Year 9

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List A

COMPUTING FOR BEGINNERS
Computer skills are becoming more important in our ever-increasing technological world. The course teaches skills in acquiring and presenting information using application software, as well as understanding the basic operations and concepts in computing and problem solving. It is designed for students who have low computer confidence or little computer experience.

CRAFT & DESIGN/WEARABLE TECHNOLOGY
This option course offers year 9 students the opportunity to design and make craft based objects of personal adornment. They will learn how to design and make items using recycled materials such as wood, plastics and found objects. Students will be exposed to processes such as wax and plaster moulding, vacuum moulding, leather and glasswork

FOOD & NUTRITION AND TECHNOLOGY
This is a half year course covering an aspect of the Technology curriculum and the Food and Nutrition component of the Health/PE curriculum. Students develop knowledge in a range of topics with a textile design unit towards the end of the course. They are encouraged to extend ideas and skills and be creative. Students will be assessed to determine their growth in knowledge and skills and personal development throughout the course. Each unit consists of theory and practical work. Fee $25.00

FRENCH
Vive la France, la langue et la culture! The second most widely spoken language after English, learning French is an active and interactive experience. Students will be able to introduce themselves and describe their families, hobbies and friends. This is a full year option and must be studied if intended to be taken as an NCEA Level 1 subject in the future.

GRAPHICS AND DESIGN
Graphics is the language of the eyes. Through this course students will learn a range of drawing skills to express, develop and communicate ideas. The areas that students will look at are architecture, engineering and media. Technical drawing and the process of design will be used to provide solutions to set design problems.

LITERACY SKILLS
This option is designed to develop individual student's reading, writing and spelling skills to an independent level, using a wide variety of strategies and media. Students will be placed in this course after consultation with parents.

Samoan
The Samoan language and culture are of increasing importance in New Zealand. In this full-year course we offer students the opportunity to learn the foundations of the language and an understanding of the culture and customs. Prior knowledge is not a requirement. This course is a foundation course and may be used as entry into Level 1 NCEA in 2010.

TE Reo Maori
"He aha te kai o te rangatira? Ko te korero."
"What is the food of Chiefs? It is speaking."
A person's identity is shown through their language and culture. Who are you without it? A basic language and culture programme is offered in the first year. Students should be able to communicate simple ideas and understand marae protocol by the end of year 9. Must be studied if intended to be taken as an NCEA Level 1 subject in the future.

WORKSHOP SKILLS
Using materials such as wood, metal and plastics, students will learn to design and make working full scale models and smaller scale mock-ups to solve problems. They will learn how to use hand tools and machines for the shaping of wood and metal and about industrial production processes and how they affect the environment.

List B

ART
Introduces students to why and how art is made in societies and cultures, including Maori and Pacific Island art. Students make artworks in response to a study of the environment. They use a variety of art materials, techniques and procedures, which also involves looking at what they see and drawing it.

DANCE
This is a half year course covering three major areas of study: fitness, curriculum work and practical dance. Fitness consists of students learning to train their bodies to work for them within the dance curriculum and are encouraged to set goals for themselves. Students will develop their knowledge of the language and history of dance. They will learn and perform teacher choreographed hip-hop routines and will also get the opportunity to choreograph their own performances at the end of the course. Assessments will be both written and practical.

DRAMA
Drama is a half-year option for confident students who enjoy performing for others. Students learn how to use voice, body language, space and theatre conventions dramatically, and how to interpret the drama they see. Each unit of work uses and builds upon previous learning so that skills are continually practised and developed.

MUSIC
An active half year course that introduces basic performing skills in keyboard and guitar. Students explore and experiment with creating and organising sounds and are also introduced to a wide range of musical styles. Elementary rudiments of theory are presented which enables students to fully take advantage of this course.

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