Figure 1.--These junior boys in their second year of high school are taking an introductory graphics and design drafting course.
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Figure 1.--These junior boys in their second year of high school are taking an introductory graphics and design drafting course. |
The curriculum in the junior school, especially forms 3 and 4, is relatively standard. The common core curriculum for the first 2 years of secondary schools (forms 3-4) include: English, social studies, math, general science, health and physical education, music, arts and craft, and home economics. Some particularly strong academic schools, such as Auckland Grammar, may add subjects such as Latin or French. Optional courses vary from school to school depending on local circumstances.
Form 3 students usually study required English, maths, science, social studies, and physical education. Individual schools may require other courses such as Information Technology and Thinking Skills (Lincoln High School). Students also chose several optional courses (sometimes as many as six), such as agriculture, art, clothing, Japanese, keyboarding, Maori, media studies, workshop, and a variety of other subjects. These are usually short introductory courses designed to give students a wide range of experiences. Not all the subjects offered are run each year and they are constantly changing depending on the number of students attracted or student requests. [optional courses in Lin pro]
Form 4 students usually study the same courses (English, maths, science, social studies, and physical education) required for form 3 students Some schools may require some additional subjects such as health or thinking skills. Students also choose optional courses, but usually fewer more advanced courses.
Form 5 students usually study required English, maths, science, and physical education. Students also select a variety of optional courses depending on their academic skills and interests. The optional courses are usually fewer more advanced courses. Most students enter for School Certificate in form 5, but non-exam courses are available as an alternative.
The curriculum in the junior section of secondary schools is strongly based on required core subjects. The junior students are offered a variety of electives, mostly introductory courses dsigned to give the students a taste of a variery of advanced courses that they can pursue in more detail in their senior years. Often junior students focus their attention narrowly on subjects with which they are already familiar. One of the goals of these basic elective subjects is to introduce the students to a wider range of subjects and interests.
The Curriculum at Ashburton College is organised to give all students a broad and balanced education while allowing senior students to choose from a wide range of more specialised subjects. There is also the opportunity for students to get learning assistance through the Student Learning Support Unit and vocational assistance through the Transition Department.
The junior curriculum taken by students in Forms 3 and 4 contains two-year core curriculum courses and six month experience courses. Family Forms at levels 3 and 4 take all subjects together as a class.
* If students need extra help with English their teacher will suggest they take Remedial English/Reading in a particular six month block.
After completing Form 4, students choose their subjects for Form 5 from the list available for the next year. This is reviewed and may change to respond to student needs. A Student Handbook which outlines senior subjects and can help students choose courses for Forms 5, 6 and 7, and is published in August each year.
