Year 9 - Te Reo Māori Beginners  

First half year optional course 

In this half year course, students will learn Te Reo Māori, tikanga me ona kawa within a  Māori context, in many different situations.  Students will develop listening, speaking, writing and reading skills of Te Reo Māori and an understanding of Maori concepts.  Tauira will learn through Mihi, Whakapapa, Kura, Kainga, Marae, Te Ao Taiohi, and Whakawhanautanga. There are regular assessments on reading, writing, speaking, and listening at the end of each term.

Next steps: Te Reo Māori Advanced (9MAA) /Year 10 Māori (10MAO)

9MAO Course Outline

Year 9 - Te Reo Māori Advanced   

This follows on from the first half year optional course.

This course follows on from the Te Reo Māori  Beginners course.  Te Reo Māori Advanced and Te Reo Māori Beginners must both be chosen to take this option. You develop your Te Reo Māori, Tikanga and kawa knowledge in this course. You enhance your listening, speaking, writing, and reading skills of Te Reo Māori. You learn a deeper understanding of Maori concepts through further Mana Motuhake and Tino rangatiratanga concepts through Te Ao Taiohi, Mahi Rehia, Marae, Ra Mahi and Mauri Ora.  Students will have weekly reflections and assessments involving reading,  writing, speaking and listening at the end of each term.

Next steps: Year 10 Māori (10MAO)

Course Outline

Year 9 French Beginners  

First half year option course 

This course builds active and effective communication skills in French. You learn to communicate in a new language while experiencing the thrill of becoming a bilingual speaker.  You count, greet and write personal profiles about yourself, members of your family, likes and dislikes. You have vocabulary tests and a speaking, listening and/or writing assessment at the end of each term. You also have the opportunity to choose to participate in an overseas trip to a French speaking country in 2026.

Next steps: 10 French (10FRE)

Course Outline 

Year 9 Japanese Beginners  

First half year optional course 

In this course, students learn basic communication skills in Japanese using various tools, including film, music, games, and computer programmes. You learn to count, greet, farewell and describe your family and friends. You compare how the Japanese language and culture differ from New Zealand society. You have regular assessments on character calligraphy, reading and writing, speaking and listening towards the end of each term. You also have the opportunity to choose to participate in an overseas trip to Japan soon.

Next steps: Year 10 Japanese (10JPN)

Course Outline 

Year 9 French Advanced Beginners  

This follows on from the first half year optional course 

 French Advanced and French Beginners must both be chosen to take this option. The advanced course boosts communication and comprehension skills. You learn about French culture, education, food, geography, and language use worldwide. You develop essential communication skills in French using various tools, including film, music, games, and computer programmes. You have regular vocabulary tests and a speaking, listening and/or writing assessment at the end of each term. You also have the opportunity to choose to participate in an overseas trip to a French speaking country in 2026.

Next steps: 10 French (10FRE)

Course Outline 

Year 9 Japanese Advanced   

This follows on from the first half year optional course

This course follows on from the Japanese Beginners course.  Japanese Advanced and Japanese Beginners must both be chosen to take this option. The advanced course further develops communication and comprehension skills. You learn about Japanese culture, education, food and geography. You speak and write about yourself and your family life. You compare how the Japanese language and culture differ from New Zealand society. You have regular assessments on character calligraphy, reading and writing, speaking and listening towards the end of each term. You also have the opportunity to choose to participate in an overseas trip to Japan soon.

Next steps: Year 10 Japanese (10JPN)

Course Outline 

Year 9 Mandarin Beginners   

Half year optional course

In this course, students learn basic communication skills in Mandarin using a range of tools, including film, music, games, and online learning programmes. You learn to count, greet, farewell, and describe your family and friends. You make comparisons about how Chinese culture differs from New Zealand society. Towards the end of each term, you have assessments on character calligraphy, reading and writing, speaking, and listening.

Next steps: Year 10 Mandarin (10MDR)

Course Outline 

Year 9 Mandarin Advanced 

This follows from the optional half-year course. 

In this course, you develop conversational skills in Mandarin in different contexts, extending your understanding of the intricacies of the Chinese language and culture. You make useful comparisons with the structure of the English language and culture. You learn to speak and write about daily routines using past, present, and future tense. You further develop knowledge of Chinese culture, civilisation, education, history, and food. You can participate in cultural activities such as the Art of Traditional Chinese Tea Appreciation and Cultural Food Appreciation.

Next Steps: Mandarin 10 (MDR10)

Course Outline 

Year 9 English Proficiency Studies  

Half-year Optional Course
Want to feel more confident using English in all your school subjects? This course will help you improve your reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. It’s especially helpful if English is not your first language, but anyone wanting to strengthen their English is welcome.

You’ll explore books and films, build your grammar and vocabulary, and learn tips and strategies to help you succeed in class. We use fun activities, group work, and practical tasks to make learning active and interesting. At the end of each term, you’ll have a short assessment to show your progress.

Next steps: Year 10 English Language Studies (10EPS)

Course Outline 2026

Year 9 New Zealand Sign Language

Half-year option

This course is an introduction to New Zealand Sign Language (SNL), celebrating cultural diversity and improving communication with the deaf and hard of hearing community to enhance cognitive skills and career prospects. The course develops students’ ability to use sign language to communicate about themselves, their likes, dislikes, hobbies, and family.  The Sign Language course inherently fosters inclusivity, promotes better communication skills, and offers a fun and engaging way to learn a new language. 

9SNL Course Outline 2026

10MAO - Te Reo Māori   

Full year option 

Students in Year 10 continue to develop their understanding of Whakawhanaungatanga, Tino Rangatiratanga, Wairua, Hinengaro, Tinana and Whanau through Te Reo Māori, tikanga me ona kawa and society through a Māori perspective. The Māori world is reflected in different contexts to develop skills of inquiry, critical thinking, communication, written, aural, oral, and comprehension of varied Te Reo Māori texts within a historical, present and future approach. Topics include Korero, Turangawaewae, Te Tiriti,  Marae, Te Ao Taiohi and Hitori.

Next Steps: Te Reo Māori 100 (MAO100)

Year 10MAO  Course Outline 

Year 10 French    

Full year option 

In this course, you develop conversational skills in French in different contexts, extending your understanding of the intricacies of the French language. Useful comparisons with the English language are made. You learn to speak and write about daily routines using past, present and future tense. You develop knowledge of French civilisation, education, history, food, and ‘la culture francophone’ from around the world. You participate in an outdoor trip experience showcasing French nouvelle cuisine and culture. You will also have the opportunity to choose to participate in an overseas trip to France scheduled for 2026.

Next Steps: French 100 (FRE100)

Course Outline 

Year 10 Mandarin   

Full year option

In this course, you develop conversational skills in Mandarin in different contexts, extending your understanding of the intricacies of the Chinese language and culture. Useful comparisons are made with the structure of the English language and culture. You learn to speak and write about daily routines using past, present, and future tense. You further develop knowledge of Chinese culture, civilisation, education, history, and food. You may have the opportunity to participate in an outdoor trip experience showcasing Chinese cuisine and culture.

Next Steps: Mandarin 100 (MDR100)

Course Outline 

Year 10 Japanese   

Full year option 

Students build on basic elementary-level communication skills in Japanese using various tools, including film, music, games, and computer programmes. You use numbers to talk about times, sizes and prices. You learn to use verbal and non-verbal skills in conversations and be able to describe, explain and give opinions. You enhance your knowledge about Japanese history and popular culture, education, food and geography and further develop your skills in Japanese character calligraphy. You can choose to participate in an overseas trip to Japan in the future.

Next Steps: Japanese 100 (JPN100)

Course Outline

Year 10 English Proficiency Studies (EPS)

Full-year Optional Course 

Want to take your English skills to the next level? This course will help you become more confident in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. It’s perfect if English is not your first language, but it’s also great for anyone who wants to get better at using English for school and everyday life.

You’ll explore books and films, grow your grammar and vocabulary, and learn useful tips for expressing your ideas clearly. We use fun activities, discussions, and practical tasks to make learning active and engaging. At the end of each term, you’ll have a short assessment to show how much you’ve improved.

Next steps: Level 1 English Language Studies (EPS100)

Course Outline 2026

Year 10 New Zealand Sign Language

Half-year option

This course is an introduction to New Zealand Sign Language (SNL), celebrating cultural diversity and improving communication with the deaf and hard of hearing community to enhance cognitive skills and career prospects. The course develops students’ ability to use sign language to communicate about themselves, their likes, dislikes, hobbies, and family.  The Sign Language course inherently fosters inclusivity, promotes better communication skills, and offers a fun and engaging way to learn a new language. 

10SNL Course Outline 2026