Year 12 Geography Aoraki Trip

In March, geography students stayed at Twizel at Lake Ruataniwha and collected climate and vegetation data up the Red Tarns track in Aoraki/Mt Cook, a culturally significant part of Kai Tahu's heritage and a special part of Aotearoa's geography.  The purpose was to examine zonation patterns in an alpine environment and communicate effectively in teams. We had a fabulous time. Highlights included tackling a mountain trail hike, exploring a glaciated valley, a Talent Quest night and students cooking for Miss Munro and Miss Brorens. 

Level 1 Geography

Level 1 Geography headed up to Mt Hutt for their research assessment looking at what activities, and natural and cultural features attract different demographics to Mt Hutt. The students created surveyed at school and survey members of the public up at Mt Hutt. 

Maatangi Whenua Geography Competition

Six Year 11 students (Jorja, Dacota, Kirstin, Milo, Calaie and Mechaela) participated in the Maatangi Whenua Geography competition at Canterbury University. They were in teams of three and the quiz was made up of rounds such as creating geographical features from playdough, Hong Kong, Mātauranga Māori and guessing places in the world from limited clues. The quiz was fun and challenging and they all said they would recommend it to future Year 11 students.  

Level 3 Trip to Kaikoura 

The Level 3 Geography class went on a 3-day trip to Kaikoura. Despite heavy winds Year 13 students researched natural hazards throughout Canterbury and explored local beaches, enjoyed the wildlife like the seals, and finished with a relaxing dip at Hanmer Springs Pools on the way home.

Level 3 History

Term 1 had a lot of out-of-class learning opportunities on offer for our Level 3 History course: starting with a short field trip to Kaiapoi Pā and an overnight excursion to Akaroa to engage with significant places in the history of Waitaha/Canterbury. Our learners made the most out of the first-hand learning and evidence-gathering for their research assessment.

The absolute highlight was the four-day trip to Waitangi, the place where He Whakaputanga/The Declaration of Independence and Te Tiriti o Waitangi was first signed. This trip offered an amazing opportunity to be introduced to Aotearoa New Zealand’s most significant history and historical places such as the Waitangi Treaty Ground, Kororipo pā, Maiki Hill at Kororāreka and Ruapekapeka. We were extremely lucky to meet amazing kaiako and kaitaki kōrero/narrators who shared their stories in such an engaging way. 

After the rich learning about Waitangi and the Bay of Islands, early Ngāti Manu hapū and European interactions with mission stations, trading hubs and the conflicts of the Northern Wars, our ākonga definitely enjoyed some R and R at the beaches of Kororāreka and Paihia and an evening visit to the hot pools at Ngawha Hot Springs. A big thank you to Whaea Marie and Pīripi for being such outstanding support on this trip. 

Queenstown Trip

On Tuesday 2nd May, 15 Level 3 Tourism students travelled to Queenstown to experience and learn about the tourism industry.

After a long drive to Queenstown, students got to experience two full days of learning with hands-on experience in the tourism industry. With the opportunity to participate in a major tourism region, students got to both learn more about the tourism industry and its careers and be tourists themselves.

Students were able to visit Queenstown Resort College to learn more about future careers and study opportunities. Next up was a tour of the grounds at Millbrook Resort before heading to Arrowtown for a talk about the history of tourism in Queenstown. The first day was finished with a few scares at the Fear Factory.

Day two had students looking for their fortunes in gold pans before experiencing the thrills of AJ Hackett with zip lining - no brave bungy jumpers. We ended the trip with a group dinner of giant pizza.

On the final morning we departed for the long drive back to Christchurch, which was considerably quieter with many sleeping most of the way. 

Level 2 Tourism Visit Hanmer Springs

The Level 2 students enjoyed a two-day trip to Hanmer Springs, including a walk up Conical Hill, mini golf, a make your own pizza evening followed by a talent show, and a soak in the Hanmer Springs Hot Pools.

Students Slay “The Dragons"

Decalify have already completed two bodies of work. They have designed and installed room numbers and signs at our school, as well as completing the design and installation of a series of decals at The Bishopdale Early Learning Centre. The boys are currently working hard on a large body of work to design, manufacture and install all the decals required for the new YMCA in central Christchurch before the grand opening this spring.

What impressed the judges about the boys' Dragons’ Den pitch was their clear understanding of the finances of their business, their clear understanding of their market and their presentation skills.

If you have a window or surface that needs a cultural uplift and would like to support a new innovative business in your area, please don’t hesitate to contact the team.

Connor Armstrong

At the end of October the team went to the Canterbury Enterprise  Awards, and out of 170 teams and 30 schools, Decalify came:

• 1st in Finance

• 1st in Enterprising Technology

There were 5 awards and Decalify collected 2 of them!

Then at the National Awards Decalify won second place for Rangatiratanga, out of 200 teams entered in this category. Awesome work guys.

Business Challenge

In the last few weeks of the year, our Year 10 students participated in our Business Challenge, where they came up with a product, worked in a group to write a marketing plan and finance plan, then pitched it to a group of external judges. They had a great time and learned a lot of valuable skills.

Social Action For Life