Curriculum Handbook

Course description:

This year is the second step on a structured pathway to success at NCEA level.

Students will:

• Consistently use basic grammar
• Attempt to use intermediate, or more sophisticated grammar
• Increase their vocabulary and spell those words accurately
• Read fluently than last year
• Write creatively based on their knowledge of the place they live in and their life
• Write non-fiction texts for specific purpose(s)
• Read, remember and recite poetry
• Understand a film
• Speak in front of their peers
• Regularly complete homework
• Complete projects.

Course description:

This year is designed to consolidate and expand on the learning achieved by the students while in Year 7. They will continue to develop their knowledge and understandings of human society as they progress through the year.

Students will study:

• Advanced mapping and basic navigation
• The first New Zealanders
• How people respond to challenges and crisis
• Special places and environments.

Course description:

Students study a range of health topics.

Course description:

The year eight course builds on the work done in year seven with a continuing emphasis on building skills and confidence in the use of numbers. The use of algebra to describe situations and solve problems is further developed. A simple calculator would be a useful tool at this level.

Topics covered:

• Apply a range of strategies to solve addition and subtraction problems in context.
• Carry out measuring tasks and calculate basic perimeters, areas and volumes
• Apply a range of strategies to solve multiplication and division problems in context.
• Use maps to specify location
• Read and construct scales, timetables and charts
• Find algebraic rules and solve simple equations
• Interpret the results of a statistical investigation
• Sketch and interpret graphs which represent everyday situations
• Apply a range of strategies to solve problems involving decimals, fractions and percentages.
• Calculate simple probabilities.
• Draw diagrams and nets and make models of solid objects .

Assessment:

• A mixture of written assessments and assignments.

Contact: Mrs Harrison or Mrs Cameron

Course description:

In the junior science classes the students will have the opportunity work in science laboratories and work in groups to carry out practical activities, perform scientific investigations and research, as well as learn about some of the theoretical aspects of science.

The year eight course covers the following topics:

• You, me and uv — looking at the electromagnetic spectrum and then spending time looking at uv-radiation and its effects on us.
• Investigative science — teaches the students how to plan and carry out 'fair test' experiments.
• Let's be Chemists – a look at matter, separation of mixtures, etc.
• Live Wires – an electricity unit, teaching the rudiments of electricity.
• Space Revealed – a look at our solar system and the stars.
• Unique New Zealand — a look at basic ecology and what is required for survival within an ecosystem.

Course description:

Students will participate in a variety of physical activities during the year. The year eight programme includes all the major games of netball, touch rugby, basketball, volleyball and cricket plus adventure cooperation games, fitness - jump rope for heart and ultimate Frisbee.

By the end of this course students can:

• Attain the best possible results in the 3 Star Awards scheme for athletics
• Develop consistency and control with skilled movement sequences in the game of touch
• Demonstrate and develop consistency and control in the basic skills of basketball
• Develop consistency and control in dribbling and shooting and perform a lay-up in basketball
• Identify the barriers and describe the appropriate action to promote effective time management
• Describe how individuals and groups share characteristics
• Identify choices and use decision making steps to make an informed decision with regard to a hypothetical drug use situation..

Course description:

Year 8 technology is a trimester course consisting of 1 two-hour class per week. Programmes will allow students the opportunities to undertake technological practice through which students can develop their technological literacy.

Learning outcomes:

• Write a simple design statement and describe their key features
• Effectively manage resources
• Design, create and test a prototype of the finished outcome
• Demonstrate safe and correct use of tools and equipment

Cost: $15 per trimester (to cover cost of materials)

Contact: Mrs Davies