Course Selection

Level 2 Design: This course is based around a class topic which is interpreted by each individual pupil. Starting from a drawing base, pupils learn to research ideas, develop concepts and edit work to present design-based outcomes created on the computer. Working with software, pupils learn to develop and present their work to a very high standard. Pupils work towards a 2 x A1 board submission of their work for external moderation and two internal assessments. This is a great introduction to the discipline of Design and a great foundation for Yr13 Art Design. Pupils use their own device.

Level 3  Design: This course is based around an individual topic for the year chosen by the pupil. Starting from a drawing base, pupils learn to research ideas, develop concepts and edit work to present design-based outcomes created on the computer. Working with software, pupils learn to develop and present their work to a very high standard. Pupils work towards a 3x A1 board submission of their work for external moderation and two internal assessments. Pupils use their own device. Pupils are encouraged to choose a topic they are passionate about. The type of work is varied in approach and application. At time pupils can complete work for real clients and outcomes. Typical topics could include; clothing brand, event management, festival, or a website. Pupils chose 6 items to promote.

Level 1 Art: This is a prescriptive course based on the theme of “Containers and Containment.” This covers still life through to heritage and cultural relationships with land & taonga. We study drawing conventions from real life, experimental media and application, while emulating current New Zealand and international Artist models. This course is open to everyone interested in Art. It covers aspects of photography, photoshop, drawing, research, painting and design. Pupils work towards a 2x A1 board submission of their work for external moderation. There is also 1 x internal assessment.

Level 2 Painting: This course is based on learning from using different media and methods relating to current practice and Artist models. Pupils learn to research, draw and create artworks from a chosen topic which they work from for the year. Pupils are taught drawing and are introduced to various media and current methods in Painting. They work towards a 2x A1 board submission of their work for external moderation and two internal assessments. This is a great introduction to the discipline of Painting and a great foundation for Yr13 Art Painting.

Level 3 Painting: This course is based on learning from using different media and methods relating to current practice and Artist models. Pupils learn to research, draw and create paintings from a self-directed topic which they work from for the year. Pupils are taught drawing skills and are introduced to various media, current methods in Painting and influence from Artists models. They work towards a 3x A1 board submission of their work for external moderation and two internal assessments.

Level 2 Photography: This course is based around the discipline of Photography as a way of making pictures and using visual communication to connect with the viewer. Pupils choose their own area of study for the year and all their work is within their chosen theme. Pupils learn to use the camera as a tool from which they connect with the viewer. It covers many of the aspects of the art of photography, photoshop, & research. Pupils need their own camera but are also taught to use the studio area for shooting images. For original work and best practice work, pupils are encouraged to work from home as well as in class to complete set work and take their photos. Pupils work towards a 2x A1 board submission of their work for external moderation and two internal assessments. This course is great for pupils who wish to express themselves through Art but may not be strong at drawing.

Level 3 Photography: Pupils choose their own area of study for the year and all their work is within this chosen theme. The course covers many of the aspects of the art of photography, photoshop, and research of current practice. Pupils need their own camera but are also taught to use the studio area for shooting images and also apply some Photoshop skills. Pupils learn to use the camera on the manual settings for creative outcomes. For original work and best practice, pupils are encouraged to work from home as well as in class to complete set work and take their photos. Pupils work towards a 3 xA1 board submission of their work for external moderation and two internal assessments. This course is based around the discipline of Photography as a way of making pictures and using visual communication to connect with the viewer.

11ACT

In Year 11 Accounting we start the year by looking at how a household manages their finances. This is fantastic real-world learning, which opens up conversations within families and encourages the students to learn how to budget and take care of their money. We then move on to processing transactions through to financial statements, for a small sole trader business. 

The skills learned in this course are life skills, which are helpful for understanding finances, regardless of future career path aspirations. 

If a student thinks that they may be interested in taking a Commerce subject, but is not sure which one to take, we recommend that they start with Accounting, as this is the most challenging Commerce subject to pick up at level 2. 

12ACT

In Year 12 Accounting, we build on the learning from Year 11 and also tackle new Accounting topics. We learn about how a business tracks their inventory and tries to minimise theft or expired goods. We will usually go on a short class field trip to interview the manager of a large business, to learn how they record their inventory ins and outs. The decision-making internal assessment is also based on a real business, of the students choosing, which they research and then interview the owner/ manager. The third internal assessment is learning how to process financial records using a computerised system, such as MYOB. This is a skill that is immediately able to be used in employment.

All three internal assessments are new learning and the external assessments build on what was learned for the external assessments in Year 11. All Commerce subjects are language rich, offering both reading and writing literacy credits. If you would like to know more about this course, come and talk with Miss Gudsell in the office upstairs in K-block.

12EAI

This course provides an introduction to the basic ideas of Economics and Accounting.  It is designed for second-language students but is also very suitable for any student who would like to pick up one or both of these subjects in Year 12 but did not take them in Year 11.

The course can be Level 1 or 2 standards, depending on the ability and needs of the students.  The purpose is to prepare students for successful study in either or both of these subjects at Year 13 level in the following year.

Subject to consultation with Deans and/or the Curriculum Leader of Commerce, Miss Gudsell, the course can also be taken in parallel with the Year 11 or 12 Economics and/or Accounting courses, e.g you could take Y12 Accounting and also take Y12 Economics and Accounting for Beginners.

Further course details can be found in the Senior College Subject Choice Book.

13ACT

How do businesses make financial decisions? How do they determine a quote for a job? How do I decide what business to invest my savings in? You will be able to answer these questions and so many more with the learning in this course. 

We start the year with setting up a Partnership and distributing annual profit to the partners. Then we learn how to calculate a quote for a manufacturing job and the various processes involved in working out the actual cost of that job. We choose a well-known NZ company and dig into their most recent annual report to find out whether the business is a worthwhile investment. Lastly, we learn how to create a cash budget, calculate breakeven and make decisions for business success.

All Commerce subjects are language rich, offering both reading and writing literacy credits. If you would like to know more about this course, come and talk with Miss Gudsell in the office upstairs in K-block.

11BUE

This course is the best of both worlds, as it provides learning of both Business Studies and Economics. To keep students from having to choose too early, we have kept these two popular subjects together, to allow students to get a taste of both.

Business Studies will help students gain business knowledge and understand how businesses operate. Students will gain real life experience carrying out their own business in a small group. 

Economics is about choices consumers, producers and the Government make. In year 11, the focus is on individual consumers, producers and the market they operate in. Economics will help them understand how markets work and enable them to make economically sound decisions.

Students are able to gain 21 credits towards Level 1 literacy.

If you want to know more about the course, see Mr. Song in the Commerce office in K-block (upstairs).

12BUS

Are you a budding entrepreneur? Do you want to make money? Do you have a strong social conscience? Are you keen to help others or the environment through business? Are you hoping to be your own boss one day? If you have answered “yes” to any of these questions, then Business Studies may be the class for you!

Students who take this class will work in a small business group for the majority of Terms 1 – 3. Together they will plan to start their own business, selling either a good or a service. They will conduct market research, to learn more about potential customers and competitors. Then they run their business for two 6-week cycles, reviewing and making changes between cycles. 

All Commerce subjects are language rich, offering both reading and writing literacy credits. If you would like to know more about this course, come and talk with Miss Gudsell in the office upstairs in K-block.

13BUS

• Would you like to run your own business?
• Would you like to try running a small business as part of your Level 3 NCEA assessment?
• Would you like to understand how small businesses and large businesses work?
• Would you like to make the world a better place through running a business activity?

If the answer to any of the above questions is “Yes”, Year 13 Business Studies could be a very good subject for you.  Fifteen of the nineteen credits involve planning and carrying out your own small business activity.  This is done through the NZ-wide Young Enterprise scheme.  You will be one of hundreds of small businesses based in schools throughout New Zealand.  You will receive help from numerous people including your teacher-mentor, an outside business mentor and Young Enterprise advisors locally and nationally.  On occasions you will meet with business teams from other schools.

If your team carries out its business activity well, you might win a local or national award.  These can involve fully paid trips within New Zealand and overseas.  Middleton Grange students have won some of these awards in the past.

You will certainly experience what it is like to be an entrepreneur.  By the end of the year you will know whether you would be suited to a career in business. 

Plus, you get to keep the profits!  (After tax is paid of course!)

As well as the fifteen internal credits, there is also a four-credit external which looks at how large multi-national companies work.  

Business Studies is a UE and Level 3 NCEA subject and qualifies for Merit and Excellence endorsements.  You also receive an additional NZQA micro-credential for completing the Young Enterprise scheme.

Y11 Christian Studies

This is a compulsory subject that covers the metanarrative of the Bible whilst looking at life application. Pupils dip in and out of the large story of the Bible whilst looking at the overarching themes of the creation, fall and redemption of humankind. Whilst an academic subject, Christian Studies is all about learning and less about credits. It is designed to engage our young people in understanding how the Bible fits together, how and when it was written, understanding the message of redemption, discovering the major themes, and application to real life.

Y12 Christian Studies

At Y12, our pupils are eager to know more about other faiths and how faith impacts culture. The title of the course is ‘What is the purpose of life?’ and the first half of the year covers three religions: Christianity, Islam, and Hinduism and how they answer this question. It also looks at how these beliefs are lived out and impact society. The course starts with a brief introduction to apologetics.

The second half of the year pupils look at the purpose of life from the perspective of someone who does not believe in God. Secular Humanism is explored and how it answers Life’s Ultimate Questions on origins, meaning, morality and destiny and how the wider impacts of this belief are seen in New Zealand today.

A compulsory course, Y12 Christian Studies focusses on learning as opposed to credits. Six credits are offered on the Comparative Religion paper.

Y13 Christian Studies

An optional course, Y13 Christian Studies is great for anyone who wants an academic course that involves thinking, debating, discussing, researching, and looking at the big issues in life. The first paper, worth 6 credits, examines Worldviews and how they answer Life’s Ultimate Questions. Starting with the history of Secular Humanism and travelling through modern and post-modern thinking, it looks at how ideas have consequences and the impact these ideas have had on society.

The second paper is centred on the Bible, how it is the revealed Word of God and the history of how it came into being. This paper involves applying hermeneutical principles to a passage of scripture and looking at life application. It is worth 6 credits.

The third paper is Ethics. Ethical theories are considered and then a biblically-based understanding of ethics is sketched. These biblical principles are then applied to a contemporary ethical issue in New Zealand today. This paper is also worth 6 credits.

Christian Studies is perfect for anyone who wants to work with people or is a deep thinker or just wonders why!

Level 2 Classics:

Why would a civilisation build their city at the base of an active volcano? How did Percy Jackson come to be? From the interfering gods of Greek mythology, a city and inhabitants being buried alive, to the man who got lost on his way home and stayed that way for 10 years, Classics has it all.  Study the Art of the ancient world; their impressive sculptures and how their artistic ideals developed over centuries. With captivating content and engaging discussions, you will leave with the knowledge and understanding to critically analyse how the ancient world influenced the foundations of our world today. Come and learn about how an ancient civilisation lived. Discover what has endured and what was lost to time. 

Classics is English rich and offers literacy credits in both reading and writing. 

If you want to know more come and see Miss van upstairs in the K Block office 

Level 3 Classics:

Travel back in time to Ancient Rome where there is more learn than meets the eye. From the gladiators and every day Roman life up to the misleading propaganda that influenced both Adolf Hitler and Napoleon Bonaparte in their political campaigns.  Travel to Ancient Greece where we learn about Alexander the Great. You must have heard of him but how much do you REALLY know? From brilliant battle strategies, mysterious murders and his scandalous love life – we cover it all. Come and learn about a subject which will make you view the world in a whole new way as you discover how we have been heavily influenced by civilisations and people that have come before us. 

Classics is English rich and offers literacy credits in both reading and writing. You do not need to have completed Year 12 Classics to take it up in Year 13. 

If you want to know more come and see Miss van upstairs in the K Block office

11 Computer Science (DTC) 

Level 1 Computer Science includes an introduction to programming, web sites, databases, and the study of human computer interaction. It provides the foundation for more advanced courses in computer science in years 12 and 13. It is an Achievement Standards based course suitable for students who enjoy problem solving and who aspire to careers which involve computing and logical thinking. Topics covered are:

• Programming
• Web sites
• Databases
• Computer Science – Human Computer Interaction

12 Digital Technology Computer Science (DTC) 

This is an Achievement Standards based course designed to build on the knowledge gained in Level 1. It is suitable for students who enjoy problem solving and who aspire to careers which involve computing and logical thinking. It provides the foundation for a more advanced course in year 13. Topics covered are:

• Planning skills
• Programming (Intermediate level)
• Database (Intermediate level)
• Computer Science Topics which may include – computer security, encryption, error control, complexity and tractability, and/or artificial intelligence

13 Digital Technology Computer Science (DTC) 

This is an Achievement Standards based course designed to build on the Level 2 course.  It is suitable for students who enjoy problem solving and who aspire to careers which involve computing and logical thinking. It provides a solid foundation for any study which involves computing at tertiary Level. Topics covered in this course are: 

• Planning skills
• Programming (Advanced level)
• Database (Advanced level)
• Computer Science Topics which may include – complexity and tractability, computer vision, big data, computer graphics, formal languages, network communication protocols

• Desktop Publishing
• PowerPoint Presentation
• Text and Information Management
• Basic Web Page Development
• Excel Spreadsheet
• Typing

• Desktop Publishing
• PowerPoint Presentation
• Text and Information Management
• Web Page Development
• Excel Spreadsheet
• Schematic Diagram Creation
• Digital Images Creation
• Typing

• Integrate Data and Images on a Word Processing Document
• Interactive Website Development
• Interactive PowerPoint Presentation
• Desktop Publishing
• Plan and Develop a Digital Project

• Planning skills
• Presentation Skills 
• Digital Media Creation and Editing using Photoshop or other image development editing/software
• Computer Science – Human Computer Interaction

• Intermediate Planning skills
• Presentation Skills 
• Digital Media Project
• Digital Media Creation and Editing using Photoshop or other image development editing/software

• Advanced Planning skills
• Advanced Digital Media Project (desktop publishing, website or video)

Design & Visual Communication

Year 11

Design and Visual Communication is an entry level subject at Y11 – no previous experience is required. Pupils are instructed in the nature and principles of design by which they explore design options through a range of visual communication skills in both product and spatial design projects. The core skills explored and developed include: the design process, freehand sketching, instrumental drawing, and presentation. For new pupils, an interest and competence in freehand sketching of any kind is significantly advantageous. Pupils who have undertaken a junior level DVC course will be familiar with the nature of the course as the same knowledge and skills are engaged for further development. DVC is relevant to a very wide range of career and employment situations, including all trades, a career in any kind of design, technical information communication, engineering and technology studies including university study, and any work that requires understanding or working with design and drawings. Talk to Mr. Bowater for more information.

Year 12

Pupils should have successfully completed a Y11 DVC course to consider Design and Visual Communication at Y12. The course is based on either a product or spatial design and further develops acquired skills in the design process while also incorporating further development of a wide range of visual communication skills and techniques. Design projects are self-selected from either product or spatial options, however, in some circumstances, both can be pursued. Exceptions for entry can be made, however, there must be an acknowledgement that attaining the full range of NCEA credits becomes unrealistic for pupils taking on DVC at Y12 for the first time in the senior school. Previous experience at a junior level would be advantageous.

Year 13

Pupils who have not successfully completed a Y12 course should not be considering undertaking a Y13 level course of study in Design and Visual Communication. The subject builds on skills established through years 11 and 12 and follows a very similar approach to work completed at Y12. It allows for a wide range of design options that can be selected by pupils from their own areas of interest. Exceptions can be considered for pupils who were successful with a Y11 DVC course.

Who should study Drama:

• Everyone who will need to persuade, convince, debate, inspire, negotiate, sell
• Everyone who will need to communicate an idea, an understanding, a discovery, a need, an opinion, a thought, a discovery, a feeling, a decision
• Everyone who will need to manage, to lead, to build community

The Dramatic Arts are proven to have positive, lasting effects on the development of young people and their overall success at school and beyond.  The readily transferable skills of the Drama classroom top the lists of what employers are looking for

What does a course of study in NCEA Drama entail?

Years 11, 12 and 13 Drama students will undertake a full year’s journey in the development and use of the skills, techniques and conventions of drama presentation, drama creation, drama interpretation and effective communication.

At each year level the course work engages students in:

• The decoding of text –
  • understudying what is being said
  • discerning what is not being said, but what is motivating the speaker

• Understanding and utilising non-verbal communication skills
  • Body language, gesture, posture
  • Facial expression

• Effective communication
  • How to project
  • How to convince
  • How to influence

• Working cooperatively
  • Negotiation
  • Improvisation
  • Focusing on the tasks rather than feelings about the task
  • Accepting critique
  • Following direction

• Problem solving
  • Finding creative solutions
  • Identifying and meeting audience expectations
  • Working within the limitations of a genre
  • Working within time constraints
  • Working within a budget

• Identifying and building personal skills and capacity in order to:
  • Serve a character, relationship, situation
  • Serve a script
  • Serve an audience

Assessments are performance based, supported by brief statements of intention.

11BUE

This course is the best of both worlds, as it provides learning of both Business Studies and Economics. To keep students from having to choose too early, we have kept these two popular subjects together, to allow students to get a taste of both.

Business Studies will help students gain business knowledge and understand how businesses operate. Students will gain real life experience carrying out their own business in a small group. 

Economics is about choices consumers, producers and the Government make. In year 11, the focus is on individual consumers, producers and the market they operate in. Economics will help them understand how markets work and enable them to make economically sound decisions.

Students are able to gain 21 credits towards Level 1 literacy.

If you want to know more about the course, see Mr. Song in the Commerce office in K-block (upstairs).

12EAI

This course provides an introduction to the basic ideas of Economics and Accounting.  It is designed for second-language students but is also very suitable for any student who would like to pick up one or both of these subjects in Year 12 but did not take them in Year 11.

The course can be Level 1 or 2 standards, depending on the ability and needs of the students.  The purpose is to prepare students for successful study in either or both of these subjects at Year 13 level in the following year.

Subject to consultation with Deans and/or the Curriculum Leader of Commerce, Miss Gudsell, the course can also be taken in parallel with the Year 11 or 12 Economics and/or Accounting courses, e.g you could take Y12 Accounting and also take Y12 Economics and Accounting for Beginners.

Further course details can be found in the Senior College Subject Choice Book.

12ECO

Economics provides excellent insight into the world we live in. Year 12 Economics covers macroeconomics in the context of New Zealand economy. The topics that will be covered include inflation, economic growth, unemployment and government policies. Economics students will be well equipped with analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to work well either alone or within a team.

This course is open to students who did not take Economics in Year 11.

If you want to know more about the course, see Mr. Song in the Commerce office in K-block (upstairs).

13ECO

Year 13 Economics is the perfect combination of numbers and words. The focus in this course is on the market system, why market failure occurs and the role of the Government to correct it. There is also a more in-depth learning of macroeconomics. Students develop reasoning and analytical skills that will help them to present and interpret economic data and arguments in a clear and coherent manner. 

Economics is relevant to numerous careers, including the fields of business, accountancy, political science, the government sector, social science and voluntary community organisations.

Students are able to gain 20 credits towards Level 3 literacy. The course is also open for students who did not do Economics in Year 12.

If you want to know more about the course, see Mr. Song in the Commerce office in K-block (upstairs).

ESOL classes cater for the English language needs of international students, and domestic students for whom English is an additional language. In 2021, support will be offered as required in the Middle School. For Senior College, in Years 11 and 12, students are supported to develop their knowledge of English and are assessed using both English Language standards and NCEA English. In Year 13, students focus on gaining minimum literacy for University Entrance using NCEA Level 2 English standards.

Level 1 Geography

Geography makes links between many disciplines and ties them together into big-picture understanding of the world. But what, exactly, does that look like in Year 11? We investigate the sustainable use of Natural resources in Canterbury, keeping it close to home and relevant for pupils. They are asked to explore the choices we make about the way we interact with our environment, and the ways we might be able to do that as better stewards. We study the natural processes that produce Tropical Cyclones and the way humans can respond in a crisis. Again, this is our ‘back yard’ in a sense and is about “loving our (Pacific) neighbours as ourselves”. On a global scale, pupils will look into the pattern of Child Labour, understanding the complex causes behind this issue and the ways we can be part of a solution. In amongst all of this, pupils will develop a range of practical Skills for mapping, graphing, interpreting data in a variety of forms and communicating effectively in a range of modes. Feel free to come on up to the Humanities Office (next to K204) if you have further questions, or email the Curriculum Leader, Mr Elder, at d.elder@middleton.school.nz 

Level 2 Geography

Geography Level 2 builds on the foundation laid at Level 1. This should not put anyone off taking it for the first time at Level 2. So, what exactly will you be in for? Our contemporary issue is focussed on the question of energy production in New Zealand. Pupils are able to exercise some personal choice as they explore the strengths and weaknesses of the options. Nuclear? Hydro? Wave Energy or Biofuel? You decide. We develop this into a real-world investigation when we research the feasibility of installing Solar PV at Middleton. Development and Inequality is examined in the context of Tanzania. This topic builds on the social justice theme introduced through Child Labour at Level 1. Our other overseas setting is the fascinating residential pattern in Singapore – imagine living in a country of 5 million, not much bigger than Lake Taupo, where nearly everyone is restricted by law as to the location and type of house they can own! In amongst all of this, pupils will develop a range of practical Skills for mapping, graphing, interpreting data in a variety of forms and communicating effectively in a range of modes. Feel free to come on up to the Humanities Office (next to K204) if you have further questions, or email the Curriculum Leader, Mr Elder, at d.elder@middleton.school.nz 

Level 3 Geography

Geography at this level is challenging – but so are the issues in our world that we are studying. Global sea level rise and a changing climate, housing 9 Billion people in an age when within our lifetimes more than half the world’s people will dwell in slums…..these and other issues like them require some deep thinking.  For those with a more scientific focus, the course is balanced with investigation of the fascinating geology, climate, and volcanology of the North Island’s central plateau. Along the way pupils will develop a range of practical Skills for mapping, graphing, interpreting data in a variety of forms and communicating effectively in a range of modes. Feel free to come on up to the Humanities Office (next to K204) if you have further questions (especially if you are considering taking it for the first time), or email the Curriculum Leader, Mr Elder, at d.elder@middleton.school.nz 

Level 1 History

“Those who don’t learn from the past are condemned to repeat it.”

George Santayana

Skills Developed:

The study of History is so much more than just learning dates, names, and places of the past. As an academic subject History develops critical thinking skills that will assist in all aspects of life and benefit you in your other subjects. In History, we analyse evidence to interpret what is true of the past and critique how others have interpreted the past. By developing these high-level thinking skills through studying History, pupils are confident in engaging with contemporary issues. Some of the key skills that we focus on are research based, evaluating significance, weighing up different perspectives and analysing cause and effect.

Topics Covered:

In our Level 1 course we investigate 3 key topics. The first is the 1981 Springbok Tour in which mass protest erupted across New Zealand due to the South African Rugby team touring the country. Secondly, we explore the period between the two World Wars to identify the origins of World War 2. Finally, we explore the Black Civil Rights Movement in the United States, this helps deepen understanding of the current race issues in the world.

Additional Information

Here is what past pupils say about History:

Studying History throughout High School has really aided me in my first year Law course. It helped me develop critical thinking skills, analysing documents and presenting an argument.

Luke, first year law student, Canterbury University.

The skills you learn in history are very transferable, especially in subjects like English and Christian Studies, which made those assignments a lot easier.

Francesca Harrison, Canterbury University.

Level 2 History

“In history, a great volume is unrolled for our instruction, drawing the materials of future wisdom from the past errors and infirmities of mankind. “Edmund Burke

Skills developed:

The study of History is so much more than just learning dates, names, and places of the past. As an academic subject History develops critical thinking skills that will assist in all aspects of life and benefit you in your other subjects. In History, we analyse evidence to interpret what is true of the past and critique how others have interpreted the past. By developing these high-level thinking skills through studying History, pupils are confident in engaging with contemporary issues. Some of the key skills that we focus on are research based, evaluating significance, weighing up different perspectives and analysing cause and effect.

Topics Covered:

In our Level 2 course we explore a wide range of world and New Zealand topics. We begin by investigating how Antarctic exploration impacted on Christchurch or looking into how police interacted with Pasifika people during the 1970s, more commonly known as the Dawn Raids. Additionally, we delve into how Russia became a Communist state and the impact this had on global politics or the American involvement in Vietnam. We conclude by looking into the Parihaka movement and the differing perspectives surrounding that.

Impact out of the classroom:

This course provides some literacy credits for University Entrance. Please come see Mr Checketts in the humanities office if you want to know more.

Level 3 History

“History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again.” 

Maya Angelou

Skills developed:

The study of History is so much more than just learning dates, names, and places of the past. As an academic subject History develops critical thinking skills that will assist in all aspects of life and benefit you in your other subjects. In History, we analyse evidence to interpret what is true of the past and critique how others have interpreted the past. By developing these high-level thinking skills through studying History, pupils are confident in engaging with contemporary issues. Some of the key skills that we focus on are research based, evaluating significance, weighing up different perspectives and analysing cause and effect.

Topics covered:

At level 3 we investigate what were the causes of the First Crusade and the effects that has had on the world. We do a research-based assignment on the Early Contact period in NZ where pupils can choose from a wide range of topics to learn about. We conclude by looking at Tudor England History by investigating the Spanish Armada attempted invasion of England and the execution of Mary Queen of Scots.

Impact out of the classroom:

This course provides some literacy credits for University Entrance. Please come see Mr Checketts in the humanities office if you want to know more.

Year 11 

Mathematics is compulsory in Year 11 and pupils need to gain a minimum of 10 numeracy credits to gain Level One NCEA. 

In Year 11 we offer 4 different Mathematics courses to cater for the range of needs and abilities of our pupils. On their option sheets pupils will choose “Mathematics,” but our Mathematics teachers will place them in the various courses. Most pupils will be placed in the standard course (Mathematics). The four courses are outlined in the Senior College course option booklet.  

In Term Four, pupils will be selected for the Extension course and these parents will be notified. Also, parents and caregivers of pupils who we think are best suited for the Mathematics Core or Numeracy courses will be contacted to ensure they are aware and happy with this choice.  

Please feel free to contact your pupil’s Mathematics teacher or Mrs Louise Arndt (Curriculum Leader Mathematics and Statistics) to discuss course placement further. It is important that we place your child in a course that is going to challenge them and enable them to succeed. It is also encouraged that parents have this conversation with their child.  

Year 12 

At Year 12, Mathematics and Statistics is no longer a compulsory course. However, we encourage pupils to take a Maths and Stats course in Year 12 and our courses suit most needs. There are two Mathematics and Statistics courses available: Mathematics Akoranga and Mathematics Tumu. Pupils may choose either or they may even wish to take both.  

The 12 Akoranga course is designed for able mathematicians. It is a big step-up from 11 Maths. The 12 Tumu course is designed for those who are okay at maths, but would struggle with advanced algebra. 

 Pre-requisites for 12 Maths Akoranga: Entry: 14 credits at Level 1 including Merit in two of Algebra (91027), Relationships (91028) or Geometric Reasoning (91030). For pupils who have coped well with Year 11 Maths in 2020.  

20 credits including 3 externals. 

Pre-requisites for 12 Maths Tumu: Entry:  11 credits from 11 Maths or 16 credits from Year 11 Math Core. The Tumu course is for pupils who would struggle with advanced Algebra.  

19 credits including 1 external. 

13 Calculus and/or 

13 Statistics and/or 

13 Maths and Stats 

13 Statistics and/or 

13 Maths and Stats 

Year 13 

There are three courses available. Pupils might choose to take one or more of these courses.  

Calculus: Advanced Mathematics involving Trig, Calculus and Complex Numbers. 

Anything to do with Engineering, the Physical Sciences, Health Science, Veterinary Science, Economics, Architecture, Surveying, Optometry, some Computer Science courses, advanced Statistics, Mathematics itself. Note that Statistics is also useful in these courses, so taking both courses would be sensible. 

Statistics: Involves data investigations and Probability 

Statistics is often part of many degree courses in Science and Social-Science related courses.  Forestry Science, the Biological sciences, Veterinary Science, Health Science, Management, Psychology, Geography, Sociology, Planning, Physical Education. 

Maths and Statistics:  

Involves applied mathematics, a data investigation and some probability. 

This course would be useful for pupils who want a mix of Statistics and Mathematics standards. This course would be useful for any of the fields of study mentioned in Statistics above. 

Media Studies help students to develop valuable transferable skills such some English external exam success.
as critical thinking, analysis, research, planning, skills of enquiry and
evaluation, practical skills, creativity, time management, essay writing
skills and more.(eduqas.co.uk)
It also allows students the opportunity to be creative in a new and
engaging way with film, and this could lead to exciting new career
pathways.

For example, the media, cultural and creative industries,
television and radio, film and video, digital media, computer games,
journalism, writing and publishing, PR, marketing, and media practice.
Media Studies at Middleton Grange also complements the media work
currently happening with ‘The Fridge’ radio show that is a growing
beckon of light around New Zealand

Music education provides a wide range of benefits to a maturing mind. It develops personal skills and traits such as self-discipline, perseverance and reflective practices. Group work and performances provide a platform to extend collaborative skills and critical thought processes. Our Music programme values student’s experiences and builds on these with increasing sophistication and complexity as their knowledge and skills develop throughout NCEA. The programme is designed for any student who wants to extend their knowledge of music and develop skills in their unique musical strengths. At Year 11 students receive a well-rounded musical education that covers the key skills and disciplines – Communicating and Interpreting, Developing Ideas, Understanding Context, and Developing Practical Knowledge. From Year 12 students are able to gradually refine their study programme to focus on the areas of music that they are passionate about or have strengths in. You can read more about the Year 12 Pathways and the Year 13 Achievement Standard options in the Course Outlines.

Physical Education: NCEA Level 1-3

The aim of our programme is to provide a balanced a programme that relates to our core Curriculum Concepts. These areas are … learning through movement about self, others, and society.

Whether a student moves towards a career in sport or not outside of school, our intention is to give them a holistic course geared towards working in a team. The main concepts come through in the following modules that scaffold on each other from Level 1 to 3:

• Practical Performance: Level 1: Korfball and Volleyball, Level 2: Turbo touch

and Badminton, Level 3: Mountain Biking, Futsal or their preferred sport of choice.

• Science and Technology: Exercise Physiology (body response to exercise) and 

Biomechanics (mechanical laws relating to movement).

• Relationships: Self-management and relating to others in the context 

games, and risk management in the context of outdoor activities.

• Leadership development Opportunities to become better leaders, coaching.

teams, and critiquing contemporary leadership styles.

• Critical Thinking: Reasoned, logical and thought out perspectives on 

the impact of society’s penchant for sport and leisure.

Year 11

Science at Middleton Grange school is compulsory for all pupils in Years 7 to 11. At each year, level we have a carefully crafted, age-appropriate program, that progresses across the science strands. It is an engaging, rich, and experimental experience of science where we can be wowed by the amazingness of the natural world that God has created.

At Year 11. We have two science course 11SCA and 11SCI. Both contain approximately a terms work on chemistry, physics, and biology to help form a strong foundation for senior sciences. Although both courses are assessed in the same way, using the same achievement standards, the 11SCA course moves through the content at a much slower pace and is designed for pupils who have historically really struggled in science and need a bit more support. Pupils take either 11SCA or 11SCI, with the vast majority of pupils taking 11SCI.

Year 12

Science splits into 3 Science courses at Year 12: Biology, Chemistry and Physics. To enter these courses, you need to at least pass the Year 11 external assessment that relates to that course i.e. Genetics for Biology, Acid and Bases for Chemistry and Mechanics for Physics. Talk to your Science teacher and careers advisor for more information and refer to the course booklet for other prerequisites. 

Year 13

Refer to the course booklet for prerequisites and speak to your teacher about what the Level 3 courses entail. 

Last month, the Instituto Cervantes launched its yearbook, Spanish in the World 2019, with the latest data showing that a total of 580 million people speaks Spanish (7.6% of the world’s population) in 21 countries of the world. It is the third most spoken language in the world, and second most used on the internet.

Learning Spanish and having first-hand knowledge of Hispanic cultures has long-term benefits to both our student and our community. New Zealanders who are multi-lingual have greater prospects in the international workplace and are more effective in taking NZ ideas and products to the world. In the future, trade with Latin America will become an increasingly important source of New Zealand’s export income. Producing students who are acquainted with, and comfortable in, a Hispanic environment will contribute to the forming of these links.

The fundamental goal of any language learning program is to travel to the target country and interact with the people. The value of studying and using the language at its source together with complete cultural immersion is immeasurable. There is no better way to learn about another country, its customs, and the way of life of its people than by experiencing it first-hand.

Te Reo Māori is a dynamic course promoting the revitalisation and use of Te Reo for everday use. The course also focuses on the Tikanga/customs and richness of the language that first named this land and explained its stories. With a resurgent interest amongst many parts of society and increased localised investment by iwi, Te Reo opens up many opportunities here and abroad to foster this taonga/treasure as part of the unique heritage that all people of Aotearoa share.

This course aims to equip Year 12 students with the soft skills necessary for employment in general, and specifically in retail. Students will learn
how to write a CV and targeted cover letter, how to understand the banking system and other financial information, complete learner licence theory,
and many more life skills. External providers and speakers will be invited in, and there will be retail work experience one day a week in either Term
Two or Three during school hours.
This is a Gateway funded course, and enough standards have to be completed to meet the 20-credit requirement for Tertiary Education
Commission reporting purposes.
Note: This course will only go ahead with extra approved Gateway funding.

Welcome to Workshop Technology! In Years 11, 12 and 13 we offer balanced courses that place an emphasis on project planning and management, practical skills, and problem solving. WTC at Year 11 requires no previous experience, and is a great entry into interpreting plans, health and safety, and the processes required to construct a project. Year 12 WTC builds on this, so completion of Year 11 course is recommended. The focus for Year 12 is on team projects, such as outdoor construction and furniture, incorporating a deeper understanding of project specifications.

Due to the increased freedom and responsibility at Year 13, completion of Years 11 and 12 Workshop Technology are required for entry. Here, students may choose what they will consruct, and how they will construct it. Project planning and management continue their importance as increased independence is encouraged.

Whether students are planning to enter the construction trades, or wanting to level-up their existing skills, techniques and problem sovling ability to unleash the maker within, Workshop Technology is a great example of practical, hands-on learning. Talk to Mr. McKee or Mr. Murray for more information.