Senior Learning Pathways
ENGLISH
English helps you to find a voice to tell your stories; a voice that can be creative, critical and inspirational. We want you to extend your imagination through language and literature of all kinds and to become sophisticated speakers and writers. English connects you to a world of ideas through a range of cultural literature that challenges you to think about your own sense of identity, your relationships with others and your place in the world. Through English, you will be able to unlock the skills that enable you to successfully participate in the social, cultural, and political life of New Zealand and the wider world.
MATHEMATICS
Mathematics is the exploration and use of patterns and relationships in quantities, space, and time. Statistics is the exploration and use of patterns and relationships in data. These two disciplines are related but involve different ways of thinking and solving problems. Both equip ākonga with effective means for modelling, analysing, and interpreting the world in which they live.
Mathematicians and statisticians use symbols, graphs, displays, and diagrams to help them find and communicate patterns and relationships. They evaluate information to make informed decisions and create models to represent both real-life and hypothetical situations. These situations are drawn from a wide range of social, cultural, scientific, technological, environmental, and economic contexts.
The Learning Area's whakataukī is:
Kei hopu tōu ringa ki te aka tāepa, engari kia mau ki te aka matua.
Cling to the main vine, not the loose one.
This whakataukī comes from the pūrākau of Tāne's ascent to the heavens to collect te kete ngā mātauranga, or the baskets of knowledge. The main vine is strong and has secure foundations, whereas the loose vine can be buffeted by the wind, so anyone climbing it will not reach the top. The pūrākau helps to illustrate that knowledge, as in te kete ngā mātauranga, is a taonga, and to show the need for hard work and problem-solving to gain solid knowledge.
NGĀ ARA REO ME ŌNA TIKANGA / LANGUAGES AND CULTURES
Languages are inseparably linked to the social and cultural contexts in which they are used.
Languages and cultures play a key role in developing our personal, group, national, and human identities. Every language has its own ways of expressing meanings; each has intrinsic value and special significance for its users.
We currently offer the following languages:
Te Reo Māori
Gagana Sāmoa
English Language
English Language classes are for students who are bilingual and would like support with English grammar, vocabulary, speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
PERFORMING ARTS
The Senior Performing Arts curriculum at Hastings Girls' High School goes beyond just skill acquisition; it’s a transformative journey that shapes well-rounded individuals. By participating in these programmes, students develop the confidence to stand in the spotlight, the humility to collaborate as part of a team, and the resilience to overcome challenges. These qualities are not only beneficial within the performing arts arena but also serve as valuable life skills.
Through Te Ao Haka, Dance, Drama, and Music, students discover new dimensions of themselves and the world around them. They learn to express ideas, emotions, and narratives in ways that transcend conventional communication methods. These programmes foster creativity, cultural understanding, and personal growth, preparing students to thrive in an ever-evolving global society.
Students will join us on a journey of self-discovery and artistic exploration. Students will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of Te Ao Haka, Dance, Drama, and Music, and experience the transformative power of the performing arts. At Hastings Girls' High School, we believe in nurturing the desire to create, communicate, and connect.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND HEALTH
In Physical Education and Health, the focus is on the wellbeing of the students themselves, of other people, and of society through learning in health-related and movement contexts. Students will also develop the leadership and interpersonal skills to plan and manage activities in the outdoors. Four underlying and interdependent concepts are at the heart of this learning area: hauora, attitudes and values, the socio-ecological perspective and health promotion. This learning area is divided into specific courses catering to the diverse pathways within the field. There may be some overlap within these courses.
Physical Education - This subject gives students the opportunity to develop leadership skills, knowledge of the human body and exercise science. It also gives students an understanding of the influences of one’s participation, health promotion in society and lifelong wellbeing. There is an Education Outside the Classroom element to the subject at each year level. Camps allow us to provide authentic learning environments for the students to achieve at a high level.
This subject endeavours to give students the skills and capabilities required in pathways such as, but not limited to: medicine, nursing, PE teaching, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, sports development leaders, national sporting bodies, fitness industry, environmental work, event management, tourism and leisure industries.
Health - This subject helps students to develop their understanding of the factors and determinants that influence the health of individuals, groups and society. This subject endeavours to give students the skills and capabilities required in pathways such as but not limited to: social work, nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, medicine, midwifery, teaching, health promotion agencies.
SCIENCE / PŪTAIAO
Pūtaiao (Science) is a way of investigating, understanding and explaining our natural world, physical world and the wider universe. It involves generating and testing ideas by gathering evidence. This includes making observations, carrying out investigations, modelling, communicating and debating with others in order to develop scientific knowledge, understanding and explanations.
Career choices – why choose Pūtaiao at Level 1 or Sciences at Level 2 or 3?
Sciences are recommended subjects for many careers you may not expect, e.g. armed forces, police, and many more! Physics, Chemistry and Biology are APPROVED SUBJECTS for all University Entrance qualifications.
There is also always a demand for Scientists in New Zealand, Australia, and across the world. Here are some possible careers - ecologist, environmental scientist, environmental engineer, pharmacist, medical laboratory scientist, exploration geologist, emergency and critical care vet, biochemist, botanist, exercise physiologist, food safety chemist, doctor, nurse, radiographer, geneticist, astronomer, animal scientist, microbiologist, physiotherapist, dentist, midwife. Salaries are usually in the higher range for Scientific and Technical careers.
Seven of "the 20 top jobs New Zealanders should be studying for" are science jobs.
Science is about understanding the world around us. Students learn to carry out investigations, research ideas and use their knowledge to solve problems.
Biology is about living things and how they interact with each other and the environment.
Chemistry involves the study of matter and the changes it undergoes and understanding the composition and properties of atoms and molecules.
Physics provides explanations for a wide range of ideas, including light, sound, heat, electricity, waves, forces and motion, united by the concept of energy that cannot be created or destroyed.
SOCIAL SCIENCE / TE AO TANGATA
The Social Science learning area is about how societies work and how people can participate as critical, active, informed, and responsible citizens. Contexts are drawn from the past, present, and future and from places within and beyond New Zealand.
History is about exploring the past, in order to understand the present, and shape the future. New Zealand history is seen within wider global contexts. Historians are skilled in research and source analysis that is fundamental for other subject areas.
Geography is the study of the relationship between people and their environments. Our environment is at a critical point in its history. Developing knowledge of humans and our impact on the natural world will allow you to prepare for the future.
Business Studies is about how individuals and groups of people organise, plan and act to create and develop goods and services to satisfy customers.
Commerce is the use and exploration of accounting, economic, and business concepts and models to make sense of society and solve problems.
Psychology gives us a fascinating insight into the behaviour of others, providing an opportunity to view the human mind from a systematic and scientific perspective. We look at addictive behaviour, the nature of evil, clinical and health practices, ethics and experimentation and consider just how we, as humans, tick.
TECHNOLOGY
Technology is about creativity and innovation. It is about how we intervene with our world using design, and how our world intervenes with, influences, and changes (even designs) us. Technology learning is about gaining a deep insight into our world, being analytical and accountable for the decisions we make as we intervene, asking always, “if we can do something, should we?”
In Technology students develop outcomes across contexts that interest them. Students gain practical skills, knowledge, and understanding to thoughtfully live with, critique, and contribute to the technological developments that shape our lives.
Textile Technology - Explore textile art and fashion through design and making. Students have access to equipment including laser cutting, computer-guided embroidery, vinyl cutting and heat pressing, screen printing, as well as traditional sewing machines and overlockers.
Nutritional Technology - Explore the science behind the foods we eat, how it impacts our wellbeing and how we use this knowledge in the production of new food products.
Media Technology - Media technology is the use of digital technologies to compose, create, produce, deliver and manage media outcomes.
Design and Visual Communication - Design is everywhere. It’s exciting, creative and ever-changing. Design and Visual Communication explores the 3D design contexts of spatial and product design.
Integrated Technology - Gives students the opportunity to explore and learn skills across textiles, hard materials, and digital contexts.
VISUAL ARTS
Visual Arts is powerful forms of expression that recognise, value, and contribute to the unique bicultural and multicultural character of Aotearoa New Zealand, enriching the lives of all New Zealanders. Through movement, sound and image, Visual Arts transform people’s creative ideas into expressive works that communicate layered meanings.
KETE
This is a highly recommended programme for all students, whether they are going into the work force or tertiary study to ensure they are equipped with the knowledge and tools that they will need in the real world. This programme is designed to provide students with the essential skills to transition successfully into further education, training, or employment. It will complement student’s subject choices with their future career pathway. There will be at least 14-unit standard credits available at both level 2 and 3.
Vocational Pathways
Our Mission
- To empower students by providing resources to foster future life skills and to make good life choices.
- To teach students how to identify career opportunities that fit their skills, interests, values and personality through relationships with education providers, industry training and employment groups.
- To expose our students to as many pathway opportunities as possible.
- To successfully transition students from school to a career and/or study and/or work.
Career Education and Guidance
We offer formalised and timetabled Career Education at all year levels in differing forms. Rangatahi also have one-on-one Career Guidance both by request and planned appointments.
Taster Courses
We offer taster courses to senior students via STAR funding (Secondary Tertiary Alignment Resource funding used to fund courses that respond to students' needs, motivate them to achieve and facilitate their smooth transition to further employment, education or training). Students can apply to attend courses like: barista, security, travel and tourism, and first aid.
Teaching and Learning Areas
We work with different areas to develop career education opportunities in their learning area and/or hub. Kaiako are career advocates who support and develop our students' level of self-awareness, career explorations and aspirations.
Other Services
We offer CV construction, Learners and Restricted licences, tertiary visits and course planning, links with industry and local businesses, mock interviews, linking rangatahi to appropriate external services, career expos and trades roadshows.
Scholarship Courses
The opportunity to attempt the scholarship examination in one or more courses will be available to Year 12 & 13 students. There will be timetabled classes for Year 13 students. Nationally, scholarships are awarded to the top 2% or 3% of students in subject areas. If you think you would like to take scholarship classes and exams talk to your teachers and Whaea Evelyn.
If a decision is made to proceed, teachers will help prepare students during normal class and subject tutorial times. Students attempting to obtain a scholarship will be required to either sit an external exam in addition to their Level 3 external exams or submit additional portfolio work over and above their submissions presented to achieve Level 3. Hawke’s Bay Principals’ Association run an external scholarship programme for all students in Hawke’s Bay – see Whaea Evelyn for information.
Scholarship awards are available to New Zealand citizens or permanent residents only. Scholarship awards attract a one-off payment of $500 per subject with a maximum payment of $1000. Special awards of a higher monetary value are available to students gaining three or more scholarship awards. More specific details are available from the school.
Students are encouraged to take scholarship classes to develop their critical thinking and deep conceptual subject knowledge. Scholarship candidates are expected to demonstrate high-level critical thinking, abstraction and generalisation, and to integrate, synthesise and apply knowledge, skills, understanding, and ideas to complex situations. Scholarship subjects are assessed through examinations and these may be written or performance exams.
University Papers
For students who have achieved Level 3 in subjects prior to Year 12 or 13 there is the opportunity to study first year university papers through University of Canterbury or The University of Waikato. Have a look at the exciting papers on offer.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I choose my Subjects?
You need to ensure your individual courses best suit your particular abilities, interest, and learning needs AND that you have pathways through to Year 13.
Your ideal course of study will:
- contain subjects that you are interested in and passionate about
- contain subjects you feel confident you will achieve in and/or provide new skills
- meet the literacy and numeracy requirements at each level
- allow for a variety of career paths
If you are unsure of the most appropriate pathway then you must:
- Read the website information which provides information for each course and talk with your Ākina Coach.
- Ask teachers what is in the course at each level.
- Book an interview with Whaea Evelyn, Mr Gibbons or your House Dean. You may also want to speak to a Head of Department if your question is subject specific. This can be with your whānau/aiga if they would like to be there.
- Visit the careers office to check on subjects required for specific careers, further study or vocational employment/trades.
How many Subjects can I choose?
Level 1 Courses
You need to take six subjects at this level. You must choose a course from Mathematics and English for NCEA Level 1 Literacy and Numeracy.
Level 2 Courses
You need to take six subjects. An English or English combined course is compulsory as it gives you the required Literacy credits for further study. An application not to take English can be made to your House Dean who will ensure that you have option choices that give you UE Literacy in Year 12.
You must check entry requirements for some universities or the more competitive courses, as they require far more than the minimum entry requirements for automatic acceptance.
You should opt for a broad range of subjects to keep all possible future pathways open. From Year 12 there are a number of vocational pathway opportunities available on a Friday. These include the Police Pathways Preparation Programme, EIT Trades Academy and Gateway courses.
Level 3 Courses
You need to select six subjects. Students may choose a subject from a different level that is a new skill area or a vocational subject/trade.
Can I do courses at different levels?
You can choose courses at different levels if you have strengths in some subjects. You will need to talk with your teacher, your House Dean, Whaea Evelyn, and your parents.
Can I do any subject?
If you have a genuine commitment to a subject not taught at Hastings Girls’ High School we may be able to offer something offline. Please talk to Whaea Evelyn or Mr Pera about this.
Will I definitely get all my choices?
You will certainly get the bulk of your choices and we do our best to run all subjects. Sometimes classes may be mixed year groups to do this. The running of each course is dependent on student numbers.
Multilevel Courses
Some subjects offer their courses in multi-level classes. This allows students to achieve to their potential and learn from each other.
NCEA Scholarship Courses
The opportunity to attempt the scholarship examination in one or more courses will be available to Year 12 & 13 students. There will be timetabled classes for Year 13 students. Nationally scholarships are awarded to the top 2% or 3% of students in subject areas. If you think you would like to take scholarship classes and exams talk to your teachers and Whaea Evelyn.
If a decision is made to proceed, teachers will help prepare students during normal class and subject tutorial times. Students attempting to obtain a scholarship will be required to either sit an external exam in addition to their Level 3 external exams or submit additional portfolio work over and above their submissions presented to achieve Level 3. Hawke’s Bay Principals’ Association run an external scholarship programme for all students in Hawke’s Bay.
Scholarship awards are available to New Zealand citizens or permanent residents only. Scholarship awards attract a one-off payment of $500 per subject with a maximum payment of $1000. Special awards of a higher monetary value are available to students gaining 3 or more scholarship awards. More specific details are available from the school.
How many credits do I need?
Courses for next year will generally offer between 15-20 credits per course, and 25-30 credits for a combined course. Over the full year you will need to accumulate a minimum of 60 credits in total to be awarded the certificate at each level.
To complete NCEA Level 1, you need 60 credits at Level 1 or above plus an additional 10 Numeracy and 10 Literacy credits. With the new standards, it is a requirement for you to pass 10 Numeracy and 10 Literacy credits to successfully complete the course.
To complete NCEA Level 2, you need 60 credits.
To complete NCEA Level 3, you need 60 credits .
How do I get endorsement at NCEA?
Course endorsement provides recognition if you perform exceptionally well in individual courses. Endorsement requires at least 14 credits at Excellence or Merit for that particular level of endorsement. At least 3 credits must come from externally assessed standards.
NCEA Certificate endorsement requires you to achieve at least 50 credits at Excellence or Merit to gain Certificate endorsement at that level.
OTHER INFORMATION
Financing your Future Study
Universities, EIT and other Polytechnics offer scholarships to assist with either fees and/or accommodation costs. To be eligible for most university scholarships students need to have achieved Level 2 endorsed with Merit or better.
In addition to academic performance applicants are considered on the basis of involvement in cultural, arts or sports extracurricular as well as community service. Community involvement is highly valued and can be within or outside of school. Year 12 and 13 students are strongly encouraged to take part in some kind of community service.
Study Link - Student Loans
You need a RealMe login to apply online and access MyStudyLink.
If you’re applying for a Student Loan or Student Allowance for the first time, you will need to send Study Link evidence of your identity, e.g. a copy of your Passport or Birth Certificate using Connect.