digital tools to create posters or presentations. Accessing and interpreting images, diagrams, and animations to understand molecular structures. Using online simulations or videos to observe chemical reactions and material properties. Evaluating online sources for reliability and relevance. Documenting experimental results using spreadsheets or digital lab notebooks.
Course Description In this unit, students will explore the materials used to construct buildings and why they are chosen for specific purposes. Students will start by examining a barn through a surveyor’s report, learning about different building materials, their properties, and how they can deteriorate over time. Students will investigate how materials are made and tested by making model bricks to see how clay changes when fired, and exploring plastics to understand their structure, sources, and uses in modern buildings. Students will predict the mechanical properties of plastics using molecular models and test them in real life. Students will study iron, reviewing rusting, ways to prevent it, and how reactions with other metals affect corrosion, including experiments with acids, water, and displacement reactions. Students will also investigate different types of stone, testing their properties and exploring how acid rain can affect some building stones, and factors that influence the rate of attack on limestone. Finally, students will bring together all their learning to design a poster showing the reasons for choosing particular construction materials for the renovation of the barn.
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Pathway NCEA Level 1 Science
Tikanga ā-Iwi - Social Studies
You must select one purple course minimum in either Year 9-10.
Social Studies: Aotearoa History
Subject Area: Literacy Skills: Selecting texts relevant to interests and capabilities; inquiry practices such as identifying and using sequences, identifying and critiquing sources, exploring perspectives and interpreting past decisions and actions
Numeracy Skills: Interpreting and using quantitative data such as percentages and graphs, within authentic societal contexts Digital Literacy Skills: Recognise, select, use and present relevant information
Course Description
This course explores the story of Aotearoa New Zealand through local, national and global lenses. We will discover how Māori history forms the foundation of and continues to shape our nation today. We will also examine the significant contributions of other cultures that have influenced New Zealand’s development, and investigate how power and its effects have shaped our past and continue to impact our present and future.
Pathway Social Studies opens pathways to NCEA Level 1 Social Sciences, especially Geography and History, and supports learning in other subjects that require strong analytical and communication skills.
Whakaute Haepapa Hiranga
Social Studies: Aotearoa Geography
Subject Area: Literacy Skills: Selecting texts relevant to interests and capabilities; inquiry practices such as identifying and using sequences, identifying and critiquing sources, exploring perspectives and interpreting past decisions and actions
Numeracy Skills: Interpreting and using quantitative data such as percentages and graphs, within authentic societal contexts
Digital Literacy Skills: Recognise, select, use and present relevant information
Course Description
This course explores our dynamic world and the effects that environmental changes have and will continue to have on Aotearoa New Zealand and the Pacific. Focusing on mountains, rivers, lakes and oceans, you will not only investigate the challenges these environments face, but also how we, as active citizens, can contribute to positive change. Ngā Tanaga me te Taiao - people and the environment - are at the heart of this subject, where the aim is to understand and protect our world.
Pathway Social Studies opens pathways to NCEA Level 1 Social Sciences, especially Geography and History, and supports learning in other subjects that require strong analytical and communication skills.
Social Studies: Global Issues
Subject Area: Literacy Skills: Selecting texts relevant to interests and capabilities; inquiry practices such as identifying and using sequences, identifying and critiquing sources, exploring perspectives and interpreting past decisions and actions
Numeracy Skills: Interpreting and using quantitative data such as percentages and graphs, within authentic societal contexts
Digital Literacy Skills: Recognise, select, use and present relevant information
Course Description
This course dives into the causes, key events and impacts of major global issues and events such as conflict, sustainability, terrorism and development inequalities. In this student-led course, you will have the opportunity to choose topics that interest you and design solutions to tackle the main challenges facing humanity. By exploring these issues, you will learn how to take informed action and contribute to shaping a better future for our world.
Respect Responsibility Excellence
Pathway Social Studies opens pathways to NCEA Level 1 Social Sciences, especially Geography and History, and supports learning in other subjects that require strong analytical and communication skills.
Whakaute Haepapa Hiranga
Hangarau - Technology
You must select one orange course minimum in either Year 9-10.
Hard Materials Technology
Subject Area:
Course Description
Literacy Skills: Glossary of new terms and writing of evaluations.
Numeracy Skills: Measurement, use of angles and calculation of quantities and time. Technical drawing and design skills
Digital Literacy Skills: Researching information and using text and images to create specific documents.
- Introduction to Graphic design and the production of working drawings.
- Basic manipulation of a range of materials like wood and acrylics,
- How to get the best results from fixings and fixatives.
- The correct and safe use of certain power tools and machines.
- Workplace safety.
- A range of projects to best provide students with the opportunity to practice the skills necessary to safely take this subject to the next level.
N.B.
- The first half of the year focuses on the introduction to new skills and techniques.
- The second half of the year builds on the skills of the first semester and aims to prepare students for Level 1 NCEA in Building and Construction standards. Below are some examples of possible projects that might be undertaken. Pathway
Subject Area:
Materials Technology
Respect Responsibility Excellence
Cams and Stuff
Literacy Skills: Learn Design names, processes
Numeracy Skills: Understanding Measurement
Digital Literacy Skills: Research and design
Course Description In this course using technological processes you will be able to design and build a project that will assist in developing your practical skill. Starting out with nothing but an idea, create the perfect project to fill a need in your life or even a gift for others. This is a practical project based course for people who like hands-on or creative activities. You could make a jack in the box or dancing elephant using cams, cranks and followers.
CO2 Racer
Subject Area:
Materials Technology
Literacy Skills: Learn Design names, processes
Numeracy Skills: Understanding Measurement
Digital Literacy Skills:Research and CAD
Course Description Have you ever fancied working for Ferrari or Lamborghini? Then this could be the course for you. You will get to design and make a CO2 gas powered car. These cars can reach up to 90 kilometres per hour. Learn about basic aerodynamics to maximise the speed of your car. Can you win the Dragster Cup by creating the fastest car in the school?
Storage
Subject Area:
Materials Technology
Literacy Skills: Learn Design names, processes
Numeracy Skills: Understanding Measurement
Digital Literacy Skills: Digital Poster production
Course Description In this course you can design and create a storage solution for a specific item or items. It could be a gift for a friend or family member. The trick is to suit the design of your storage solution to best protect its contents.
Whakaute Haepapa Hiranga
Food Technology
Subject Area: Literacy Skills: Reading and comprehension of a different range of recipes, ingredients, instructions and nutrition.
Numeracy Skills: Number, Fractions. Percentages, Measurement and statistical graphs.
Digital Literacy Skills: Online learning, documentation.
Course Description
The aim of this course is to develop basic skills in the areas of food preparation, service and develop understanding of food choices and food processing. Students also become fully aware of the correct methods of food handling, storage and hygiene requirements for the home and the Hospitality Industry. Students learn how to apply the design process in the development of a technological solution to meet a given brief. Students will be choosing their own recipes, managing resources and developing relevant and transferable skills to meet human needs.
Pathway Food Technology- Level 1 NCEAAchievement Standards Hospitality - Level 1 Unit Standards
Soft Materials
Subject Area: Literacy Skills: Reading and comprehension of a different range of Patterns, Charts, Material composition and design process.
Numeracy Skills: Numbers, Fractions ,Percentages ,Measurement and multiplication.
Digital Literacy Skills: Online learning, documentation.
Course Description This course is focused on gaining and exploring textiles skills and techniques. Students will gain confidence in prototyping, technological modelling and design evaluation. Students will be inspired by a projectbased course that contains a practical component where students will learn to think critically and creatively. Students will first learn basic sewing skills and develop confidence by sewing basic garments before exploring more advanced creative techniques.
Pathway
Respect Responsibility Excellence
Textile Technology- Level 1 Unit Standards
Materials and Processing Technologies- Level 1 Achievement Standards
Construction and Mechanical Technology Level 1 Achievement Standards
Discover the Film Magic
Subject Area: Literacy Skills: comprehension and writing
Numeracy Skills: N/A
Digital Literacy Skills: Create digital content, multimedia content, appropriate use of copyrighted and free resources, organise data, use of specialised software
Course Description
Dive into the magical world of film. Make up a story full of jokes or scary moments. Shock your audience with crazy ideas which are possible only in fantasies.
In this practical and project-based course we will cover simple story telling, basic film and production techniques followed by video editing skills. At the end of this funny course you will have your own filmed, edited and enhanced short video.
Platforms/HW/SW: cameras, DaVinci Resolve, spreadsheets
Pathway NCEAAchievement standards
Whakaute Haepapa Hiranga
Computers: Under the hood
Subject Area: Literacy Skills: comprehension and writing
Numeracy Skills: use algebraic notation, graphs and basic number skills
Digital Literacy Skills: use of online environments, use of specialised software, safe use of digital devices, search and download content, select and use relevant information, summarise information, create a digital content
Course Description
Are you interested in PC builds? Do you want to know how computer networks work and what you need to keep them safe and control them? You can plan your PC build, install an OS in a virtual lab environment and play with network hardware to establish a private computer network for experiments.
This skills-based course will let you plan your PC build, manage your own virtual PC, connect several devices into a network. We will cover basic protocols and safety principles of networking and PC management.
Platforms/HW/SW: Windows 10/11 or Linux, PC platform, network components
Pathway NCEAAchievement standards
Become a coder
Subject Area: Literacy Skills: Comprehension
Literacy Skills: Comprehension
Numeracy Skills: Algebra and number skills
Digital Literacy Skills: Search and download content, select and use relevant information, organise data, use of online environments, use of specialised software
Course
Solve coding challenges and take control over computers. Gain basic coding skills, practise problem solving and computational
Respect Responsibility Excellence
Description thinking. Design your algorithms and learn about the common software solutions.
Then swap over and learn how to create a simple web site, understand how to add information, images and styles to create your own truly unique web presence!
This skills-based course will give you fundamental knowledge and skills in coding. You will start with a block coding editor and eventually develop your skills into use of Python. We will touch on both procedural and Object Oriented Programming (OOP).
Platforms/HW/SW: Scratch/Python, online courses, HTML & CSS
Pathway NCEAAchievement standards