Our junior school curriculum covers a wide range of subjects and builds a strong foundation for future learning.
In Year 7 and 8, our students are very fortunate to experience specialist learning in science, physical education, the technologies and arts. The secondary trained teachers provide facilities and teaching that develops a strong foundation for the secondary years. At the same time, our primary trained homeroom teachers provide the pastoral support and academic guidance in literacy, numeracy and religious education that we want for our youngest students.
Year 7
|
Digital Technology
In this course, students explore design and develop a digital outcome. They then complete some block coding to a particular context. These two activities are required to meet the national curriculum requirements in this area of learning. Food & Textiles Technology Students will complete an introduction to food through the lense of people and technology and then explore the integration between electronics and textiles. English & Social Studies (Literacy) In Year 7, students will read, respond and think critically about texts in authentic contexts. They will use their writing to think about, record and communicate experiences, ideas and information. By providing real life contexts, the students will develop an understanding of the purpose for all that they read and write, therefore promoting higher levels of engagement. Music Year 7 Music gives students a solid foundation of the basics. Students will create their own piece of music, listen to the music of others, learn about instruments and study some basic theory. Students experience some of the great masters of music and come away from the programme with a well-rounded view of the musical world. Mathematics (Numeracy) In this course, students will develop their understanding of mathematical concepts through real life investigations. They will explore number through different contexts and will work collaboratively to solve problems. They will carry out statistical investigations and explore geometry through connections to the world they know. The focus is to enhance engagement while fostering a belief in their own mathematical ability. |
Physical Education & Health
In Physical Education, students will explore and discover basic motor skills through different games and sporting contexts. In Health, students will look at friendship and positive relationships. Product Design This course is an introduction into the world of designing and making. The context students explore is people and technology; including how we work in together to design and make projects that fit a need or purpose. Religious Studies Religious Education is the key component of this school and Jesus is at the centre of our programme. The theme is ‘learning to see Jesus in the face of others' and this is woven throughout the Year 7 units of my story, out story; the life and times of Jesus; sacraments of initiation; and recognising signs of God. Science In this course, students initially learn the basics including equipment, completing hands on experiments safely and learning to work like a scientist. The biology topic looks at our bodies, focusing on the senses as well as feeding webs within ecosystems. The physics topic explores our solar system and relationships between the sun, the moon and earth. Visual Arts In Visual Arts, students will explore and develop a range of basic drawing, collage and pastel techniques. Students will also, learn to analyse and apply art conventions with a focus on ideas around colour throughout the process of making art. Students will explore the theme of architecture throughout the term. |
Year 8
|
English & Social Studies (Literacy)
Students in Year 8 will locate, evaluate and create new learning from information and ideas gathered from a range of texts. They will generate and answer questions to meet specific inquiry goals. They will utilize a variety of written language skills to convey their understanding to a chosen audience. Music In Music, students will explore different perspectives. Strands developed include traditional Maori music, composition, practical performance and conventions of music. Mathematics (Numeracy) In this course, students will develop their understanding of mathematical concepts through real life investigations. They will develop their statistical investigation skills by exploring data and analysing what the information means. The focus of the Year 8 programme is to enhance engagement while fostering a belief in their own mathematical ability and preparing them for the demands of the following year. Physical Education & Health In Physical Education, students will develop a variety of motor skills and interpersonal skills through participating in different games and sporting contexts. In Health, students will examine Sunsmart and Hauora. |
Product Design
Students will design and make an outcome that addresses a need. They will learn about how to design within a given context and develop some key practical skills that will support further learning in this area of study. Science In Science, students learn about states of matter, interactions between particles and chemical and physical reactions. We then focus on the learning required for the Deep Cove camp, initially learning about geology, rock and water cycles and then the effect of the use of 1080 in Fiordland. We finish the year with renewable/non-renewable energy, sustainability and climate change. Religious Studies Year 8 students continue with themes from the previous year, integrating them into their units of creation and co-creation, eucharist in the Church's year, journeys and inspiring men and women. Textiles Technology In this course, students investigate the world of design and making with a focus on textile products through the lens of sustainability, and how this impacts on material use and design. Visual Arts In Visual Arts, students will develop a range of drawing and painting techniques. Students will also learn to analyse and apply art conventions throughout the process of making art. Students will focus on the art movement of ‘Pop Art’ throughout the term |
year 9
|
English
In Year 9 English students will study a range of books, poems, short stories, films and advertising, including both world and NZ literature. Students will also complete writing, speaking and presenting activities that will showcase their understanding of what it means to communicate ideas clearly and effectively. There is a strong focus on enjoying the learning process and the development of reading and writing skills. Design & Visual Communication In this course, students look to build on their creativity and develop innovation by using the design process to explore existing products to design new outcomes. Digital Technologies In this course students will build on what they already know and design/develop a digital outcome. They then complete some coding to strengthen their knowledge and understanding in this area. These two activities are designed to meet the national curriculum requirements. Food Technology In Year 9 Technology, students investigate the resources required to provide appropriate food for people and how to make it look appealing. Mathematics Year 9 places emphasis on changing the way students think of Mathematics. The focus is moving from number knowledge and strategies to algebraic thinking and problem solving. Music In this course, students will gain an appreciation for the unique function of music in our society while learning the basics of musical theory and composition. |
Physical Education & Health
In Physical Education, students will continue to develop and refine their motor skills through a variety of sporting and game contexts. In Health, students will explore the impacts and effects of social media and drugs on New Zealand’s society. Religious Studies The Year 9 Religious Education programme includes the following units: discovering our identity, the beginnings of the Church in Aotearoa New Zealand, the teachings of Jesus and expressions of Catholic life. Science Over the course of Year 9, students learn about their digestive system, healthy eating, plants and ecosystems. Pupils explore key physics concepts such as energy flow and light. In the chemistry topics the focus is on atoms and the periodic table as well as practical techniques for separating. Social Sciences This course consists of four units of learning that endeavour to cover a wide range of events and social issues. These contexts come from both the past and present and include Ancient Roman society, New Zealand: past and present, tourism and multi-racial societies. Visual Arts In Visual Arts, students will further develop drawing, painting and print making skills and techniques. Students will also learn to analyse and apply art conventions and ideas from chosen artist models throughout the process of making art. Students will focus on nature and explore the natural environment of our beautiful country, New Zealand. |
Year 10
|
Commerce
In this course students have the opportunity to cover some key life skills in preparation for life beyond school, as well as a basic introduction to economics and accounting. Areas covered include: budgeting skills and types of insurance to help minimise risk, types of debt including good and bad debt and the cost of different finance options such as payday loans, banks, credit cards and finance companies. The students participate in a market day where they form a business enterprise to research, promote and sell a product or service in a group. The final unit involves learning the basic concepts of demand. English In Year 10 English, students will complete a range of written, visual and oral text studies that will develop the core English skills of analysis, interpretation, and the ability to communicate effectively in our competitive world. Again, the focus is on enjoying the process of learning. These skills will all help students gain a solid foundation for success in Level 1 NCEA. Languages Should enough students wish to study a particular language, the College will endeavour to provide a class for this. However, should there not be enough demand for a class, the opportunity for students to study languages by Correspondence does exist. Students would need to be committed and willing to self-manage with some input from College staff. Please do indicate if this is something you would like to do. Mathematics In this course, students will be engaged in thinking mathematically and statistically in a range of meaningful contexts. Algebraic skills will be developed through patterns, relationships, tables, graphs and linear equations. Students will apply trigonometric ratios and Pythagoras' theorem in two dimensions. Media Film & Communication Studies The media is one of the most powerful cultural influences in our society today. It gives us information, teaches us, entertains us, influences us, persuades us to buy products and services and gives us an understanding of our world. Lightning fast advancements in new internet technologies mean we can now access media anytime, anywhere. Studying the media allows students to look at how media and society influence each other and how the changes in technologies have affected the way we connect with the world. Understanding this enables students to be better equipped to cope with future social and technological change. Through a mix of theory and practical work, students will be involved in making their own media and will also study professional media work to learn how they are produced, controlled, and distributed. By working in a team, students will develop the skills of cooperation, problem-solving, and communication. Individually and collaboratively, students will have the opportunity to plan, follow personal and group timelines, direct, record and reflect, use equipment, and edit their work after studying the way in which media is used to engage audiences and communicate ideas and information in our society. Today literacy is more than reading and writing. In order to be literate in our media-saturated world, we must be able to read the messages that are all around us. This course also enables students to further develop the important skills of close reading and critical thinking to gain a deeper understanding of all forms of media like film, television, print, radio, news (including 'fake news'), consumer information, and online media. This course is a good introduction to the media, leading towards a possible study of Media in Years 11, 12 and 13. These days more than ever it is crucial that students develop the skills to become informed, perceptive citizens in a constantly changing, interconnected world. Pre-requisite: Good standard of literacy skills and a reliable device. Mobile phones are sometimes used at the teacher's discretion. |
Physical Education & Health
In Physical Education, students will develop their proficiency in motor skills, social responsibility and interpersonal skills through participating in a variety of sporting contexts. In Health, students will investigate positive wellness and how to maintain a healthy body. Religious Studies In preparation for life in the senior school, this Year 10 programme explores the global Church’s story from it's beginning until the Middle Ages. Students also study the significance of the Eucharist and sin and the importance of reconciliation. Science Our Year 10 students cover human reproduction and puberty, circulation and respiration in the biology topic. The chemistry unit focuses on acids and bases, chemical reactions and writing chemical equations. Electricity and forces are the components of the physics course. In addition, we study the change in theories around plate tectonics and the resultant effect of their movement in earthquakes and volcanoes. Lastly, we look at theories around the extinction of the dinosaurs. Social Sciences This course is focused on the development of a unique individual society from the ground up; from its physical characteristics to its human origins and history. Technology Foods Technology: Learn about foods from different cultures. Gaining skills in preparing and cooking food. You will also be able to design and make your own food dishes. This area of learning focusses on the processes involved to produce good outcomes. DVC Graphics: Learn how to use visual communication techniques to effectively communicate design ideas. This subject supports learning in Materials Technology and can lead onto careers in the design industry, construction industry, architecture, interior design, graphic design and industrial design etc. Being a creative and critical thinker are key areas of this course and you will be taught how to develop these essential lifelong skills. The main project includes relevant skills learning which will help you become a better designer. Computer Aided Design (CAD) will be one of the tools on offer within this course. Digital Technology: Here you learn about the different pathways this subject can lead into. From digital media design to programming. The course relies on you being an independent and motivated learner with sound literacy skills. Material Technology (nee Product Design): This course uses the design and make approach, with the main project helping develop your skills of being a critical and creative thinker, while using practical skills. You are taught how to use the tools and machines safely within the workshop environment to support further learning within the NCEA senior levels. The areas of further study include all areas of the Construction and Mechanical career paths. Visual Arts Students in Year 10 Visual arts will further develop drawing, painting, photography, design, and woodblock printing skills. These skills will help students cope with the demands of year 11 NCEA art and, also give students a head start on working towards the Excellence grades. As well as developing skill levels, students will have the opportunity to generate, develop and finalize a wearable arts piece in preparation for Eisteddfod and other wearable arts competitions throughout the year. Also, students will take part in the development of a Mural project to be exhibited in the Gore community. |