Years 9 – 10
Academic Focus
At Year 9 and 10 in both mainstream and Teamworks, two classes of students are selected on the basis of academic ability.
Integrated Studies – Teamworks
This innovative and exciting Year 9 and 10 programme follows the standard curriculum for the core subjects (Mathematics, Science, English and Social Studies) in a thematically linked course using cooperative learning structures, as well as addressing the important transition to the high school environment. Students in Teamworks reflect the same gender, ethnicity and ability mix as the rest of the junior classes at HVHS.
Teamworks classes generally have one teacher for two subjects, which allows the students and teachers to develop strong relationships, a major component to enhanced and fulfilling learning for most high school students. Lessons are planned across the subjects thematically to make the link between subjects clear to students. This also provides more purpose to the students’ learning and its applications to real life.
All Teamworks teachers use the same fundamental lesson structure and management techniques, so students have consistency and clear expectations throughout the four core areas taught in Teamworks. Specific cooperative and reflection skills are introduced at set times throughout the year in each subject area to help students become experts in these skills and to further add to their learning toolbox.
This approach to learning is being promoted by the new New Zealand Curriculum as the optimum style of learning for the majority of students in order to produce well rounded citizens with a passion for learning, whilst enhancing the learning of the many different cultures we have in New Zealand today.
To register your interest in the programme, tick the box on the back of the enrolment form. Further enquiries can be made to the HOD Integrated Studies: susan.larkins@hvhs.school.nz
Learning Support
The school offers a wide range of support for those who have recognised learning difficulties, or who are diagnosed as being in need of extra assistance. Reading teachers give one-on-one teaching, with teacher aides being assigned to some students and classes to provide in-class support. We are able to access additional support from the RTLB (Resource Teacher, Learning and Behaviour), and GSE (Group Special Education). A Language Studies option is also offered in Years 9 and 10.
Reporting
Early in Term 1 there is a Meet and Greet evening for parents to meet teachers of core subjects. There are two reports home in the course of the year, with comments and an indication of each student’s attitude and achievement. There is also a brief progress report in term one for all levels. Both Year 9 and Year 10 have a parents’ evening in term one, which provides an opportunity for parents to discuss their child’s progress with individual teachers. In Term 3 there is a further evening for parents to meet the teachers of core subjects in Year 9. Students sit exams at the end of the year and the final report home follows these.
Homework
Students should expect to spend, on average, between one and one and a half hours each week night on homework. This will include reading and other preparation for new work in class, continuation or completion of work started in class, revision and practice exercises, the learning of vocabulary and important facts, and revision for class tests. Parents can assist by taking an interest in the work being done, by encouraging and assisting students to plan their time effectively and by arranging for good study facilities to be available – a straight chair, a table, good light and a quiet room. All Year 9 and 10 students are issued with a homework diary and parents are encouraged to check that homework is being recorded. Careers and Course Planning Interviews are held with all year 9 and 10 students to guide their course selection to ensure the best choices are made.