Curriculum
All available subjects are listed in the chart under the heading Courses of Study (below).
Broad Curriculum Aims
Years 7 & 8
• To focus on the basics - literacy and numeracy, plus an introduction to Te Reo.
Years 9 & 10
• To consolidate the core subjects - English, Mathematics, Physical Education, Science, Social Studies.
• To give students the opportunity to explore a range of optional subjects.
Years 11 - 13
• To offer as wide a range of subjects as possible.
• To prepare students for NCEA.
• To equip students for the transition to the post-school world of work, further training, or tertiary education
• To provide each student with a relevant course of study which matches the individual's strengths, abilities, interests and aptitudes
• To progressively reduce the number of compulsory subjects so that students can pursue their own interests
Note:
• Not all subjects offered will be run each year. Classes which do not attract viable numbers will not operate.
• Because class sizes have to be limited, students are not always successful in winning places in the subjects of their first choice.
• Every effort is made to arrange option lines so that as many students as possible are able to take the subjects of their first choice. However, it is likely that subject clashes will occur for some students and that they will have to prioritise their subject choices.
• Adult students may enrol for full-time or part-time study in courses at any level, as long as they can fulfil the entry requirements for each subject.
• Subjects not available through Kaikoura High School are usually available to students through the Correspondence School.
Courses of Study: 2010
Years 7 & 8 | Year 9 | Year 10 | Year 11 | Year 12 | Year 13 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Compulsory | English, Mathematics, Social Studies, Science, PE/Health, Te Reo Maori | English, Mathematics, Social Studies, Science, PE/Health | English, Mathematics, Social Studies, Science, PE/Health | English, Mathematics | ||
Block | One term each:Art, Drama, Hard Materials, Home Economics, PE/Health | Half year each:Art, Drama, Technology - Hard Materials, Technology - ICT, Technology - Food | ||||
Option | Half Year (pick two subjects):Graphics, Technology - Food & Nutrition, Technology - Hard Materials, Technology - Soft Materials, Environmental StudiesFull Year (pick one subject):Art, Enterprise Studies, Technology - ICT, Te ReoHalf Year (pick two subjects):Drama, Outdoor Education, Tikanga Maori | Choose four subjects:Accounting, Art, Biology, Chemistry, Economics, English, Enterprise Studies 12/13, Geography, Graphics, History, Home Economics, Mathematics, Outdoor Education, Physical Education, Physics, Science Applied, Technology - Textiles, Technology - ICT, Tourism 12/13, Trade Skills | Choose six subjects:Accounting, Art: Design, Painting, Photography, Biology, Chemistry, Economics, English, Enterprise Studies 12/13, Geography, Graphics, History, Home Economics, Mathematics, Outdoor Education, Physical Education, Physics, Science Applied, Technology - ICT, Tourism 12/13, Trade Skills | Choose five subjects:Art: Design, Painting, Photography, Biology, Chemistry, Economics, English, Enterprise Studies 12/13, Geography, Graphics, History, Mathematics, Outdoor Education, Physical Education, Physics, Technology - ICT, Tourism 12/13 |
Meeting Student Needs
Individual Needs
Every effort is made to meet individual needs through extension programmes, programmes for the gifted, remedial programmes and, where appropriate, individual education programmes.
Facilities
The school has spacious grounds and roomy classrooms, including purpose-built rooms like a gymnasium, science labs, a whare, a library, a canteen and specialist facilities for Home Economics, Technology - Hard Materials, Art, Drama and Technology - ICT. While the Computer Room is well-equipped for courses up to NCEA Level 3, during 2006 computers were installed into most classrooms so that ICT can be integrated into teaching and learning in all subject areas. Most teaching spaces provide access to the schools computer network. Data projectors and interactive whiteboards are progressively being installed.
Education Outside the Classroom
Field trips are course requirements in a number of subjects and students are expected to take part in them in order to complete their studies in these subjects. A Sports Exchange takes place annually with Kaiapoi High School. Teams are also entered in the following sports tournaments:
• Combined Country High Schools - Swimming/Athletics/Winter Sports/Indoor Sports.
• South Island Secondary Schools' Netball.
• Marlborough Boys' & Girls' Rugby
• Top of the South Rugby
• Queen Charlotte College
In addition Kaikoura High School teams usually play against 2 or 3 touring teams each year.
Sports & cultural activities are now part of the normal programme in any school, and Kaikoura High School is no exception.
Work exploration programmes are usually restricted to senior students and offer them opportunities to observe and work in employment which may be relevant to their future careers. The programme runs alongside Transition Education courses and Gateway and STAR programmes, which allow students to study subjects or vocational training programmes offered by providers other than Kaikoura High School.
Adult Students
Adult students may enrol for full-time or part-time study in courses at any level, as long as they can fulfil the entry requirements for each subject. Adult students must be at least 19 years old.
Adult Community Education
Kaikoura High School's Community Education programme offers a wide range of courses to enable individuals to use the school for continuing both their vocational and recreational education outside regular school hours. Adult and Community Education (ACE) aims to:
• Target learners whose initial learning was not successful.
• Raise foundation skills.
• Encourage lifelong learning.
• Strengthen communities by meeting identified learning needs.
• Strengthen social cohesion.
Some of the courses are for people who want instruction in hobbies and leisure activities, while others are aimed at developing new vocational skills. Members of the community are encouraged to suggest courses which they would like to see run and which they consider would benefit them and others. Anyone who is not enrolled at school is welcome to enrol in the classes which are usually conducted Monday to Friday in the evenings between 7pm and 9pm. The school also runs weekend workshops. The aim is to run courses at times which suit most people and make the best use of school facilities. Some of the courses run all year, with an increasing number of short courses, running for only 2-8 weeks. New courses are introduced throughout the year as interest and demand dictate. All courses are subject to minimum enrolments. Fees vary between $5 to $10 per session on average, with modest additional costs for materials and resources in some cases. Courses are advertised in the school newsletters, by posted flyers, on posters around town and by email to businesses and schools.
Applications
Applications for enrolment may be made to the school by calling in person at the School Office or by phone 319 5138. The co-ordinator can also be contacted directly with any course or enrolment requests on 319 7382. Classes are filled strictly in order of enrolment and membership of the class is only official after the appropriate fee is paid. If the minimum number is not reached three days prior to the advertised date of the commencement of a course, students are notified and fees are refunded. For further information contact the Community Education Co-ordinator through the School Office 319 5138 or at home on 319 7382.
Courses conducted during 2008 included:
Computer, NZ Day Skippers, Marine Radio, NZ Boatmasters, Te Reo Maori, Bridge, Photography, Barista, Breadmaking, Indian Cooking, Yoga, Flax Weaving, Chainsaw Safety, Hindi, Scottish Country Dancing, Welding, Maori Creative Arts, Small Business and Life Skills.