Students Entering Year 9
What exactly am I choosing?
>> Two classes from the Arts Faculty. You select your TOP TWO choices of the four we offer:
(These will be the ones we try our hardest to place you in. If we can't place you in your top two desired options, you may be contacted to choose another. This may occur due to staffing numbers.)
>> Tutor Class - A Tutor Class is a group of students from all year levels. They meet for 15 minutes 4 days a week. The focus is on building relationships, supporting learning, strengthening school culture and ensuring important information reaches students. A tutor teacher is also an important liaison between subject teachers, parents and Deans.
There are two Tutor Class options:
What about all the other subjects?
The main subjects, called Core Subjects, are compulsory and will be automatically added to your timetable. Each subject is studied for three periods a week. These are English, Health & Physical Education, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Technology, and Rotation. The Rotation class consists of two terms of Literacy, and one term each of Numeracy and Te Reo Māori. The extra Literacy and Numeracy classes will specifically teach the skills needed to pass the NCEA compulsory Reading, Writing and Numeracy exams that must be passed in order to gain a NCEA certificate.
Can I do Full Year Te Reo Māori?
Of course! In 2025, students can opt into a core class that studies Te Reo Māori for three periods per week for the full year. We call this class a Whānau Core Class. It will study all of the subjects listed above, but will have Te Reo Māori for four terms instead of just for one term. By selecting this course, you will not have the usual Technology course as a stand-alone course. However, you will have one full term of Hangarau (Technology) to replace the one term of the compulsory Te Reo Māori course that all other students will be doing.
Why do I have to apply for Full Year Te Reo Māori?
Because numbers are limited, we need you to apply so we can manage class numbers behind the scenes. Applying isn't scary - it is just clicking the button, typing in that you are keen, and submitting it. We will take it from there.
Find the Full-Year Te Reo Māori class and click 'Apply to Join', which will start the application process behind the scenes. There are a limited number of places available, so applicants must attend a kōrero/hui with our Head of Te Reo Māori and the Māori Dean. Once accepted, you will be notified and it will be added to your timetable.
How much time have I got to decide?
Don't fret if you have a change of heart. You can re-enter the Course Selection area and change your chosen subjects as many times as you want until the selection portal closes. Just make sure you remember to click the Complete My Courses button to finalise, save, and submit your changes.