Curriculum

Introduction

Teachers within each Whānau collaborate as Professional Learning Communities to provide authentic outcomes for our students.

Learning is integrated so students can see connections between learning areas, is relevant and focuses on the “how and why” as well as the “what”.

This means our students are taught how to learn and how to apply what they have learnt as well as understand the core knowledge and skills required for further study.

A special focus is made to promote creativity, collaboration, curiosity and effective communication. Teachers will work with students to develop engaging contexts for learning which relate to contemporary issues making learning even more meaningful and exciting for our students.

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals provide a valuable resource for the development of contexts and enhancing the notion of “think global, act local”.

Years 7 and 8

In Years 7 and 8 all students study English, Mathematics, Science, Global Studies, Physical Education and Health, Art, Performing Arts, Technology, Digital Literacy, Written Literacy, Mandarin and Spanish.

Years 9 and 10

Our Year 9 and 10 students are our senior students and therefore assume leadership roles as they continue with a challenging academic programme. In addition to the continued study of English, Mathematics, Science, Global Studies, Physical Education and Health, Year 9 and 10 students have the opportunity to select two specialist subjects to study in greater depth.

You can find more information about the Year 9 and 10 options that are available by watching our YouTube videos on our option subjects that are offered at MHJC;

Year 9 and 10 Option Subjects Videos

Ideally students will choose options that they expect to continue with for the two years and then on into Year 11 at senior college, however there is an opportunity to change options at the end of  Year 9 should students believe they are not in an option appropriate to their needs.

Options available to Year 9 and 10 students include:
Music, Art, Drama, Media Studies, Digital Technology, Design and Visual Communication, Outdoor Education, Food Technology, Hospitality, Enterprise and Business Studies, Te Reo Māori, Mandarin and Spanish.

In Year 10, most students have the opportunity to complete NCEA assessments which are integrated into their core English, Mathematics, Physical Education & Health, Science and Global Studies assessments.

Students in all year levels further personalise their learning programme through their DEEP subject selections. Find more out about the DEEP programme here

Digital Learning

Mission Heights Junior College students use a range of online digital learning platforms to complement their in-class work;

  • Maths Buddy – Maths Buddy gives students the freedom to study without stress in their own time, at their own pace. It allows students to catch up on lessons they missed or concepts they have not fully understood. Every student has access to the entire Year 1 to 13 curriculum so students can revise and reinforce concepts they have learned earlier.
  • Reading Plus – Reading Plus helps students to become better readers by developing the skills they need to read proficiently and become independent learners. Using Reading Plus regularly improves student comprehension and reading speed.
  • Education Perfect- every learning area is provided within the Education Perfect platform allowing teachers and students to progress through the curriculum remotely and at a differentiated pace and level.

We also make extensive use of the Google G-Suite for Education platform to allow for excellent collaboration between students and teachers.