Junior Curriculum

During a student’s progress through the College, his Academic Tutor and Form Teacher will talk to him about courses and advise him on his selection of subjects. It is important that parents with questions and/or feedback relating to courses and options consult with their son’s Academic Tutor in the first instance.

Year 9

All students are required to take the following core subjects: English Social Studies, Mathematics, Health and Physical Education, Science.

Students also choose eight one-term options:

• At least two of: Carving (Wood or Bone), Digital Technology, Design & Visual Communication Food Technology, Industry Trades, Product Technology
• At least two of: Art, Design, Drama, Film Making, Māori Performing Arts, Music
• At least two of: Japanese, Latin, Mandarin Spanish, Te Reo Māori, Reading Support
• Additional options: Athlete Development, Business Studies, Innovation, Philosophy

Particular care is taken to gather as much information as possible about the background of new entrants from contributing schools. Students are placed in courses best suited to their ability. Extension classes follow an enriched programme. From these classes, the accelerate students are selected for the following year.

The Learning Needs and Learning Centre classes have a curriculum tailored to meet their needs, along with remedial tuition and one-to-one tutoring in reading and other special programmes. All courses are designed so that students showing industry, ability and application are able to move into higher-banded classes.

Year 10

All students are required to take the following core subjects: English Social Studies, Mathematics, Health and Physical Education, Science. 

Students also choose four half-year options:

• At least one of: Carving (Wood or Bone), Digital Technology, Design & Visual Communication, Electronics, Food Technology, Industry Trades, Product Technology
• At least one of: Art, Design, Drama, Film Making, Māori Performing Arts Music
• Additional Options: Agricultural & Horticultural Science, Athlete Development, Business Studies, History Inquiry, Innovation, Japanese Literacy Support, Mandarin Reading Support, Spanish, Te Reo Māori

Accelerated learning students also have access to some NCEA Level 1 subjects, such as Science, Mathematics, History, or Geography.