Welcome to the Junior Curriculum at Hastings Girls' High School - Ngā Rau Huia O Ākina

In the Pacific Connections Hub, you’ll explore the rich languages, vibrant cultures, and traditional songs and dances of Aotearoa and the Pacific Islands. This hub offers a unique opportunity to delve into the values, beliefs, and stories of Māori and Pacific cultures, helping you connect with your own cultural identity and place in the world.

Through your core subjects, you will examine themes such as identity, customs and traditions, and the connections across the Pacific Ocean that shape the world we live in today. Engage in topics such as Māori and Pacific values and protocols, environmental issues, political perspectives, and my land, my identity, while participating in activities like kēmu Māori, performance, and music.

This hub invites you to immerse yourself in the past, present, and future of these rich cultures, fostering a deep understanding and appreciation of our Pacific heritage. Dive into this meaningful journey and let it inspire your learning through a powerful cultural lens.

In The Living World Hub, you’ll explore the fascinating world of living organisms and discover how life survives, adapts, and thrives in different environments. This hub is perfect for students who are curious about animals, ecosystems, and the science behind health and disease.

Through hands-on laboratory experiments, scientific investigations, and collaborative learning experiences, you’ll develop practical science skills while exploring topics such as animal adaptations, habitats, and the relationships between living things and their environments. You’ll also investigate microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, and learn about their roles in medicine, disease, and everyday life. Students will gain valuable experience conducting experiments, analysing results, and communicating their findings through scientific lab reports.

A highlight of this hub is the Rocky Shore Investigation, where you’ll take part in a field trip to explore a real coastal ecosystem. You’ll select a species to study, investigate how it is adapted to survive in its environment, and present your findings through a detailed project board showcasing your research.

Whether you’re uncovering the secrets of animal survival, investigating microbes in the laboratory, or exploring the diversity of life along our coastline, The Living World Hub will inspire you to think like a scientist, ask meaningful questions, and deepen your understanding of the living world around you.

In The Creative World Hub, you’ll immerse yourself in a vibrant exploration of creativity through performing arts and waiata. This Hub is designed for students who are passionate about expressing themselves in imaginative and artistic ways.

You’ll delve into a rich blend of activities, from dance, drama, and music, while also connecting with Māori culture through Te Ao Haka. Whether you’re composing your own music, or performing on stage, you’ll develop skills that celebrate creativity and self-expression.

Throughout the year, you’ll work collaboratively, engage in exciting projects, and showcase your talents through performances. You’ll also explore the deeper themes of whakapapa, tūrangawaewae, and whanaungatanga, fostering a connection to identity, community, and cultural storytelling.

Discover how creativity can inspire and enrich your learning journey in The Creative World Hub, where your ideas come to life!

In the Exploring the Outdoors Hub, you’ll connect core subjects to real-world outdoor experiences, perfect for students with a passion for adventure, nature, and exploration. This hub provides hands-on learning opportunities where you’ll gain practical skills, deepen your knowledge of the environment, and develop a greater appreciation for the natural world.

Explore topics such as conservation and kaitiakitanga, survival skills, geology, and astronomy while tackling challenges like navigating with maps, mastering water safety, and learning to thrive in rivers, oceans, forests, and mountains. You’ll also develop essential teamwork, trust, and self-reliance through hiking, camping, and outdoor activities that immerse you in Aotearoa’s diverse landscapes.

This hub combines physical development, outdoor education, and critical thinking, fostering resilience, leadership, and confidence as you become a citizen of the natural world. Discover how the outdoors can inspire and enrich your learning while building skills that will last a lifetime.

Note: This Hub has a charge to cover the cost of travel, accommodation, and food for trips throughout the year.

Are you passionate about design, entrepreneurship, and making a difference? The Contemporary Innovation Hub is designed for students who love exploring creative ideas to solve real-world problems and improve the world around them.

In this Hub, you’ll develop skills in creativity, problem-solving, and innovation through core subjects, with hands-on opportunities to design, create, and produce your own products. Explore areas like architecture, product design, fashion, advertising, and food technology, while also gaining insight into business concepts like marketing, financial literacy, and sustainability.

Work with experts from within our school and the wider community as you bring your ideas to life through prototyping, planning, and market testing. You’ll also explore how innovation drives progress, from developing impactful solutions to creating sustainable enterprises.

This Hub empowers you with the skills and knowledge to become a confident change-maker, ready to innovate, lead, and showcase your projects throughout the year. Dive into the Contemporary Innovation Hub and turn your creative vision into reality!