GENERAL INFORMATION

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 Module Subjects that provide a taste of the Technology and Arts Curriculum.All students participate in the modules two at a time, which run for a quarter of the year each.  The modules include: Art, Drama, Music, Home Economics, Digital Design, Te Reo Māori me ōna tikanga, Woodwork and Robotics. 

The Year 10 curriculum is similar to the Year 9 curriculum in that students study a compulsory core of English, Science, Mathematics, Social Studies, Physical Education and Health. However, students in Year 10 can choose their option subjects, two in the first half of the year and two in the second half. These could include Art, Te Reo Māori me ōna tikanga, Music, Rural Studies, Drama, Home Economics, Young Enterprise, Sport and Exercise and Woodwork. 

Year 11 students must study six subjects.  Three of these are compulsory: 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 senior subject selection booklet carefully.  The best guiding principle is to aim for a broad range of subjects at NCEA Level 1 and choose option subjects that you enjoy.  

The Agriculture Academy is available as an option in Year 11. 

At Year students’ study six subjects, one of which is compulsory, the other five optional.  English is compulsory at Level 2. 

All requests for entry to Year 12 courses are treated individually and on their merits. A general requirement for entry to all optional subjects is evidence of strong skills and results at Level 1.  

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. NCEA Level 2 English is a compulsory subject and Mathematics is strongly recommended. There is then the option to expand from Year 11 Science to the specialised subjects Chemistry, Biology and. The recommendation is to study the option subjects that you are succeeding in and that you enjoyed in Year 11.  

 We recognise that success looks different for different students, depending on their strengths and goals. We endeavour to offer a wide differentiation of what a school week looks like to meet the needs of our students. Trade Academy subjects, including the Construction and Agricultural Academy, are available at Year 12 as are Gateway programmes and industry-based courses. 

Year 13 students may follow a course: 

(a) of four or more subjects from the University Entrance subject list, five is recommended.  Taking six academic subjects is not advised at Level 3. These students have a study period available to them in their timetable as their sixth line in the timetable.

(b) If a student studies less than four Level 3 subjects from the University Entrance list, they must choose 6 subjects in total (unless special grounds for a study are granted).   

It is very important to choose your subjects carefully in Year 13 as students who intend to enter tertiary study must meet the required criteria for these courses as many have pre-requisites.To gain University Entrance, students must gain 14 credits in a minimum of three UE-approved subjects. They must also pass UE Literacy (five reading and five writing credits). This is achieved by passing a range of assessments, either in Level 2 English or other tagged standards at Level 3.