Curriculum

Wairarapa College prides itself on the comprehensive range of subjects that it is able to offer its students.

Subjects may present an academic challenge, may open a door for a vocational opportunity, may help develop a cultural strength, or stimulate social or physical development. Whatever the subject, be it a core requirement such as English, or an option choice such as Art, Wairarapa College has the range of subjects which can assist each student on the road to success.

The following table indicates how the curriculum at Wairarapa College evolves. Click on a subject to find out more about that subject.

Core Subjects

Subject	Year 9	Year 10	Year 11 NCEA Level I	Year 12 NCEA Level 2	Year 13 NCEA Level 3
English	English	English	English 101, 102	English 201, 202	English
Mathematics	Mathematics	Mathematics	Mathematics 101, 102, 103	Mathematics 201, 202	Maths with Calculus Maths with Statistics
Physical Education Health	Physical Education Health	Physical Education	Physical Education	Physical Education Outdoor Education Sport Studies	Physical Education
Science	Science	Science	Science 101, 102	Biology Chemistry Physics	Biology Chemistry Physics
Social Studies	Social Studies	Social Studies	Geography History	Geography History	Geography History

Option Subjects

Subject	Y9	Y10	Y11	Y12	Y13
	Any 2 Technologies, Any 2 Arts, Any 2 Other Options (incl Languages)	Any Two
Agriculture	Agriculture	Agriculture	Agriculture	Agricultural Science	Agriculture and Horticulture (1 subject)
Classical Studies				Classical Studies	Classical Studies
Computing	Computing	Computing	Computer studies Information Management	Computer Studies Information Management	Computer Studies
Drama	Drama	Drama	Drama	Drama	Drama
Commerce	Economics	Economics Accounting	Economics Accounting	Economics Accounting	Economics Accounting
Food & Nutrition	Food & Nutrition	Home Economics	Hospitality Home Economics	Home Economics	Home Economics
French	French	French	French	French	French
Graphics	Graphics	Graphics	Graphics	Graphics	Graphics
Japanese	Japanese	Japanese	Japanese	Japanese	Japanese
Maori	Te Reo Maori	Te Reo Maori	Te Reo Maori	Te Reo Maori	Te Reo Maori
Media Studies				Media Studies	Media Studies
Music	Music	Music	Music	Music	Music
S.T.A.R Programmes		S.T.A.R Programmes	S.T.A.R Programmes	S.T.A.R Programmes	S.T.A.R Programmes
Textiles & Design	Textiles & Design	Textiles & Design	Textiles & Design	Textiles & Design	Textiles & Design
Transition			Transition	Transition	Transition
Visual Art	Visual Art	Visual Art	Visual Art	Visual Art Photography	Photography Painting History of Art
Workshop Craft (Wood & Metal) Technology	Workshop Craft (Wood or Metal)	Workshop Craft (Wood or Metal)	Design Technology	Design Technology Pathways to Industry	Design and Technology Pathways to Industry

English

The English Curriculum recognises learning English encompasses learning the language, learning through the language and learning about the language. 'We develop students' use of language through exposing them to a range of texts to help them become 'increasingly skilled and sophisticated speakers and listeners, writers and readers, presenters and viewers.' Students engage in a variety of activities to develop their skills in written language as success in English 'is fundamental to success across the curriculum'. Where appropriate, students will be supported or challenged to meet individual learning needs.

Subject Progression

	Y9	Y10	Y11	Y12	Y13
English	*	*	*	*	*

Mathematics

Mathematics (Maths) is a core subject that aims to help students to develop a belief in the value of maths and its usefulness to them, to nurture confidence in their own mathematical ability, to foster a sense of personal achievement and to encourage a continuing and creative interest in Mathematics including the use of the latest technologies.

In the senior years at Wairarapa College, Maths splits into a number of options which more closely match the students' abilities. Maths 103 is entirely internally assessed L1 unit standards. Maths 102 and 202 have a higher component of internally assessed achievement standards. At Year 13 students may study Level 3 Calculus and / or Statistics

Subject Progression

	Y9	Y10	Y11	Y12	Y13
Maths	*	*
Maths 101 Maths 102 Maths 103			* * *
Maths 201 Maths 202				* *
Maths with Calculus					*
Maths with Statistics					*

Science

Science education contributes to the growth and development of all students, as individuals, as responsible and informed members of society, and as productive contributors to New Zealand's economy and future. The aim of science education in the New Zealand curriculum is to advance learning in science by helping students develop knowledge and a coherent understanding of the living, physical, material, and technological components of their environment. It also encourages students to develop skills for investigating their environment in scientific ways. As with the other core subjects, science breaks off into distinct areas in the senior years.

Subject Progression

	Y9	Y10	Y11	Y12	Y13
Science	*	*	*
Biology				*	*
Physics				*	*
Chemistry				*	*

Social Studies

Social Studies is a core subject in Years 9 and 10. It has a focus on developing student understanding of 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. Students are also encouraged to develop critical thinking skills through utilising and analysing social inquiry resources.

Subject Progression

	Y9	Y10	Y11	Y12	Y13
Social Studies	*	*
Geography			*	*	*
History			*	*	*

Physical Education

Physical Education is a core subject which aims to develop a broad range of physical and interpersonal skills through an emphasis upon student involvement in a range of activities. Wairarapa College offers academic courses in NCEA Levels 1 - 3 Physical Education. Year 11 also has a Practical Physical Education option, catering for students who enjoy the physical side of PE. At Year 12, students are offered an Outdoor Education course and a Sports Studies course through Years 12 and 13.

Subject Progression

	Y9	Y10	Y11	Y12	Y13
Physical Education	*	*	*	*	*
Sports Studies				*	*
Outdoor Education				*

Agriculture and Horticulture

The Agriculture and Horticulture subjects reflect the College's rural base. The subject hopes to encourage pupils, through investigative procedures, to learn the basic principles associated with the growth of plants and animals. The school has invested heavily in the practical side of these subjects as well, with its own school farm and horticulture areas, as well as a well appointed Ag/Hort teaching block.

Subject Progression

	Y9	Y10	Y11	Y12	Y13
Agriculture/Horticulture	*	*	*	*	*

Visual Art

Art is a subject which aims to extend a student's vision and develop a wide range of expression from representational art to abstract forms in studying the environment. Students are encouraged to cultivate individual expression and social responsibility and interaction. The building of a new, three-room art suite has recently made teaching and learning Art a more attractive option, with large storage area and specialty darkroom facilities.

In Year 13, the subject of Art History is offered, which teaches pupils to be able to distinguish periods of art, to be able to use appropriate terminology and the relationship that the time and place has in the style of art produced.

Subject Progression

	Y9	Y10	Y11	Y12	Y13
Visual Art	*	*	*	*
History of Art					*
Photography				*	*
Painting and Drawing					*

Classical Studies

Classical Studies is designed to give an insight into the lives of ancient Greeks and Romans through texts, traditions, art and architecture. It also gives you knowledge and appreciation of Greek and Roman civilization. It encourages you to make comparisons between contemporary NZ and classical civilisation. It is the basis for tertiary studies in Classics.

Subject Progression

	Y9	Y10	Y11	Y12	Y13
Classical Studies				*	*

Textiles & Design

Textiles and Design aims to build confidence, develop creativity and to teach new textile skills and techniques via practical work.

Subject Progression

	Y9	Y10	Y11	Y12	Y13
Textiles & Design	*	*	*	*	*

Commerce

The Commerce Department includes Economics and Accounting. Economics aims to teach the skills and confidence to make rational economic decisions and to provide a basic understanding of how New Zealand's economy works. Financial literacy has become a major focus across all levels. Accounting aims to provide students with a basic knowledge of accounting concepts, procedures and applications.

Subject Progression

	Y9	Y10	Y11	Y12	Y13
Economics	*	*	*	*	*
Accounting			*	*	*

Computer Studies - Digital Technologies

To establish an awareness of the digital technology that is ever present in our lives, Computing is offered as an option from Year 9 through to Year 13. The junior classes focus on computing basics, ensuring that all students have the skills required to access digital technology at school and in the future. The senior classes take a deeper look into hardware, software, their various applications and how these can be applied to solve problems. Information Management is an option at Years 11 and 12. This option focuses on the efficient and accurate use of word processing packages.

Subject Progression - Digital Technologies

	Y9	Y10	Y11	Y12	Y13
Computing	*	*	*	*	*
Information Management			*	*

Drama / Theatre

The main aim of the Drama/Theatre course is to provide a five-year programme, culminating in NCEA Level 3, which provides pupils with a comprehensive study and exploration of Drama skills. Pupils will use the medium of drama to, among other things, build confidence, articulation and self-worth, develop their imagination, tolerances of strengths and weaknesses in others, to foster responsibility and discipline for self and the group in presentation work, and to develop pupils' knowledge of the crafts associated with theatre.

Subject Progression

	Y9	Y10	Y11	Y12	Y13
Drama / Theatre	*	*	*	*	*

Languages

In this increasingly global world it is important to be able to communicate effectively. The learning of foreign languages has a lifelong value. Through the development of communication skills and cultural sensitivity, students gain considerable abilities and insights. Wairarapa College offers courses in two International languages: French and Japanese, both of which are available for all five years. For both French and Japanese there are opportunities for overseas exchanges on at least a bi-annual basis as well as a number of other ways in which to interact with native speakers.

Subject Progression

	Y9	Y10	Y11	Y12	Y13
French	*	*	*	*	*
Japanese	*	*	*	*	*

Māori

Ko te tūmanako, mā te reo ka kite, ka mātau au ki tāku Ao Māori.

This subject gives an opportunity to gain an understanding of Te Ao Māori me ona Tikanga, as the basis for shaping future Māori. It takes an innovative approach that welcomes diversity, difference and multiple meanings of being Māori. It aims to improve the social and economic well being of Māoritanga while sustaining and enhancing Māori culture, language and tikanga values.

Career paths are unlimited

Year 9
This course provides the opportunity to gain an understanding of Te Reo me ona Tikanga through the practicing of vocabulary and sentence structures.

Year 10
Provides an extension for further development in speaking, listening, reading and writing Māori.

Year 11
N.C.E.A. Level 1. Students are tested on their ability to comprehend written passages and their ability to write in any of the eight modes on a range of topics. They will also be assessed on their ability to speak Te Reo, internally. Students sit external examinations at the end of the year. There is also the oppotunilty to perform thier Manu Kōrero at this level.

Year 12
N.C.E.A. Level 2 reinforces understanding and competency of speaking, listening, reading and writing gained in Year 11 and complements this by an equal emphasis on Tikanga Māori. Students are encouraged to enter Manu Kōrero competitions at this level.

Year 13
N.C.E.A. Level 3 provides more extensive research based activities in speech preparation and essay writing. The oppotunity to study towards stage 1 University is available at this level.

Kapa Haka
Provides an opportunity to learn and practice waiata, waiata-a-ringa, poi, haka, taiaha and mere.

Subject Progression

	Y9	Y10	Y11	Y12	Y13
Māori	*	*	*	*	*

Star Programmes

A STAR programme is one that allows secondary students the opportunity to study courses not normally available within secondary school. These short basic courses are for students who wish to experience new ideas or to sharpen their motivation for progress at school. Students may submit their own names for consideration. Some popular courses include automotive engineering, outdoor experience, first aid, hairdressing, caregiving, equine careers and agricultural courses.

Subject Progression

	Y9	Y10	Y11	Y12	Y13
STAR studies		*	*	*	*

Transition

Transition education is designed to help students make the change from school to work or tertiary education. It supports students to obtain the information necessary to make appropriate decisions for their future in a rapidly changing world. A variety of studies and experiences develop confidence and competence in personal, social and work related skills. At Year 13 career related study is undertaken, with individual programmes.

Subject Progression

	Y9	Y10	Y11	Y12	Y13
Transition			*	*	*
Work exploration	*	*	*	*	*

Music

Music gives students a basic understanding of the theoretical, practical and structural elements of music, a hands-on experience with keyboards, guitar and music computers, and provides an opportunity to gain an appreciation of all styles of music. Tuition and instrument hire is also available at Wairarapa College.

Subject Progression

	Y9	Y10	Y11	Y12	Y13
Music	*	*	*	*	*

Technology

Technology education is about identifying needs and opportunities and how products, systems and environments can be designed, produced and marketed to meet these needs and opportunities. It is not about using technological artifacts such as computers. The general aims of technology education are to develop technological knowledge and understanding, understanding and awareness of the inter-relationship between technology and society, and technological capability.

Technology education is also offered via the the traditional technical subjects of Design Technology and Graphics. These subjects further develop and extend the concepts and skills covered in the technology curriculum.

Subject Progression

	Y9	Y10	Y11	Y12	Y13
Workshop Wood	*	*
Workshop Metal	*	*
Design Technology			*	*	*
Graphics	*	*	*	*	*
Technology Education	*
Pathways to Industry				*	*

Health Education

Health Education is studied as part of the compulsory Physical Education programme. Health aims to educate students in personal skills such as conflict resolution, assertiveness and self worth, covering areas such as sexuality and substance abuse.

Subject Progression

	Y9	Y10	Y11	Y12	Y13
Health	*	*

Food and Nutrition/Home Economics

Students have the opportunity to study Food Technology thoughout all the college levels. Students study towards a range of achievement and unit standards. Students are encouraged to use the design and make process. More...

Subject Progression

	Y9	Y10	Y11	Y12	Y13
Food and Nutrition	*	*
Home Economics			*	*	*
Hospitality				*

Media Studies

Subject Progression

	Y9	Y10	Y11	Y12	Y13
Media Studies				*	*