Welcome to Te Ara a Tawhaki - The Pathway to Knowledge

From 2025, our Ōtaki College curriculum is Te Ara a Tawhaki/The Pathway to Knowledge.  While there is a slightly different emphasis at different year levels, all our courses will enable ākonga to meet the achievement objectives of the New Zealand Curriculum while also developing our seven Deep Learning competencies. 

Reporting to parents at all year levels will include both NZ Curriculum and Deep Learning objectives. Ākonga can share learning and reflect on their progress towards the Deep Learning competencies through a portfolio on their learning blog. 

Choosing your course

Good course selection can produce life-long benefits. It should be based on ākonga interests, abilities and work habits. On this site, there is helpful information to help choose the courses ākonga wish to study now and in future years. Please read and use the resources provided to help you plan. 

Ākonga should choose options that:

• they can succeed in (with a reasonable amount of effort);

• will enable ākonga to go on to the future education and or training;

• ākonga will find interesting or are a necessary step towards their future vocation.

Yr 11 to 13 ākonga can also enrol in an External Course. Look at the list of courses available, and if appropriate, see Mrs Steph Putt for an enrollment form.  

Finally, there is the option to learn via Distance Learning. This option is more difficult; therefore, ākonga will need to see Mrs Gillian Gordon to discuss whether this is a good option for them.

We encourage course selection to be completed with whānau and caregivers. Please ask questions of kaiako (teachers), kaiarahi (form class teachers), kaihautū (dean) and our careers advisor, Ms Putt - all offer helpful advice. And, if you are unsure about eligibility to enter a course, talk to the curriculum leader in charge of that course. 

Best wishes for this important set of decisions. 

Ōtaki College Staff