Digital Technology (9DIG)

Jump into the world of Digital Technology where creativity meets coding! From building your own multi-level games in Scratch to designing cool stickers and 3D-printed keychains, this course sparks imagination and sharpens tech skills. Get hands-on with Micro:bit robots, learn to code, and explore digital citizenship—all while having fun and preparing for a future in tech! 

Fashion & Textiles (9FAS)

Get ready to stitch up some style! In this fast and fun 6-week course, you’ll dive into the world of fashion and textiles — learning the basics of sewing, using a machine, and designing your own creative textile pieces. You’ll explore fabric, colour, and design while building confidence with tools and techniques. No experience needed — just bring your creativity and let’s make it wearable! 

Food Technology(9FDT)

Discover the science and creativity behind great food in Year 9 Food Technology! You’ll explore how kai connects people, cultures, and wellbeing through the big idea: “How do we improve our hauora through sharing food?” From ingredient selection to recipe design, you’ll develop practical kitchen skills, learn about nutrition and food safety, and build confidence through hands-on cooking—typically once a week. While you won’t be cooking every lesson, the theory you learn is key to creating meaningful, innovative dishes. This course sets you up perfectly for Year 10 Food and Nutrition. 

Design Thinking (9DTK)

Students will explore how to apply the design thinking process to solve real-world problems, while developing visual literacy and gaining an understanding of user needs in the design process. They will learn the fundamentals of product design, including sketching, and the safe, appropriate use of tools and materials. Throughout the course, students will have the opportunity to design and make a simple but creative product. This course will build a foundational understanding of design thinking, concept sketches, and design outcomes that showcases their creative and critical thinking. 

Design  & Visual Communication (9DVC)

This hands-on, creative course is all about sketching, designing, and problem-solving. Students will explore the design process from idea to outcome—learning to think like a designer.

The main project will give students the chance to innovate and bring their ideas to life using tools such as the 3D printer, laser cutter, heat press and resin mold. It’s the perfect blend of creativity, technology, and making cool stuff that matters.

Business Studies (9BUS)

Business Studies is focused on foundational business concepts and knowledge that students can apply to “real-life” business situations. Students will develop their understanding of business theory and practices through relevant contexts, experiential learning and theoretical approaches to business. 

Dance (9DAN)

Dance students integrate thinking, moving, and feeling in dance. They develop skills in literacy, performance, and choreography; and respond to multiple dance genres such as Hip Hop, Jazz, Musical Theatre, Haka Fusion and Ballet. Dance builds physical strength and confidence and promotes collaboration and critical thinking. 

Drama (9DRA)

Drama students will engage in teamwork and trust-building exercises through drama games, short scripted work, and devising exercises. This class will help students increase their confidence in performance, public speaking, and improve their understanding of drama technologies; sets, props, sound, and costume. 

Horticulture (9HRT)

Horticulture students will learn about the art of plant management and cultivation. During this course, students will be introduced to plant propagation techniques and practices related to plant physiology. Students will develop skills that will enable them to grow their own kai and prepare them for future job opportunities within the horticulture industry.  

Japanese (9JAP)

Students undertaking this Japanese programme are introduced to both the language and culture. They will learn the Japanese alphabet, numbers, and basic language structures. Additionally, students will explore topics such as food, counting, family, animals, and colours. Throughout this course, students will learn how to read, write, listen, and respond in Japanese at a basic level. 

Infinty and Beyond (9IBD)

Infinity and Beyond enables students to unlock mathematical wonders offering a dynamic and engaging approach to mathematics. Perfect for those who are passionate about numbers and problem-solving, nfinity and Beyond encourages critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration. 

Students will explore fascinating topics, from algebra and geometry to real-world applications of mathematics. Join us in Infinity and Beyond and embark on a journey of discovery, where every problem is an opportunity, and every solution is a triumph. Let us make mathematics more than just a subject - let us make it an adventure.

Media Studies (9MED)

Year 9 Media Studies introduces students to the ways media shapes the world around us. Through the study of film, advertising, social media, and television, students learn to understand how meaning is created using camera angles, editing, sound, and narrative techniques. They begin to recognise how media represents people, places, and ideas, and how audiences respond.

Alongside this critical viewing, students will also develop basic media production skills. They will plan, script, and produce simple media texts using digital tools, gaining confidence in visual storytelling. This course encourages both creative thinking and critical awareness, laying the foundations for further study in media and the wider arts.

Music (9MUS)

Music students will develop instrument skills and begin to understand the symbols and signs associated with the language of music. They will learn basic piano and guitar skills and explore music theory. Students will be encouraged to bring their musical ideas to life which will build confidence, regardless of their skill level. 

Think it. Shoot it. Move it. (9TSM)

Love animation, drawing, or social media? This course is your creative launchpad! You’ll design your own animal characters in Adobe Photoshop, learn how to bring them to life with basic animation, and create bold, eye-catching content for platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Explore visual storytelling, branding, and digital design while building skills that lead to Year 10 Art Painting, Design & Animate, or Photography and Motion. Perfect for creative thinkers who want to turn ideas into visual impact!  

Te Ao Haka (9TAH)

Te Ao Haka is a culturally responsive art form, providing opportunities for all ākonga to engage in Māori culture, language, and traditional practices. In Te Ao Haka you will learn tīkanga, knowledge systems, and iwi traditions through wānanga and performance. Through performance, ākonga can explore foundation skills, creativity, expression, and refinement. 

Visual Art  (9ART)

This course is your gateway to unleashing creativity through painting, printmaking, and sculpture. You’ll sharpen your technical skills while learning to think critically, solve creative challenges, and communicate powerful ideas visually. Get ready to experiment, take risks, and build a bold portfolio that sets you up perfectly for Year 10 Art Painting, Design & Animation, or Photography and Motion. 

English for Speakers of Other Languages (9ESOL)

Our Year 9 ESOL course is designed to support students whose first language is not English, helping them to develop essential language skills for academic success and everyday communication. This course focuses on improving reading, writing, listening, and speaking abilities through engaging and interactive activities tailored to individual proficiency levels.  (This is a full year option)

Music Performance  Academy (9PMA)

The Year Nine Music Performance Programme is an auditioned course designed for dedicated students who are currently learning an instrument and enthusiastic beginners ready to commit. The programme focuses on developing individual performance skills through weekly lessons, ensemble opportunities, and guided practice. Students work toward achieving grade-level music exams, building technical ability and confidence on their chosen instrument. This is a rewarding course for those serious about their musical growth and performance experience.

Please indicate at the top of this Year 9 Option Form if you are applying for the Music Performance Academy.

High Performance  Academy (9HPA)

Students who successfully gain a place in the High Performance Academy; basketball, netball, or rugby, will be placed into this class (overriding previously selected options in Option Line 2). Students will participate in skill building, fitness, and strategy training; and learn about athlete well-being, sports psychology, exercise physiology, and injury prevention. 

Please indicate at the top of this Year 9 Option Form if you are applying for one of these Sports Academies.