At Kaipara College, the curriculum is built around personalised pathways, guided by the whakataukī “navigate to success.”
We work with students and their whānau to map out a plan tailored to where each student wants to go, with no ceiling on what they can achieve.
Year 9 & 10
English, Mathematics, Science, Social Sciences, and Health & Physical Education are central to our junior programme. We have an emphasis on essential foundational literacy and numeracy skills through all courses to ensure our students can confidently access learning in a range of contexts.
Junior students have the opportunity to explore a range of subjects by rotation or choice. These include Te Reo Māori, Performing Arts, Music, Visual Art, Horticulture, Digital Technology, Materials Technology, Sports, Sports Academy, Enterprise, Digital and Visual Communication and Food Technology. These courses allow students to discover their passions and prepare for specialised studies in later years.
In Year 9, students experience all learning areas with some subjects rotated on a trimester basis.
In Year 10, students select two options subjects for Semester A and two options subjects for Semester B.
Students enjoy a range of opportunities through their learning including year level and subject specific camps, trips, and performances and external organisations who visit and deliver workshops and expert experiences.
Year 11–13
Senior students (Year 11 – 13) tailor their learning pathways by selecting courses aligned with their aspirations, supported by our careers and guidance team and their kaitiaki (dean) and kaiārahi (whānau teacher).
In Year 11, English, Mathematics, and Science are compulsory, though Science can be either General Science or Horticulture, the latter still being a valid route other Sciences in Years 12 and 13. In Year 12, English is strongly recommended for UE literacy writing credits. Most students take English alongside four other chosen subjects. For students who do not wish to take English in Year 12, we recommend seeking guidance from the careers advisor. Year 13 does not have any compulsory subjects. Some Year 12 and 13 courses have prerequisites based on Year 11 progress.
Course Selection
Throughout the year, students explore career pathways and subject options during whānau time, using resources and tools including the government's Tahatū Career Navigator website. Each year there is a dedicated course selection period where students learn about the pathways on offer and make their subject choices, with their whānau teacher able to see and support those selections. Students who need extra guidance are supported by our Kaitiaki/Deans and our Careers Department.
Detailed course descriptions, including what each course covers and how it is assessed, are available to students and whānau through KAMAR. Once students have explored their options, they select their subjects in KAMAR.
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