Learning Areas


HOL English: Faleata Ualesi
HOL Learning Support: Linda Du Toit

Subjects administered by the English learning Area:

  • English: Y9 – Y12
  • English – Foundation: Y13
  • English – Literacy: Y13
  • English – Literature: Y13
  • English – ESOL: Y13

The aim of the English programme is to strengthen students’ language abilities, and enjoyment of language and reading. The English course at each level focuses on the following key skills from the New Zealand Curriculum document:

  • Reading and writing
  • Speaking and listening
  • Viewing and presenting visual images

At each year level, we extend students’ knowledge and experiences by building on the previous year’s skills and assessments.

Teachers in the English department strive to build positive learning relationships with students in order to improve students’ engagement, learning and achievement. Our teachers are regularly inquiring in to their own teaching practice, continually looking at ways to improve the teaching and learning in their classrooms.

HOL Physical Education & Health: Sarah Davies

Subjects administered by the Health and Physical Education learning area:

  • Physical Education: Y9 – Y13
  • Health: Y9 – Y13
  • Sports Studies: Y11
    Outdoor Education: Y12 – Y13
  • Sport & Recreation: Y12 – Y13

 

Through learning and by accepting challenges in health – related and movement contexts, students reflect on the nature of well – being and how to promote it. As they develop resilience and a sense of personal and social responsibility, they are increasingly able to take responsibility for themselves and contribute to the well – being of those around them, of their communities, of their environments (including natural environments), and of the wider society.

 

This learning area makes a significant contribution to the well – being of students beyond the classroom, particularly when it is supported by school policies and procedures and by the actions of all people in the school community.

HOL Languages: Rasela Lafaele – Uili

Subjects administered by the Languages Learning Area:

  • Maori Y9 – Y13
  • Samoan Y9 – Y13

HOL Mathematics: VC Naidoo

Subjects administered by the Mathematics Learning Area:

  • Mathematics: Y9 – Y12
  • Mathematics with Statistics: Y12 – Y13
  • Mathematics with Calculus: Y13

 

By studying mathematics and statistics, students develop the ability to think creatively, critically, strategically, and logically. They learn to structure and to organise, to carry out procedures flexibly and accurately, to process and communicate information, and to enjoy intellectual challenge.

 

By learning mathematics and statistics, students develop other important thinking skills. They learn to create models and predict outcomes, to conjecture, to justify and verify, and to seek patterns and generalisations. They learn to estimate with reasonableness, calculate with precision, and understand when results are precise and when they must be interpreted with uncertainty. Mathematics and statistics have a broad range of practical applications in everyday life, in other learning areas, and in workplaces.

HOL Music & Performing Arts: Moira Salima

Subjects administered by the Arts Learning Area:

  • Music: Y9 – Y13
  • Drama: Y10 – Y13

HOL Science: Chandar Dewan
Health Science Academy Director: Jay Choi

Subjects administered by the Science Learning Area:

  • Science: Y9 – Y12
  • Biology: Y11 – Y13
  • Chemistry: Y12 – Y13
  • Physics: Y12 – Y13
  • Health Sciences Academy: Y11 – Y13

 

Science is a compulsory subject in Years 9 -11, where students explore scientific skills that allows scientists to understand and explain the world around us. Students investigate aspects of science that are relevant to their lives such as how their body works, how we use energy, and the natural world around us. Our classwork involves theory work, practical work and field trips. Learning Science allows us to develop our problem solving skills and to make informed decisions about the world we live in.

 

Science separates into Biology, Chemistry and Physics in Years 12 and 13, and becomes option subjects that students can choose. These subjects are pathways into University courses such as Nursing, Engineering, Medical Sciences and other science related courses.

As well as timetabled classes, the Science Department runs groups such as the Health Council, Science Garden, and Science Fair.

HOL Social Sciences: Meredith Raukura
HOL Commerce: Marc Clarke

 Subjects administered by the Social Science Learning Area:

  • Social Studies: Y9 – Y13
  • Geography : Y12 – Y13
  • History : Y11 – Y13
  • Tourism: Y12 – Y13
  • Religion: Y13
  • Enterprise Studies: Y10
  • Accounting: Y11 – Y13
  • Economics: Y11 – Y12
  • Business Studies: Y13

Social Studies is about how people in different cultures, times and places, think, feel and act, how they organize their way of life, interact with others and initiate or respond to change. This course is compulsory in Year 9 and 10 for all students. After these junior years students can choose to branch off into separate courses such as history, geography, Social Studies, Tourism, Economics, Accounting, Business Studies.

Seven broad aims can be identified for the social studies course:

  • To study people’s organisation in groups and the rights, roles and responsibilities as they interact.
  • To identify the contribution of culture and heritage to identity.
  • To learn about the way people interact with places and the environment, manage resources and participate in economic activities.
  • To study the relationships between people and events, through time, and interpretations of these relationships.
  • To develop not only academic skills but also social skills.
  • To create an ongoing interest in the subject and the concepts behind it as well as nurture critical thought.
  • To prepare students for  NCEA social science programmes

Year 9

Social Studies is the study of people, society and human activity.  The emphasis at year 9 is on developing conceptual understanding by looking at past and current events and their impact on New Zealand and around the world; that reflect cultural interaction economic impact, identity and migration.  A total of 4 main themes will be taught throughout the year.  Each theme you study will have an assessment.  These could be assignments, presentations or research.

By the end of the year 9 social studies course, students will be expected to demonstrate understanding of:

  • New Zealand history and geography
  • Migration to New Zealand and around the world
  • Cultural interaction and events and people of significance to New Zealand and the Pacific
  • Current Issues
  • Labour Issues such as child labour and poverty and work and resources in New Zealand

 

Year 10

Social Studies is the study of people, society and human activity.  The emphasis at year 10 is on past and current events impacting on people and the consequences for people and places.   A total of 4 main themes will be taught throughout the year.  Each theme you study will have an assessment.  These could be assignments, presentations or research.

By the end of the year 10 social studies course, students will be expected to demonstrate understanding of:

  • World history and geography
  • Responses to the Treaty of  Waitangi
  • Different systems of government and the impact on people
  • Current Issues
  • The way people manage resources in the environment and environmental sustainability
  • Economic growth and innovation

Social Studies enable students to participate in a changing society as informed, confident and responsible citizens

If you have any further questions please contact our staff today.

HOL Maori: Jordan Tua

Subjects administered by the Te Reo Maori Learning Area:

  • Maori Y9 – Y13

HOL Technology: Demelza Round

Subjects administered by the Technology Learning Area:

  • Design and Visual Communication: Y10 – Y13
  • Food Technology: Y9 – Y10
  • Hospitality: Y11 – Y13
  • Textiles: Y9 – Y11
  • Hard Materials Technology: Y10 – Y11
  • Carpentry Pathway: Y12
  • Engineering: Y12 – Y13
  • Fabric Design: Y12 – Y13
  • Construction Pathway: Y13

HOL Visual Arts: Chris Ashforth

Subjects administered by the Visual Arts Learning Area:

  • Art: Y9 – Y11
  • Painting: Y12 – Y13
  • Design: Y12 – Y13

The Visual Art Department aims to inspire and educate students as well as giving them valuable skills for future pathways.

All students explore their identity and cultural milieu as well as Contemporary Artists. In class students learn to work independently and also collaboratively.

The Visual Arts is offered as a one Term Course in Year 9 and a Semester Course in Year 10. Students learn to problem solve, develop their ideas and use a range of media and techniques including but not limited to drawing, painting, sculpture and photography.

In Year 11 Art, students will learn the fundamentals of Design and Photography. Students will explore ideas around their own interests, identify and culture. They will develop a body of work and will extend their creative and problem-solving skills. All students will complete an internal and external assessment in this course which may include the opportunity to do digital portfolios and moving image artwork.

In Year 12 and 13 students can choose between Photography and or Design. These subjects offer a range of experiences including drawing, painting, digital design and studio photography. Students learn how to problem solve, develop work for a client and use industry leading computer software such as Photoshop, Premiere, Illustrator and InDesign. All students will complete an Internal assessment and an External Assessment which may include the opportunity to do digital portfolios and moving image artwork.