At Year 9 All Students Study
- English, Health and Physical Education, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Foods Technology (two terms), Materials Technology (two terms – choose either Hard or Soft Materials)
- Computer Applications (one term – choose either Computers or Robotics)
- Business Studies (one term)
- Two Arts courses (two terms each – select two courses from the list below)
- One Language course (two terms – select your first and second choice from the list below)
MATERIALS TECHNOLOGY OPTION COURSE INFORMATION
Select ONE Materials Technology course (two terms)
Hard Materials: Students have the option to design, develop and construct projects using wood, metals, plastics and electronics. Students will learn correct construction methods and knowledge of material processes.
Soft Materials: Students will design and develop fashion garments or accessories using a range of fabrics. Students will learn construction techniques and material processes.
COMPUTER APPLICATIONS COURSE INFORMATION
Select ONE Computer Applications course (one term)
Computers: This course aims to help students to progress their computer skills and knowledge in image manipulation, web design, desktop publishing, spreadsheets and cybersafety.
Robotics: This course aims to help students to progress their computer skills and knowledge through a robotics focused context. It involves a hands-on approach in which students learn how to build and program a robot.
ARTS OPTION COURSE INFORMATION
Select TWO of the following Arts courses (two terms each)
Drama: This course aims to introduce students to basic acting techniques and practical drama skills through group work, improvisation, script work and theatre history. The course will explore elements and conventions used in devising drama based on traditional stories, while the theatre history studied is Greek theatre.
Drama and Dance: This course is designed for students with a special interest in performing as dancers or actors. It aims to introduce students to aspects of dance and drama performance techniques and the specialist associated vocabularies and processes. Students will study the theatre form of Clown and create their own character. Students will work in small groups to choreograph original dance works.
Music: This course is a general introduction to music. Activities include developing skills on the guitar, using music technology and learning basic music theory. Students who already have skills on an instrument should consider Music Academy class.
Music Academy: This course is ideal for students who already have experience on an instrument. Activities include rehearsing music in small groups (eg rock band or chamber group), using music technology and learning music theory. A short audition is required to be considered for this course.
Pacific Arts: This course offers a selection of visual arts and craft, including activities from Maori, Aboriginal, Pasifika, Asian and New Zealand cultures.Visual Arts: This course offers a range of theoretical and practical art-based activities. It includes a selection of drawing, design, painting and art history.
LANGUAGE OPTION COURSE INFORMATION
Select a 1st Choice and a 2nd Choice – ONE Language course is studied in Year 9 for two terms.
Chinese: Modern Standard Chinese (Mandarin). Students will be working at Curriculum Levels 1 and 2. The Hanyu Pinyin (romanised) writing system will be used in conjunction with Chinese characters. Cultural aspects will be integrated with the teaching of the language. By the end of this course students will be able to speak, read and type in Chinese about themselves and their family.
ELS English: English Language Support. Extra support is provided to cater for students who are speakers of other languages. This course develops reading and writing accuracy and speaking and listening skills. It may last for one half year (two terms) or for the whole year for those students who require further development in one or more language skills.
German: This course aims to develop basic communication skills related to daily life situations. It involves listening, speaking, reading and writing activities in ways which are fun. Cultural aspects are also included.
Japanese: This course is a general introduction to Japanese. An equal weight is placed on language and cultural components. By the end of the course students will be able to write and type in Japanese script and talk about themselves, their families, school and weather. Etiquette, calligraphy, manga, anime and the Japanese school system are some of the cultural points explored. Students who take Japanese will be given priority for the exchange programmes to Japan.
Māori: This course gives students an introduction to both the Māori language and culture. There is a strong emphasis on oral language with listening, reading and writing skills also incorporated.ADDITIONAL PROGRAMMES
Lynfield College has an excellent reputation for its well established programmes for very able students and for those who are requiring learning support or second language support.
LEARNING SUPPORT PROGRAMME
Identification of learning difficulties and ongoing monitoring of progress are the key elements. Some students may be eligible for in-class help, individual or small group tuition and individual education programmes. Specialist staff work with the students and are in regular contact with parents and other appropriate outside agencies.
ADVANCED LEARNERS PROGRAMME
We seek to provide a programme which allows acceleration and enrichment in core subjects at a junior level. At the present time our most able academic students in Year 10 are offered a full NCEA Level 1 course in Geography and Science as well as some standards in Level 1 English and Mathematics.
These students are also encouraged to extend themselves through a variety of external exams, competitions and submissions.
ESOL PROGRAMME
Students with ESOL needs are catered for. Those with very limited English language are placed in an intensive English language programme where the students spend a large part of their day. The aim of this programme is to raise the students’ level of language so that they may be placed into regular classes. Language skills are acquired and strengthened through classes in ESOL, Reading, Social Studies, Science and Mathematics.
Students who are capable of mainstream study, but who require language support, will study 9ELS as an option for either two or four terms.