CURRICULUM

HGHS CURRICULUM

The eight essential learning areas described in the New Zealand Curriculum include English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Health and Physical Education, the Arts, Technology and Languages.

Over the last three of these learning areas, Year 9 and 10 students select from a range of option subjects.

Curriculum Handbook

We hope that you find this booklet helpful in planning for next year at Hamilton Girls’ High School.  It is expected that all students will be motivated to set realistic challenges and that they will work to fulfill the goals they set for themselves. 

How can this booklet help you in your long-term planning?

The aim of this booklet is to help students plan and select their programme of study for the next year and beyond.  It is an introductory guide only. Each student needs a programme of study that meets her needs and consultation and advice about the different subjects available should be sought. 

Parents and students should discuss subjects and courses with either subject teachers, Heads of Departments, Head of House, Deans, Tutor Group Teachers, the Careers Counsellor and Deputy Principals.

When making choices about subjects and courses, the following points should be kept in mind:

Ability and interest in an area of learning; How a subject will help and where it will lead to; The desirability of a balanced education

Career Pathways

Year 9

Students select up to six option subjects, from the three curriculum areas.

Two from the Arts, one from the Languages, two from Technology and the remaining 6th Choice is chosen from Arts, International Languages, or Technology.

Students may be invited to
join 9LIT, 9NUM and/or 9ADP – in this instance it will be their 6th choice

Year 10

Students choose three option subjects.

Three Options are chosen in total. Any three are chosen from Arts, Technology, Languages & Business (but no more than two from one learning area.)

While it is recommended you have taken the option at Year 9, there is some flexibility to choose a different subject option.

Year 11

Students study English, Mathematics, Science, and three option subjects. Subject descriptions and prerequisites are listed in the curriculum handbook.

NCEA Level 1

The current minimum requirements include:

80 credits including:
10 credits in literacy
10 credits in numeracy

For subject endorsements, 14 credits at merit or excellence.

For NCEA endorsement, 50 credits at merit or excellence.

Year 12

Students study English and five option subjects. Subject descriptions and prerequisites are listed in the curriculum handbook.

Preliminary applications to university rely on Year 12 NCEA Level 2 results.

Year 13

Students choose any five subjects. Subject descriptions and prerequisites are listed in the curriculum handbook.