Year 9

Much of our experience of the world is visual, seen through our eyes and minds. Visual Art will give you an opportunity to investigate, to make and to think about art, both your own and others, in a creative way using your imagination. In a practical ‘hands on’ way you will be able to explore a variety of new art materials, art processes and techniques. Further developing your art skills will require the ability to experiment, ask questions, problem solve and make wise decisions. You will need to be enthusiastic and open to thinking in a thoughtful and imaginative way to a variety of new ideas and stimulating experiences.

Drama includes using voice, movement, gesture and facial expressions. You will develop skills in all of these learning areas as you communicate thoughts and feelings in new and imaginative ways. You will be given opportunities to create, observe, perform, and investigate the forms, styles and functions of drama. You will need to have an open mind towards new ideas, a fantastic imagination, a sense of fun, and a positive attitude towards learning and performing.

In performance music you will create, listen to, perform and investigate many types of music, including natural, acoustic and digital. You will have opportunities to perform on your own and in groups. You must be studying an instrument or voice, either at the College or privately, as a co-requisite. Further details will be made available on what these options are.

Whangaparaoa College values learning other languages as an important curriculum area and encourages students to pursue this. The aim is to introduce you to both the Maori language and culture in a communicative manner. This includes: introductions, greetings, places, customs, sport and leisure and food. A feature of learning Maori is that it will heighten your understanding and awareness of Maori culture, the Treaty of Waitangi and our bicultural society in New Zealand.

FRENCH & GERMAN

Whangaparaoa College values learning other languages as an important curriculum area and encourages students to pursue this. The aim is to introduce you to both the French or German language and culture in a communicative manner. This includes: introductions, greetings, schooling, towns, sport and leisure and cuisine.  You will be given the opportunity to experience their culture through films, bakery visits, and, as the course progresses, exchanges with other language speaking students. Foreign language learning is ideally suited to learners who have a flare for their own language and self expression and who are good at and enjoy language, talking, word games etc. An added bonus of learning another European language is that it will heighten your understanding and awareness of English Grammar and structures.

In technology you will investigate past, present and future technologies to understand how they work; investigate the interrelationship between technology and society and develop your own briefs; work with family, businesses, or the community; and organise and manage resources like time, materials and finance. 

You will gather technological knowledge about devices, systems/processes, and procedures as you design and produce various technological outcomes (designs, products, systems). You will carry out evaluations of your process, designs, and outcomes.

NOTE: We will endeavour to meet the needs of all learners in terms of their options preferences. However due to the nature of developing a whole school timetable to meet the needs of all learners we may only be able to offer the first three preferred options at Year 9.