Electives 2023
How to select electives
Juniors will have 8 blocks of electives over 2 years and will do 4 blocks per year in semesters.
When choosing which elective to do, students need to consider which Hub they are in, then select electives that are not already covered by the learning within their Hub.
All students must do the following electives at least once over the 8 blocks, if not already covered by their learning within their Hubs.
- Performing Arts
- Te Reo Māori me ōna Tikanga (unless in Te Whai Hub)
- A Technology elective
- A Visual Art elective
You can take an elective more than once.
Te Reo Māori - Te Kākano
Our introductory course explores Te Reo Māori me ōna Tikanga through the context of identity and tūrangawaewae. Students will be empowered by an in-depth exploration of who they are and where they come from. This course will introduce:
- Pepeha
- Whakapapa
- Mai te kore ki te ao mārama
- Taku tuakiri
- Taku iwi, taku tūrangawaewae
Students in Te Whai do NOT need to take this elective.
Te Reo Māori - Te Puāwai
Our Te Reo Māori programme is designed for students to learn, engage and practice Te Reo Māori in a range of formal and informal settings.
Students will explore a range of contexts that will enhance knowledge and understanding of Te Reo Māori and Tikanga Māori.
This course will provide a pathway to NCEA Te Reo Māori Level 1.
Beginner Spanish
Beginner Spanish introduces students to the Spanish speaking world. We will explore basic greetings, where in the world Spanish is spoken and the similarities and differences between our cultures. Students finish the course being able to talk about themselves and their family/whānau. Students will also learn some Latin dance skills such as reggaeton and salsa.
Advanced Spanish
This course builds on the Beginner Spanish course by developing grammar skills and deeper cultural understanding. Students will explore the Spanish speaking world in more depth through film, food and dance. There is a focus on students starting to use the language independently to talk about their daily life. This course provides a pathway to studying Spanish at NCEA Level 1.
Introduction to Performing Arts
Performing Arts is all about students discovering what kind of ‘creative voice’ they have as an artist. Students will use their minds, bodies and emotions to appreciate cultural voice, to develop empathy and to become confident in self-expression. This programme will introduce:
- Drama
- Māori performing arts
- Music
- Pacific performing arts
Students will experience:
- Instrumental music
- Dance
- Singing
- Acting
- Theatre games
Performing Arts - Semester 2 (Drama)
This course provides a pathway into Level 1 Drama. Students who are passionate about performance, acting and production skills are encouraged to explore this programme. Students will learn the fundamentals of:
- Production skills (lighting/sound/set design/make up/costumes)
- Interpreting, rehearsing and performing scripts
- Choreography and stage craft
- Collaboration and creation of a performance piece
- Public speaking
Performing Arts - Semester 2 (Te Ao Haka)
This course provides a pathway into Level 1 Māori Performing Arts. Students who are passionate about Te Ao Haka are encouraged to explore this programme. Students will learn the fundamentals of:
- Storytelling
- Whanaungatanga
- Tribal identity
- Sustainability
- Whakapapa
- Tikanga
Performing Arts - Semester 2 (Music)
This course provides a pathway into Level 1 Music. Students who are passionate about listening, playing and writing music are encouraged to explore this programme. Students will learn the fundamentals of:
- Music literacy
- Songwriting
- Guitar/keyboard skills
- Contemporary and classical song styles
- Digital music arranging (gaming, film, media)
Food Technology
In Food Technology students work collaboratively to create food products. They will develop practical skills and knowledge in Food Technology by testing and adapting recipes in order to solve food related technology problems.
Textiles
This course will help you develop textile and fashion related skills and knowledge. Try out a range of different textile techniques such as felting and weaving, learn to use the sewing machine, read patterns and manipulate materials to create new items.
Design and Visual Communication
In this course students will get to explore three-dimensional design as both a designer and a maker. Students will develop skills in three-dimensional design, using a design process and will learn techniques to communicate these ideas to others visually. As part of this course we will explore:
- Architecture
- Product design
- Problem-solving
- Design thinking
- Laser cutting
- 3D printing
- Maker skills
Digital Technology
In Digital Technology students will have the opportunity to explore a range of digital technologies such as:
- Photo manipulation and editing
- 3D modelling
- Coding
- Augmented and virtual reality
You will begin to develop skills and understanding of how different software and hardware systems work.
Visual Art
Our Visual Art curriculum is designed for everyone to develop their visual awareness and explore their passion and identity whilst learning new skills, developing existing skills and refining technique to achieve goals. You will gain a range of skills that will equip you for life and inform your future pathways and life choices, whether they be artistic or not. The tools and techniques learned in junior Visual Art allows you to continue into senior Visual Art:
- Design
- Painting
- Photography
- Printmaking
- Sculpture
- Art History
Sport Science
This course has an emphasis on providing a positive pathway into Level 1 Physical Education. You will gain a comprehensive understanding of the body, both physically and mentally, and how it functions to improve performance.
- Problem-solving
- Anatomy and physiology
- Energy systems
- Injury prevention
- Goal setting
- Leadership
- Nutrition
- Fitness testing
- Mental preparation
Introduction to Business
This programme is available to non-hub students who wish to take Business Studies as an option subject to discover more about the world of economics and commerce. This programme will introduce our students to the business world:
- Marketing
- Advertising
- Features of a small business
- Māori business enterprises
- Economics
- Financial literacy
- CVs and job interviews
Students in the Business Hub do NOT need to take this elective.
Horticulture Life Skills
In this course students will gain practical skills when they plant and maintain vegetable gardens to produce food. They will learn how to propagate a range of plants. They will also investigate how certain plants are used in horticulture.
Junior English Language (JEL)
A class for bilingual students who would like support with English grammar, vocabulary, reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Students will also draw upon their heritage language knowledge and cultural knowledge in this class. Enrolments for this class must be confirmed by Mrs Beatty.
Junior Gagana Samoa
Aa platform designed for beginners wanting to learn basic language skills, greetings and responses but also an insight into aganu'u fa'asāmoa. It is an opportunity to learn a new language. culture and experience fa'asamoa throughout this course.