CURRICULUM OVERVIEW













Year 9 Curriculum Highlights


Te Puāwaitanga o Kaipara (Whānau Time)

At the heart of our Year 9 experience is Whānau class, a daily meeting with their Kaiārahi (Whānau teacher) before interval where students come together to create a sense of belonging and support. It is a space where friendships are forged and a school spirit is cultivated, setting the tone for a positive and inclusive learning environment.


Core Subjects

Year 9 students embark on a journey through English, Maths, Science, Social Sciences, and Health and Physical Education. With a focus on developing essential literacy and numeracy skills across all areas, our dedicated educators guide students to not only understand the subjects but to appreciate the interconnectedness of knowledge. 


Citizenship Studies

In a world that is ever more interconnected, understanding our roles as local and global citizens is crucial. Year 9 students delve into Citizenship studies, dedicating one 60-minute period each week to explore the rights and responsibilities that come with being an active and informed member of society. 


Rotation Subjects

Throughout the year, students have the opportunity to explore a range of subjects, including Te Reo Māori, Performing Arts, Music, Art, Technology, and Japanese. This exposure ensures that every student discovers their passions and talents, setting the stage for confident decision-making when selecting Year 10 subjects and beyond. 


Building a strong foundation

The diverse learning experiences in Year 9 lay the foundation for informed decision-making when it comes to selecting Year 10 subjects. By providing a broad and balanced curriculum, we empower students to make choices that align with their interests, strengths, and aspirations. For more information on our courses and pathways, please visit https://kaipara.schoolpoint.co.nz 






Year 10 Curriculum Highlights


Whānau Time: A cornerstone of support

Central to the student experience at Kaipara College is the continued emphasis on whānau time. This dedicated period every day serves as a daily opportunity for students to live and learn our Te WAKA o Kaipara school values, foster connections, share experiences, and cultivate the support necessary for their educational journey to be a success.


Literacy and Numeracy: A foundation to navigate success

Year 10 marks a focused effort to deepen literacy and numeracy skills. This strategic emphasis not only prepares students for the NCEA Literacy and Numeracy Co-Requisite Assessments but also lays the groundwork for success in NCEA Level 1 in Year 11.


Pick your Passion: Subject Selections

In addition to the core subjects—English, Maths, Science, Social Sciences, and Health and Physical Education—Year 10 students have the privilege of selecting two subjects per semester. This curated list includes Te Reo Māori, Japanese, Visual Art, Performing Arts, Horticulture, Music, Sports, Enterprise, Materials Technology, Processing Technology, Digital Technology, and Design and Visual Communication. The diversity of options allows students to explore and align their academic journey with their passions. Please note that for our students with an affinity for languages, our offerings extend to comprehensive year-long courses in Te Reo Māori and Japanese. This structure allows for a more thorough and accelerated approach, particularly beneficial for those intending to pursue Senior Language studies.


For further insights into our courses and pathways, we invite you to explore Kaipara College’s SchoolPoint platform at https://kaipara.schoolpoint.co.nz. Any inquiries or clarifications may be directed to Bernard Coleman, Deputy Principal of Curriculum & Pedagogy, at [email protected].



Senior Curriculum

The senior years (Years 11 to 13) are a time of focused exploration and personal growth, setting the stage for future success.


Curriculum Overview

Senior students at Kaipara College have the privilege of tailoring their educational experience by selecting five courses throughout the year, contributing towards their NCEA qualification. It is our commitment to ensure a well-rounded foundation, and thus, all students must successfully complete NCEA Level 1 English, Level 1 Maths, and a Level 1 Science course. This approach not only aligns with academic excellence but also provides a comprehensive base for their NCEA Level One qualification. 


Specialisation and Passion Pathways

In Years 12 and 13, students have the opportunity to delve deeper into their areas of interest, either by specialising in their passion pathways or by taking a broader approach that aligns with their aspirations. This flexibility empowers students to pursue subjects that resonate with their goals, fostering a sense of ownership in their educational journey.


Guidance and Support

To facilitate informed decision-making, our senior subject selections are made online using the SchoolPoint platform. Guidance and information are seamlessly integrated into both class and ongoing academic mentoring during Whānau time, ensuring that students receive the support they need to make well-informed choices. Our dedicated Careers and Gateway team at Kaipara College plays a crucial role in providing valuable insights and assistance into connecting students to pathways beyond college.


Confirmation of Subject Selections

It is imperative for senior students to confirm their subject selections on 24 January and 25 January 2024. This step ensures a smooth transition into their chosen courses, setting the stage for a successful and fulfilling academic year. More information will be provided to students and their whānau closer to this date.


Explore Senior Courses and Pathways

For a detailed exploration of our Senior courses and pathways, we invite you to visit Kaipara College’s SchoolPoint platform at https://kaipara.schoolpoint.co.nz. Here, you will find comprehensive information to assist both students and parents in making well-informed decisions about their educational journey. Any inquiries or clarifications may be directed to Bernard Coleman, Deputy Principal of Curriculum & Pedagogy, at [email protected].


Whanau Time P12

Whanau Time P26

Faculty of Special Education & Learning Support

Special Education Support

Our Faculty of Special Education (FSE) caters primarily for students with MoE funding (ORS), although this is not necessarily an entry requirement for the FSE. We have created a whānau environment, providing students with both academic and pastoral support. Students are encouraged to participate as much as possible and practically within mainstream classes and extracurricular activities as they are first and foremost members of the Kaipara College community.

The FSE provides them with an education around literacy, numeracy and key competency skills. We currently have three dedicated and highly skilled teachers in the FSE and an experienced team of teacher aides who facilitate the support and learning needs of these students. The FSE works closely with the Ministry of Education and other agencies to ensure wrap around support.

Student Learning Support

All students, regardless of specific funding or not, are supported as much as is possible and practical at Kaipara College according to their additional needs. We work collaboratively with all areas of the school to ensure that students are supported in a way that enables them to experience success.

We have an extremely experienced team of teacher aides who work alongside teachers in the mainstream classrooms, focusing on raising literacy and numeracy within the school. We also provide Special Assessment Conditions (SAC’s) support in assessments /exams for identified students. When a student is identified as needing support, we assess their needs and respond accordingly, involving family, outside agencies and RTLB, where appropriate.

The Learning Support Department is committed to providing the best possible support to all students attending Kaipara College and we welcome you to contact us if your child has additional needs and they may need support to enable them to be successful at Kaipara College.

For more information on Special Education or Learning Support, please email the Head of Faculty, Special Education & Learning Support, Jenny MacDonald

Tū Rangatira

Tū Rangatira is a Māori student agency group with a focused approach to Māori learning as Māori. Students join Tū Rangatira by invitation or by recommendation from existing members or staff. Students range from Years 9 to 13 and are a mix of students who are highly engaged in school, as well as students who struggle to engage.

For more information on Tū Rangatira, please email the Head of Department Maori Studies, Brianne Te Paa

Senior Academic Prizegivings

The Kaipara College Year 13  and Combined Year 11 and 12 Academic Prizegivings are held in November each year. There are numerous awards offered for students that have performed commendably but the most prestigious and sought-after awards are the Dux and Proxime Accessit awards and the Subject and Faculty awards.

Kaipara College is extremely keen to recognise these gifted and diligent young people and also to support their continuing education at the tertiary level.

2023 Year 13 Prizegiving
Img 7374

 2023 Dux Luca Donne with Principal, Cindy Sullivan


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 2023 Proxime Accessit Sherley Peng with Principal, Cindy Sullivan


2022 Year 13 Prizegiving
Copy Of Img 8566Copy Of Img 7789
2022 Dux Jennifer Smith with Principal, Cindy Sullivan (left)
and her mother, Suzanne

2022 Proxime Accessit Olivia Moore with Principal, Cindy Sullivan


2021 Year 13 Prizegiving
Gemma BGemma B With Family
2021 Dux Gemma Bayly with Kāiarahi, Claire Farnan, left
and Principal, Cindy Sullivan, right

Gemma and family
Josh WishartJosh Wishart 2
2021 Proxime Accessit Josh Wishart with Kāiarahi,
Israil Foreman

Josh and family


2020 Year 13 Prizegiving
Ella Cunningham DuxVictoria Carter
2020 Dux Ella Cunningham with then Principal, Steve
McCracken

2020 Proxime Accessit Victoria Carter



Kaipara College 2023 Dux Calculation Protocols


  1. The GPA (Grade Point Average) is calculated in the same manner as NZQA use for the NCEA GPA.

  2. The GPA is calculated over the student’s best 80 credits from a maximum of five approved subjects. These credits are then weighted by awarding points based on the level of achievement.

  3. Only Level 3 Achievement Standards count.

  4. The school’s formative assessment of externally assessed Achievement Standards counts for credit total and the GPA calculations.

  5. NCEA level 3 credits gained before Year 13 can be counted towards the best 80 credits used for the Dux calculation.

  6. The student with the highest GPA from their best 80 Level 3 credits is Dux.

  7. A student must complete all compulsory standards taught in each course they are enrolled in. Regardless of the reason, there cannot be any withdrawals from any achievement standards in any course entered, including practice exams.

  8. There is no weighting given to any form of assessment beyond taking into account the credit value of the achievement standard.

  9. Scholarship is not included in the Dux calculation.

  10. If students have an equal GPA from their best 80 credits, then the student with the most standards at ‘Excellence’ is Dux.

  11. If there is still a tie, then the student with the most standards at ‘Merit’ is Dux.

  12. If there is still a tie, then both students will jointly be awarded Dux.

  13. The runner-up is the Proxime Accessit.

  14. The Principal’s decision is final.

Deadline for Grade Included in Calculations for Dux: 5 PM, five working days before the ceremony


 

Kaipara College 2023 First in Year Level Calculation Protocols


  1. The GPA (Grade Point Average) is calculated in the same manner as NZQA use for the NCEA GPA.

  2. The GPA is calculated over the best 80 credits from a maximum of five approved subjects. These credits are then weighted by awarding points based on the level of achievement.

  3. Only credits applicable to the student’s current year level and gained from achievement standards count.

  4. The school’s formative assessment of externally assessed achievement standards counts for credit total and GPA calculations.

  5. The student with the highest GPA from their best 80 Level 3 credits is First in Year.

  6. A student must complete all compulsory standards taught in each of the courses they are enrolled in, including practice exams. Regardless of the reason, there cannot be any withdrawals from any achievement standards in any course entered.

  7. There is no weighting given to any form of assessment beyond taking into account the credit value of the achievement standard.

  8. If students have an equal GPA from their best 80 credits, then the student with the most standards at ‘Excellence’ is First in Year.

  9. If there is still a tie, then the student with the most standards at ‘Merit’ is First in Year.

  10. If there is still a tie, both students will be awarded First in Year jointly.


 Deadline for Grade Included in Calculations for First in Year: 5 PM, five working days before the ceremony