The teaching staff at Dannevirke High School are well qualified, dedicated, and are at the forefront of modern teaching methods related to their new curriculum. The school places value on effective teaching and ensures staff receives regular academic professional development. 

When students enter the school they are tested to ascertain their academic level. Accelerated classes run at Year 9 and Year 10 to extend academically able students.

The school has a special needs program to support students requiring remedial work. This may be within a remedial class or by withdrawing the student for tuition in the Student Support Centre.

Trained reading teachers are employed to assist students with reading and an extra-help mathematics program runs in the school. 

7 & 8 Technology

Dannevirke High School provides the technology program for Year 7 & 8 students from the primary schools in the Northern Tararua District. It offers specialist facilities and programs in both soft and hard materials technology plus DTE and other technology education. 

Year 9

In Year 9 there are two categories of subjects - Core Subjects which run for the whole year (English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Physical Education and Health) and Modular Subjects to cover the Technology and Arts Curricula which run for 20 percent of the year each.  These are Art, Drama, Music, Rural Studies, Design, and Visual Communication, Technology Food, Technology - Design Technology Hard Materials, and DTE.

Year 10

Year 10 students study a compulsory core of English, Science, Mathematics, Social Studies, Physical Education, and Health. Year 10 students study three optional subjects throughout the year. These could include Art, Graphics, Maori, Music, Rural Studies, Text and Information, Drama, Economics, Fabric, Home Economics, Metalwork, and Woodwork.

Year 11

Year 11 students must study six subjects.  Three of these are compulsory.  These are English, Mathematics, and Science.  The remaining three subjects are chosen by the student. 

Students should seek advice from teachers, careers, and guidance staff, and importantly, check the Curriculum Flow Chart in the subject selection booklet, carefully. 

Students who wish to study six academic subjects at this level must apply to the Principal, in writing, for permission to do so. 

Starting Year 11 next year?

In Year 11 alongside English, Mathematics and Science include at least two options. The best guiding principle is to aim for a broad range of subjects at NCEA Level 1 and choose option subjects that you enjoy. 

Year 12

Year 12 students study six subjects, one of which is compulsory, the other five optional.

English is compulsory at Level 2.

The remaining five subjects you choose can be from different levels, e.g. three at NCEA (Level 1) and two at NCEA (Level 2) levels, or one NCEA (Level 1), three NCEA (Level 2) subjects. 

All requests for entry to Year 12 courses are treated individually and on their merits.

Students should seek advice from their teachers, careers and guidance staff, and importantly, check the Curriculum Flow Chart in the subject selection booklet, very carefully. 

It is recommended that students do not study six academic subjects at this level. 

A general requirement for entry to all optional subjects is evidence of strong skills and results at Level 1. 

Starting Year 12 next year?

NCEA Level 2 English is a core subject and Mathematics is strongly recommended. Continue on with Chemistry, Biology, and Physics if you are aiming for a science-based course. Keep studying the option subjects that you are succeeding in and that you enjoy. 

Year 13

Year 13 may follow a course:

(a) of 4 or more subjects from the University Entrance list and another academic subject at Level 2 or 3.  These students have study periods.  

(b) The makeup of a mixture of subjects from Level 2 and 3. If a student studies less than 4 Level 3 subjects from the University Entrance list they must choose 6 subjects in total.  

Note:

A student who does not meet the criteria for a study period (see point (1) above) may request that a study period be granted by applying to the Principal.  The student must have special grounds for the application to succeed. 

Starting Year 13 next year?

Unless you are considering a science-based career, in which case it is wise to include Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics in your program, choose subjects at Level 3, which lead to university entrance. 

CAREERS HINTS AND CONSIDERATIONS

Introduction

When planning a course of study, you should look at strengths and what you enjoy doing. Making a career decision requires a personal awareness of skills, abilities, and interests. Try to match these with a career area. Try to keep your options open a long as possible. A career plan may change as your personal awareness develops and/or alters, you gain information or your experience increases. It is normal for people to change their minds about their careers as they progress through school. 

There are people in school who can assist with your career planning. These people include your subject teacher, your tutor, and careers advisor. Remember to visit the Careers Advisor's Office where careers resources are located or look at Kiwi Careers on the computer. The following is a quick reference guide only and does not cover all career possibilities. Tertiary course prerequisites can also change so check entry requirements with the Careers Advisor. Remember too, that today most people will have several different careers during their working life, what you start off doing is likely to change as you get older. 

QUICK REFERENCE CAREERS GUIDECAREER BACKGROUND REQUIRED

Accountancy : Degree:

Level 3 Mathematics with Calculus and Mathematics with Statistics and English recommended. Accounting and Economics are useful. 

Agriculture/Horticulture:  Degree:

Recommended Year 13 Agriculture/Horticulture, Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, English

Architecture: Degree at Auckland:

A broad range of level three subjects including science skills (Mathematics with Calculus and/or Mathematics with Statistics, Physics), humanities (History, Geography), Language skills (English, another language), Drawing skills, (Art, Graphics and Design) 

Degree at Victoria: Physics and Mathematics with Calculus are recommended

Armed Forces: Officer

Good results at Level 3

Apprenticeships and Combat Trades

Apprenticeships and Combat Trades NCEA in Level 1 in English, Mathematics, and Science recommended.  Some trades would require Graphics and Design and Workshop Technology.  

Banking

NCEA in Level 1 in English, Mathematics, and Science recommended.  Some trades would require Graphics and Design and Workshop Technology.  

Broadcasting: Degree

NCEA in Level 1 in English, Mathematics, and Science recommended.  Some trades would require Graphics and Design and Workshop Technology.  

Building

Level 1 English, Mathematics, Workshop Technology - Wood, Graphics and Design is recommended

Business Administration: Degree

Level 1 English, Mathematics, Workshop Technology - Wood, Graphics and Design is recommended

Chemical Engineering: Degree

Level 3 Mathematics with Calculus, Physics, and Chemistry

Child Care: Polytechnic

Level 2 in general subjects including English. NB: Different training providers have varying entry requirements. 

Clerical/Reception

Level 1 English, Mathematics, Word Processing recommended.  Computer skills and Accounting are useful. 

Clothing Design 

At least Level 2 Mathematics, English, Art, Clothing, and Textiles is recommended

Clothing Machinist  Trade

Year 11 course including Clothing and Textiles

Computer Engineering: Degree

Level 3 with Mathematics with Statistics and/or Calculus and Science subjects

Computer Programming

Ideally Level 3 with Mathematics with Statistics and/or Calculus and Science subjects

Dentistry: Degree

Level 3 Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics with Calculus and Science subjects

Dietetics Degree

Level 3 Mathematics with Calculus and/or Statistics, Chemistry, Biology, and English

Draughting

Level 3 English, Mathematics, Physics, Graphics, Graphic Design, and Technology recommended

Economics: Degree

A broad range of subjects are recommended including English, Mathematics with Calculus essential for Stage one Economics. Level 3 in Economics useful.  

Electrician

Level 1 English, Mathematics, Science, or Physical Science minimum.

Electronics Engineer: Degree

Level 3 Mathematics with Calculus is essential.  Preferred Chemistry and Physics.

Electronics Technician: Polytechnic

Level 2 English, Mathematics, and Physics.

Engineering: Degree

Level 3 Mathematics with Calculus, Chemistry, and Physics essential. Preferred English and Mathematics with Statistics.  For Natural Resources, Forestry, and Environment Engineering, Biology would be helpful.  

Polytechnic Trade

Level 2 English, Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry.  Level 1 English, Mathematics, Graphics and Design, Design Technology, Science minimum.

Fitness Industry

At least Level 2 Science, Physical Education

Food Industry/Chef

Level 1 English, Mathematics, Science, Food and Nutrition, Accounting, Economics, French useful

Food Technology: Degree

Level 3 Mathematics with Statistics, Chemistry, and Biology

Forestry: Degree

Level 3 Chemistry, Biology, Geography, Mathematics with Calculus is the best preparation

Graphic Designer: Degree/Polytechnic

Trade: Art, Art History, Graphics, English and MathematicsHairdressing Polytechnic/Trade: Level 1 English, Science, Mathematics and Art useful

Health Sciences  Intermediate Year

Preferred excellent results in Level 3 Biology, Chemistry, Physics, English and Mathematics with Statistics.   Exemptions are granted in Physics and Mathematics for high attainment at Level 3.   For Medicine, students are required to include in the Year 13 program one of Art History, Classical Studies, English, History, Geography, or Maori.

Hotel Management: Degree/Polytechnic

English, Economics, and Accounting are useful

Interior Decorating

At least Level 2 English, Art, Art History, Graphics and Design, Mathematics

Joiner Polytechnic/Trade

Level 1 English, Mathematics, Workshop Technology - Wood, Graphics and Design

Journalism Degree/Polytechnic

Level 3.  Based on audition and interview

Law Degree

Excellent Year 13 level including English

Medicine

(See Health Sciences)

Motor Industry

(See Engineering Trades)

Music: Degree

Level 3 Music

Polytechnic Diploma in Jazz Perf.   Audition and interview to demonstrate ability in one or more musical instruments.  Performance experience is recommended.

Nursing: Degree

The minimum requirements are Level 3 in English, Chemistry, and Biology. Mathematics with Calculus and/or Mathematics with Statistics is recommended.

Occupational Therapy: Degree

Level 3 English plus any two Biology, Chemistry, or Mathematics highly recommended.

Optometry: Degree

Level 3 Chemistry, Physics, and both Mathematics with Calculus and Mathematics with Statistics.

Painting and Decorating Trade

Level 1 English, Mathematics

Parks and Recreation: Degree

Biology, English, Geography, Economics, and Mathematics with Statistics and/or Calculus preferred 

Pharmacy

(See Health Sciences)

Pilot Airforce

Level 3 English, Mathematics and Physics

Planning: Degree

Relevant subjects include Level 3 English and Mathematics Calculus and/or Statistics. Accounting, Biology, Economics, Geography, and History are useful.

Physiotherapy

(See Health Sciences)

Plumbing Trade

Level 1 Mathematics, English, Graphics and Design and Science

Police

Level 2 English and Mathematics. Preference is for older applicants who have completed another qualification.  A second language and an ability to swim is useful.  You must be able to type at 20 wpm and use a word processor. 

Quality Surveying: Degree

Level 3 Mathematics and Physics to Bursary level

Radiography Diagnostic:

Level 3 English, Mathematics with Calculus or Mathematics with Statistics and Physics preferred

Secretarial/Reception 

English and TiM. Computer studies are useful

Social Work  Degree

Level 3 English 

Degree-Postgraduate:

Must have a Batchelor's degree preferably in the Social Sciences. Experience in nursing, teaching, and other jobs that involve helping people recommended. 

Speech Therapy: Degree

Level 3 English, Sciences and Languages strongly recommended

Surveying: Degree

Level 3 English, Mathematics with Calculus and Mathematics with Statistics useful. Physics, Geography, Graphics, and Design

Teaching Early Childhood

Level 2 NCEA including English, or Maori. Prefer students who demonstrate an ability to study at UniversityPrimary Level 3 NCEASecondary Level 3 NCEA

Veterinary: Degree

Level 3 Physics, Biology, Mathematics with Calculus and/or Statistics, English preferred

Veterinarian's Assistant: Polytechnic

Level 2 Mathematics, Biology and English

General speaking minimum academic requirements vary between degree and diploma courses and between universities and polytechnics.  Most Certificate and Diploma courses require a minimum of Level 2 NCEA, while a Degree course requires a minimum of Level 3. A number of courses are very popular and impose higher Level 3 results for entry.  The most common degree restrictions are found in Architecture, Commerce, Communications, Engineering, Medicine, Pharmacy, and Veterinary Science.