Ara Tokomairiro
Course Booklet
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
~ Health Education
~ Art/Languages (Yellow Group)
~ Social Sciences (Purple 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 2025 with the Assistant Principal. Bookings for these will be available in early 2025.
Whakaute Haepapa Hiranga
My skills and interests outside school:
All About Me
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
Whakaute Haepapa Hiranga
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 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.
Whakaute Haepapa Hiranga
Subject Area:
Ngā Toi -The Arts
You must select one yellow course minimum in either Year 9-10.
Paint like a Pro
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 2025 will be refreshed, so those who took the painting course in 2024 can continue to build their portfolio. This course will also include a look at printmaking and photography.
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 2025 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
Digital Literacy Skills: Online tools
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 Literacy Skills: Subject specific terminology, research skills
Numeracy Skills:
Digital Literacy Skills: Digital Audio Workstations, online media.
Course Description 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, chords, rhythms, and listening skills. You will also unleash your creativity by creating your own songs and performing either solo or as part of a band.
This course caters to people who can’t play an instrument and to those who are nearly pro!
Pathway NCEA Level 1 Music
In the Studio
Subject Area Literacy Skills: Subject specific terminology, research skills
Numeracy Skills:
Digital Literacy Skills: Digital Audio Workstations, online media.
Whakaute Haepapa Hiranga
Course Description Do you enjoy listening to music, creating your own sounds, or performing in a band?
In this course, you will dive into musical analysis and learn how to craft your own beats using a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation), programme and sequence instruments, and use 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’re a seasoned musician or just starting to experiment!
Pathway NCEA Level 1 Music
Drama: Mask, Movement and Melodrama
Subject Area: Performing ArtsDrama
Course Description
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.
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
Respect Responsibility Excellence
Languages
- French
French Language and Culture: La Vie est Belle!
Subject Area: French
Course Description
Literacy Skills: Learning a language involves learning about grammar and spelling. Learning French also aids English vocabulary as many words in English have French roots.
Numeracy Skills: N/A
Digital Literacy Skills: Information research, using google docs and google slides
Parlez-vous français? French is an awesome introduction to the language and culture of France and other Francophone countries. Not only is French spoken in Europe, it is also widely spoken in parts of Canada, Africa and the Pacific. In this course, we will explore the language, people, places, and food (ever wanted to try snails or make crêpes? We’ve got you covered.) Students will learn to read, write, listen, and speak in French. Learning a language is also a great way to encourage flexible thinking, acceptance of other cultures, communication and problem solving.
This course can be chosen twice.
Pathway
NCEA L1 French can be taken via VLN or Correspondence
Whakaute Haepapa Hiranga Languages – Te Reo
Te Reo Māori
Subject Area:
Te Reo Māori
Course Description
Pathway
Subject Area: Māori, The Arts - Ngā
Mahi Toi and Tikanga
Course Description
Pathway
Literacy Skills: Learning a language involves learning about grammar and spelling.
Numeracy Skills: N/A
Digital Literacy Skills: Information research, using google docs and google slides
The focus of this course is to extend your ability to communicate in Te Reo Māori. By the end of the year, you will be able to interact confidently in Te Reo Māori. You will deepen your understanding of Māori Tikanga and Te Ao Māori. Students must complete Semesters A and B if they are planning on moving onto Level 1. If you are planning on doing one semester only, it must be Semester A.
L1 and 2. Many jobs and careers are now asking for people to be familiar with Te Reo Māori and Tikanga.
Tikanga / Te Ao Māori (Full/Half Year)
Literacy Skills: Learning a language involves learning about grammar and spelling.
Numeracy Skills: N/A
Digital Literacy Skills: Information research, using google docs and google slides
This course focuses on learning about the Māori world. Learn about karakia, waiata, whakapapa, legends, pōwhiri, and traditional crafts such as weaving, carving and tāniko. Students can do one or two semesters for this topic.
L1 and 2. Many jobs and careers are now asking for people to be familiar with Te Reo Māori and Tikanga.
Respect Responsibility
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 2025. 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
Subject Area: English
Course Description
NCEA L1 Achievement Standard English course, NCEA L1 Literacy CoRequisite
Core Literacy
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
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. 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 a 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.
Pathway
NCEA L1 Literacy Co-Requisite, NCEA Levels 1-3
Whakaute Haepapa Hiranga
Subject Area: English
Course Description
Structured Literacy
Literacy Skills: Reading, spelling, grammar & language knowledge
Numeracy Skills:N/A
Digital Literacy Skills: information, presentation, google docs.
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.
Learning Support
Skills Development
Subject Area: Literacy Skills: General Literacy Skills
Numeracy Skills: General Numeracy Skills
Digital Literacy Skills: Use a wide range of media
Course Description
Pathway
This is a bespoke course aimed at developing transferable skills that students need to be successful in a variety of curriculum areas. The content will be largely based on areas of a student’s personal interest.The course will be life skills based, and designed around the needs of the students who have learning support needs.
There is an emphasis on community engagement and setting students up for life after high school. Students are able to spend a term on one topic, using a range of skills and providing a strong mix of practical tasks and literacy/ numeracy tasks.
NZ Certificate in Foundation Skills or NZ Certificate in Skills for Living Level 1.
Respect Responsibility
Pāngarau - Mathematics
Core Mathematics
Subject Area: Mathematics
Course Description
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 (unless you are completing Foundation Mathematics). 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.
Pathway NCEA L1 Mathematic Achievement Standards
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)
Digital Literacy Skills: Online learning tools, recording ideas and extension learning tools.
Whakaute Haepapa Hiranga
Course Description
Are you ready to challenge yourself?
This course is an advanced, extension course aimed at highachieving Year 9 & 10 students, 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 Foundation Mathematics
Subject Area: 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.
Course Description
Students who need a foundation level course to develop more confidence in mathematics. 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.
Te Taha Tinana –
Physical Education and Health
Junior Health
Must be taken for one semester either Year 9 or 10
Subject Area: Health
Course Description
Literacy Skills: Reading comprehension, topic specific vocabulary. Numeracy Skills: Statistics.
Digital Literacy Skills: Data retrieval and interpretation.
Junior Health is designed to equip students with health- promoting tools to enhance not only their own well-being, but the community in which they live. Key areas of learning provide contexts for students to develop skills to become physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually healthy. We explore: hauora and wellbeing; friendships and relationships; managing change and building resilience; food for health and wellbeing; and alcohol and other drugs. Throughout all of these topics, students will develop their ability to think critically, manage themselves, participate and contribute, and relate to others.
Pathway NCEA L1 PE, NCEA L1 Health
Fundamental Skills Summer
Subject Area: PE
Course Description
Literacy Skills: Speaking, reading and writing
Numeracy Skills: Measurement
Digital Literacy Skills: Search and download content from the Internet; Recognise, select and use relevant information
Summer PE will take an in-depth look into sports, how we play them and what we can do to make ourselves better at them with reflection towards improvement. You will analyse Athletics, Swimming, Cricket and Volleyball. Students will also focus on games from around the world with Basketball, Handball, Rugby and Lacrosse to further develop your cooperation skills. This course is ideal for those students interested in skill improvement, sport and physical activities.
Pathway NCEA L1 Physical Education Achievement Standards
Whakaute Haepapa Hiranga
Subject Area: PE
Course Description
Fundamental Skills Winter
Literacy Skills: Speaking, reading and writing
Numeracy Skills: Measurement
Digital Literacy Skills: Search and download content from Internet; recognise, select and use relevant information
Do you want to create your own personal fitness training programme? With learning about the musculoskeletal system of the human body and using the principles and methods of training you can create a SMART goal for a chosen sport or physical activity. Team games will give students the opportunity to lead and take responsibility through the Sport Education model including: Hockey, Netball, Ki - o - rahi, Gymnastics and Pickleball. It is ideal for those students interested in skill improvement, sport and physical activities.
Pathway NCEA L1 Physical Education Achievement Standards Leisure
Subject Area:
PE
Course Description
Literacy Skills: Visual, reading and writing.
Numeracy Skills: Measurement
Digital Literacy Skills: Search and download content from Internet; recognise, select and use relevant information
Leisure activities will involve working with others in activities and game development taking time to teach other students. There will be a focus on social games of Badminton, Ultimate Frisbee, Golf, Backyard Games, Tchouckball and Futsal. An in depth look at leisure activities will have you planning how to participate in one. This course is designed for those that want to maintain a sense of well-being by doing exercise in a less competitive environment.
Pathway NCEA L1 Physical Education Achievement Standards
Subject Area:
Physical Education
Course Description
Pathway
Respect Responsibility Excellence
Dance
Literacy Skills: Visual, reading, writing and subject specific terminology
Numeracy Skills: Measurement
Digital Literacy Skills: search and download content using relevant information, cutting music
Express yourself through Dance! This is a highly practical course where you will learn how to choreograph your own performances and gain an understanding of the meaning behind the movement. Students will engage with a variety of dance genres and complete a research assignment. Finish off the year with a group dance while developing your passion for Dance.
NCEA L1 Physical Education Achievement Standards
Whakaute Haepapa Hiranga Pūtaiao - Science
Subject Area: Science
Course Description
Pathway
Subject Area: Science
Course Description
Core Science
Must be taken for one semester either Year 9 or 10
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.
NCEA Level 1 Science Achievement Standards
NCEA Level 1 Agricultural and Horticultural Science Achievement Standards
Human Machine
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 an optional module for Year 9 and 10. This course explores all the ins and outs of our body systems covering topics from anatomy to fighting disease! In this course, students will explore the following topics within a Human Biology context:
• Human physiology – respiratory, cardiovascular, digestive, musculoskeletal and reproductive systems
• Genetics – variation, DNA, inheritance of characteristics
Pathway
Subject Area: Science
Course Description
Pathway
Respect Responsibility Excellence
• Nutrition – functions and chemistry of key nutrients, food types and energy content
• Microbes and the Immune System - how the body fights off attack from various pathogens
• Health Focus - ailments and remedies (including rongoā)
• Mental Health - how the brain works and how to keep a healthy brain
NCEA Level 1 Science Achievement Standards
NCEA Level 1 Agricultural and Horticultural Science Achievement Standards
Sports 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 an optional module for Year 9 and 10. This course explores the world of sport and how this relates to science. In this course students will look at the following topics within a Sport Science context:
• Physics of sport – speed, forces, biomechanics, energy transformations.
• Diet and Nutrition - what do athletes need to be successful, energy contents, food types, energy drinks.
• Anatomy and Physiology - cells, musculoskeletal system, energy systems
• Sport psychology - performing at your best using psychology
• Socio-scientific issues - sport doping, access to technology.
NCEA Level 1 Science Achievement Standards
NCEA Level 1 Agricultural and Horticultural Science Achievement Standards
Tikanga ā-Iwi - Social Studies
You must select one purple course minimum in either Year 9-10.
History: Aotearoa
Subject Area: Social Studies
Literacy Skills: Selecting texts that are relevant to interests and capabilities; inquiry practises such as identifying and using sequences, identifying and critiquing sources, as well as exploring perspectives and interpreting past decisions and actions.
Numeracy: N/A
Digital Literacy Skills: Recognise, select, and use relevant information
Course Description
Pathway
This course explores the rich story of Aotearoa New Zealand through local, national, and global stories. We will uncover how Māori history is not only foundational but continues to shape our nation today. We’ll 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 society.
Studying this course opens pathways to NCEA Level 1 Social Sciences, especially Geography and History, as well as other subjects that require strong analytical and communication skills. You’ll develop the ability to interpret ideas and data, craft original insights, and express yourself confidently in writing, speaking, and reading. This course builds a foundation for careers where understanding relationships whakapapa me te whanaungatanga and critical thinking are essential.
Respect Responsibility
Geography: Mapping and Graphing Change
Subject Area: Social Studies
Course Description
Literacy Skills: Selecting texts that are relevant to interests and capabilities, critical thinking and exploring perspectives.
Numeracy: Graphing skills and interpretation of statistical information
Digital Literacy Skills: Recognise, select, and use relevant information
This course explores our dynamic world and the effects that environmental changes have had and will continue to have on Aotearoa New Zealand and the Pacific. Focusing on mountains, rivers, lakes, and oceans, we will not only investigate the challenges these environments face, but also how we, as active citizens, can contribute to positive change. Ngā Tangata me te Taiao people and the environment are at the heart of this study, where we learn to understand and protect our world.
Pathway Studying this course opens pathways to NCEA Level 1 Social Sciences, especially Geography and History, as well as other subjects that require strong analytical and communication skills. You’ll develop the ability to interpret ideas and data, craft original insights, and express yourself confidently in writing, speaking, and reading. This course builds a foundation for careers where understanding relationships whakapapa me te whanaungatanga and critical thinking are essential.
Social Studies: Global Issues and Crises
Subject Area:
Literacy Skills: Selecting texts that are relevant to interests and capabilities.
Numeracy: N/A
Digital Literacy Skills: Recognise, select, and use relevant information
Course Description
Dive into the causes, key events, and impacts of major global issues 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 pressing challenges facing humanity. By exploring these critical issues, you will learn how to take informed action and contribute to shaping a better future for our world.
Pathway This course leads to NCEA Level 1 Social Sciences, especially Geography and History, and other subjects where analyzing data, developing original insights, and strong communication skills are essential. Tuia i runga, tuia i raro, tuia i roto, tuia i waho, tuia te muka tāngata connecting the threads of knowledge and people.
Whakaute Haepapa Hiranga Hangarau - Technology
You must select one orange course minimum in either Year 9-10.
Technology Primary Skills
Subject Area:
Literacy Skills: Basic descriptive writing and bullet point lists. Numeracy Skills: Measuring, calculating quantities.
Digital Literacy Skills: Researching, producing word documents, cut and paste.
Course Description
This course is a semester in length and is an introduction to both the senior Technology Curriculum and development of some of the basic hand tool and machine skills necessary in later years. Specifically, the machines that will be covered are the band saw, scroll saw, jig saw, orbital sanders, drill press and battery power drills. The projects undertaken at this level are designed to address both the development of design and the safe use of the above tools.
Pathway This course is the entry level course for the senior technology programme. It is necessary for students wishing to take technology / BCITO to higher levels to have completed this course first.
Technology Advanced Skills
Subject Area:
Literacy Skills: Basic descriptive writing and bullet point lists. Numeracy Skills: Measuring, calculating quantities.
Digital Literacy Skills: Researching, producing word documents, cut and paste.
Course Description
You must first complete the Primary Skills Course. This course is a semester in length and designed to take students to the next level of achievement in both practical skills and design thinking. Greater emphasis is placed on the quality of work as well as the accurate use of both machine and hand tools. New machines that are introduced at this level include router, thicknesser, linisher, belt sander and biscuit jointer.
Pathway This course is the next step up from the entry level course for the senior technology programme. It is necessary for students wishing to take this course to have completed the Primary Skills course. Technology / BCITO at higher levels can lead to trades in a range of building related careers.
Subject Area:
Course Description
Respect Responsibility Excellence
Food Technology
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.
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 NCEA Achievement 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
Pathway
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.
Textile Technology- Level 1 Unit Standards
Materials and Processing Technologies- Level 1 Achievement Standards
Construction and Mechanical Technology Level 1 Achievement Standards
Whakaute Haepapa Hiranga
Subject Area: Digital Technology
Become a Tech Ninja
Literacy Skills: comprehension, presenting and writing
Numeracy Skills: use algebraic notation and graphs, basic number skills
Digital Literacy Skills: create a digital content, design of different media, organise data, use of online environments, search and download content, select and use relevant information, note resources, summarise information
Course Description
Master computers and any other electronic devices. Refresh and improve your skills on PC. Find a fast way to create documents or an easy way to deliver online content. Search the Internet, recognise relevant resources and stay safe in the online world.
This skills-based course is suitable for everyone at any time. You will update your current PC skills and extend your ability to control computers and manage data. We will walk through tips & tricks for online presentation and finally, you will practise the design of documents, presentations and spreadsheets with connection to other subjects of your interest.
Platforms/SW: Windows 10, Office/Google suit
Pathway NCEA Achievement Standards and selected NCEA Unit Standards
Discover the Film Magic
Subject Area: Digital Technology
Course Description
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
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 NCEA Achievement standards
Subject Area: Digital Technology
Course Description
Respect Responsibility Excellence
Computers: Under the Hood
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
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 NCEA Achievement standards
Speak Up on the World Wide Web
Subject Area: Digital Technology
Course Description
Literacy Skills: Comprehension and language structure
Numeracy Skills: Number skills
Digital Literacy Skills: Search and download content, select and use relevant information, organise data, use of online environments, use of specialised software
Join the huge number of people who create content for the world wide web. Combine together creativity, design and coding and impress your audience with a cool website. Having a basic knowledge of software packages and coding would be an advantage for this course.
This is a complex project-based course which will cover all aspects of web development from scratch. You will start with simple project specifications and graphic designs. Go over HTML and CSS. At the end, you will have your own static fully functional website ready for publication.
Platforms/HW/SW: Visual Studio, GIMP/Photoshop, Inscape
Pathway NCEA Achievement standards
Whakaute Haepapa Hiranga
Subject Area:
Digital Technology
3D Worlds
Literacy Skills: N/A
Numeracy Skills: Number skills
Digital Literacy Skills: Organise data, use of specialised software, search and download content, select and use relevant information, create a multimedia content
Course Description Create a three dimensional world. Bring your artistic skills and creativity into computer graphics to make 3D content for games, films, architecture or printers.
This is a basic skills-based course that will introduce 3D graphics design focused on computer graphics or multimedia (animation, images). Firstly we will introduce the tools and you will try to make simple objects and learn the basic skills. In the second part you will choose a theme or topic to discover and make. It can be a game asset, landscape or animation.
Platforms/HW/SW: Blender, GIMP/Photoshop, Unity
Pathway NCEA Achievement standards
Become a coder
Subject Area:
Digital Technology
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 Description More info online. Solve coding challenges and take control over computers. Gain basic coding skills, practise problem solving and computational thinking. Design your algorithms and learn about the common software solutions.
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
Pathway NCEA Achievement standards