Curriculum Overview
Waiheke High School is committed to providing a comprehensive and engaging curriculum that empowers our ākonga to become confident, resilient, and informed citizens. By incorporating local context into a diverse range of subjects, we foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. Our curriculum is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Incorporating principles of Te Ao Māori, our curriculum fosters a deep respect for culture, language, and environment. We aim to create a learning environment that respects and values diversity, and prepares our students to be active and engaged citizens in a bicultural New Zealand.
Through rich and authentic learning experiences, we aim to develop the key competencies outlined in the New Zealand Curriculum. Our goal is to cultivate graduates who are well-prepared to pursue their passions and make meaningful contributions to their communities.
We measure student success and achievement through a holistic approach that encompasses academic progress, personal growth, and community engagement.
This includes:
National Standards and NCEA: Tracking student achievement against national benchmarks such as PATs and eAsTTle.
Formative and summative assessment: Providing ongoing feedback to inform teaching and learning.
Portfolio assessment: Showcasing student growth and development over time.
Student self-assessment: Encouraging students to reflect on their learning and set goals.
Extracurricular involvement: Recognizing student contributions to school and community life.
Technology and innovation are integral to our curriculum. We equip students with the digital literacy skills needed to succeed in the 21st century. Through the integration of technology across all learning areas, we foster creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking. Our curriculum emphasizes the use of digital tools to solve problems, communicate effectively, and access information. We encourage innovation and entrepreneurial thinking by providing opportunities for students to develop their own ideas and projects.
Junior Curriculum
Years 7 and 8
To support the smooth transition of students into secondary school, our Year 7 and 8 students are taught mainly in a ‘homeroom’ situation where consistent teachers deliver the learning areas of English, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies.
Students also study the following subjects with a specialist teacher:
Performing Arts (Music, Drama and Dance)
Creative Industries (Visual Art, Food Design, Product Design and Digital Technology)
Physical Education and Health
Te Ao Māori
Year 9
Year 9 students study the same subjects as Years 7 and 8 but there is more integration across the wider school and less of a homeroom situation. E.g. students may have a different teacher for English, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies.
Year 10
Year 10 students can select four "option" subjects of their choice, based on their interests and future study /employment goals.
These subjects run in half-year semesters. Option subjects run for three lessons per week, for a total of two terms (20 weeks)
Senior Curriculum
Year 11 - 13 (Senior School)
Year 11, 12 and 13 students focus on NCEA Levels 1, 2 and 3 as they prepare for their future study and/or career paths. We also offer vocational education and training courses which provide students with access to a range of pathways, offering practical skills and training to prepare them for employment or tertiary study.
Students can also take Kōtui Ako (Online Learning Community) or Te Kura (distance learning) courses to widen their subject choices. Students excelling at their studies can access tertiary-level courses or study Scholarship.