Teaching Programmes
The teaching programmes of the School embrace our bi-culturalism and endeavour to reflect the environment and community in which we live as required by the New Zealand Curriculum.
Years 7 & 8
The Year 7 and 8 students learn English, Social Sciences and Mathematics in a homeroom environment. Te Reo, Science, Physical Education, Health, Technology and The Arts are taught by subject specialists utilising specialist equipment and facilities. The content is geared towards achieving level 4 of the New Zealand Curriculum in line with the requirements for National Standards. There is a particular focus on incorporating the Key Competencies and the School Values into all teaching at this level.
Years 9 & 10
Over a two-year period, all students select their courses based on interests and skills. They cover all curriculum areas – English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Health & Physical Education, The Arts, and Technology and have flexibility in when they cover certain subjects. Courses run as 10-week blocks before changing. Students study at Curriculum levels 4 & 5
Years 11 – 13
Learning at this level progresses our students through level 6 to level 8 of the New Zealand Curriculum in order to reach the assessment requirements. Gaining national qualifications is the main focus for students in Years 11, 12, and 13. All learning offers opportunities for students to gain credits towards NCEA. Some learning pathways which commence at school lead to other qualifications on the National Qualification framework, such as Tourism and Trade Skills. Pathways are provided which are relevant and matched to the individual’s strengths, abilities, interests and needs. Students are also given the opportunity to study through eLearning using NetNZ.
Note:
- Not all subjects offered will be run each year. Classes that 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 available by negotiation to students through the Correspondence School or eLearning.
New Zealand Curriculum Online website
Courses of Study
Middle School Option Book 2023 download
NCEA Level 1 Option Book 2024 download
NCEA Levels 2 & 3 Option Book 2024 download
Compulsory Subjects
| Years 7 & 8 | Year 9 | Year 10 | Year 11 | Year 12 | Year 13 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| English, Mathematics, Social Studies, Science, PE/Health, Te Reo Māori | English, Mathematics, Social Studies, Science, PE/Health, Technology, The Arts | English, Mathematics, Social Studies, Science, PE/Health, Technology, The Arts |
Block Courses for Years 7 & 8
One term each:
Art, Music, Hard Materials, Food Technology
Option Subjects for Years 11 – 13
Year 11: Choose six subjects:
Accounting, Agriculture, Art, Biology, Chemistry, Economics, English, Enterprise Studies, Geography, Graphics, History, Home Economics, Mathematics, Physical Education, Physics, Science, STAR Courses, Technology – Textiles, Digital Technology, Tourism 12/13, Trade Skills
Year 12: Choose six subjects:
Accounting, Agriculture, Art: Design, Painting, Photography, Printmaking. Biology, Chemistry, Economics, English, Enterprise Studies 12/13, Gateway Programme, Geography, Graphics, History, Home Economics, Mathematics, Outdoor Education, Physical Education, Physics, Science, STAR Courses, Digital Technology, Tourism 12/13, Trade Skills
Year 13: Choose five subjects:
Art: Design, Painting, Photography, Printmaking. Biology, Chemistry, Economics, English, Enterprise Studies 12/13, Gateway Programme, Geography, Graphics, History, Mathematics, Physical Education, Physics, Science, STAR Courses, 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 wharenui, a library, a canteen and specialist facilities for Home Economics, Technology – Hard Materials, Art, Drama and Digital Technology. There are two well-equipped, classroom-sized computer rooms, and a number of computer pods and computers in classrooms so that ICT can be integrated into teaching and learning in all subject areas. Most teaching spaces provide access to the school’s computer network. Data projectors and interactive whiteboards are installed in many classrooms.
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. Teams are also entered in the following sports tournaments:
A wide variety of sports are offered at Kaikoura High School with many opportunities to participate.
Sports & cultural activities are now part of the normal programme in any school, and Kaikoura High School is no exception.
Gateway Programme
Gateway provides long-term, structured workplace learning for senior students. An individualised learning plan is specifically developed, in conjunction with the employer for each student including industry-based Unit Standards that are assessed in the workplace and contribute to NCEA. School attendance continues as usual, with students attending Gateway Placement one day per week for a period of time to be arranged. Students gain valuable experience and learning in a career of their choice, building confidence for a smooth transition to the workplace. There is no cost to students.
STAR (Student Tertiary Alignment Resource)
The STAR Funded Short Introductory Courses cover a wide variety of career paths from restaurants, electronics, childcare, building, reception, farming, animal care, beauty, hairdressing and many more. These are interesting courses lasting between two and four days. They are very practical and hands-on. Courses cover job knowledge and skills but they also explain what is required to get employed in a particular work area. This includes qualification requirements and training possibilities. STAR Funding supports courses offered at school by a variety of private providers. Students will also have the opportunity to gain Unit Standards and a certificate of course completion which will be useful to add to their curriculum vitae. STAR courses are available mainly to Year 12 and 13 students and the course cost is covered by the school. Course choices are advertised on the noticeboard in the library foyer or the outside noticeboard and options and bookings can be discussed.
Careers
The Careers Service offers support and guidance for all students at Kaikoura High School to enable them to make the transition from school to further study or employment. Individual career counselling is also offered to help students plan a pathway for their future. During the year students will visit Universities, the College of Education, Polytechnics and our local Career Expo. Presentations are delivered by various tertiary providers including universities, the armed forces and employers, and seminars provide information on financial advice and budgeting, student loans and allowances. Students are assisted with interview skills, job applications, curriculum vitae, course selections, scholarship applications and enrolments into tertiary institutions. Leaver profiles are issued on request. Useful links include:
Tertiary
Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology
Military
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.
