Our congratulations to Mikaya and Alina who competed bravely at the Eastern Zone prepared speech competition, at Santa Maria College recently. The girls were chosen as the ‘best of the best’ speakers from MHJC’s inter whanau speech competition. Thank you parents, teachers and friends for supporting this event.
On Friday, students in Mountains Whanau were teachers… leading a weaving workshop!
Mountains’ Maori and Pasifika students attended a weaving workshop at the Botanical Gardens earlier this term. They are now bringing this knowledge back to MHJC and sharing it with their peers.
Very soon the 2016 Olympics will be over. What an amazing spectacle it was. After the feats of Usain Bolt start to fade, important reminders for me were:
Not everyone can get a medal however we can all be satisfied by improving our personal best;
The most disappointed people were spectators and journalists with unrealistic expectations;
Sometimes effort and sacrifice is rewarded;
How well the human race responds to new challenges and records set the bar even higher;
How important simple gestures of affection and humanity transcend all other sporting moments.
I cannot resist the opportunity to reinforce what we do at MHJC:
Provide opportunities for our students to challenge themselves to succeed. Encourage everyone to reflect and improve their performance. To strive for excellence but remember to be humble in victory and gracious in defeat. And always show good sportsmanship – thank the officials, supporters and other competitors, without them there would be no event!
I look forward to the Paralympics which for me is an occasion which celebrates an even greater ideal of the inner spirit overcoming physical disability. Prepare to be inspired!
Growing greatness – kia mana ake.
Year 10 Subject Options 2017
Please select 4 option subjects but you will only study 2. This is because some Options may not be offered if only a few students select it, or some Option course may be over subscribed.
Please note the following selection restriction that is applicable to the Technology Options, and Visual Art/Design & Visual Communication.
Technology (Digital, Hard Material, Fabric, Food)
– students can select a maximum 1x technology subject within their first two choices
– students can select a maximum 1x technology subject within their two back up choices
Visual Arts and Design & Visual Communication
– students can select one of these subjects within their first two choices
Year 10 Business Studies
Business Studies enables you to look and appreciate the issues that challenge business in a rapidly changing world. As citizens it is important that you are able to make informed and rational decisions about business matters.
In Business Studies your year will be broken up into three sections; business studies, economics and accounting. This enables you to get a taster of each before heading into Level One.
In Business Studies you will be looking at different products, target markets and how they are sold. This will lead onto a NCEA Standard which allows you to gain 4 credits. Accounting will allow students to explore financial statements and make decisions about whether the business should continue or not. Finally, Economics will allow students to look into supply and demand.
Business contexts often offer opportunities to integrate learning across a number of different subjects or learning areas and has strong links to everyday life. Business Studies offers opportunities for practical and creative thinkers as well as for those interested in money!
Year 10 Media Studies
In Media Studies you will learn to explore media concepts with critical awareness and have practical experience in production work. This course can give you essential skills and expertise as you progress to senior Media Studies, and beyond.
You will develop the ability to communicate confidently as you work in production groups developing media products such as short films. You will develop flexibility, problem solving and openness to new ideas. You will experience “hands-on” use of technology such as cameras and digital editing software.
You will be able to critically interpret a wide range of media. Your group project experiences will enhance your problem solving skills and ability to use your creative skills to produce a finished product to fit a brief.
Year 10 Visual Arts
This option focuses on practical art-making. In Visual Arts opportunities will be given for you to express yourself effectively and extend your range of skills, knowledge and techniques using a variety of media and processes. These may include drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture and design using both traditional and contemporary approaches.
You will be encouraged to use technologies, including emerging applications in digital media within your work.
You will also be required to keep a Visual Arts diary and can expect to be assessed both
formally and informally on your practical knowledge, understanding and skills throughout the
course. There will also be an opportunity to participate in a Level One NCEA Achievement standard which focuses on using a range of wet and dry media.
*This option is a prerequisite if you are considering taking Graphics at senior level, as Graphics is part of the Visual Arts programme – not to be confused with D.V.C.
http://www.studentartguide.com/articles/reasons-to-study-art
Year 10 Graphics (Design and Visual Communication)
Design and Visual Communication (DVC) is a main communication tool, it is an international language therefore, it enables students to show their ideas avoiding languages barriers.
The Year 10 DVC course lays the foundation for Year 11 DVC and future years and it is based on the Year 9 DVC course, though no previous experience is required to take this option, it is ideal as a continuation of Year 9 DVC.
DVC combines the important educational aspects of communication and creative problem solving. This course will give students the chance to develop their own solutions to realistic design problems through the application of a design process. They will also get the skills to precisely communicate their solutions, by applying a range of Graphics Modes;
It is directly related to the dramatic technological developments that have occurred in today’s society, and involves fields such as;
This is a course with the emphasis placed on creativity and individual choice, developed to meet the needs of today’s students and tomorrow’s citizens. The programme is developed around briefs that are based on realistic and thought provoking situations. This course stimulates students’ self confidence, self esteem and pride in achievement through enabling them to reach personal success.
DVC is taught through to Year 13 level and further study is available at Technical Institutes and Universities in such areas as architecture, graphics design, engineering, interior design, advertising, computer graphics etc.
Students will have the opportunity to gain 6 credits in NCEA Level 1 towards Technology, Visual Arts, Graphics and Design.
Year 10 Food Technology
This course involves using technological practice to develop food solutions that meet a design brief. You will co-construct your focus area and develop your own design brief. You will have the opportunity to work individually or as a member of a team working on a small group design brief. You will have to design, develop and test your ideas until you find a solution to meet your brief.
You will develop skills to become a supportive team player able to undertake research accessing a variety of sources. You will be able to produce written and practical evidence to support your development work.
The variety of skills you will learn at Year 10 Food Technology lead smoothly on to Year 11 and beyond.
Year 10 Hard Materials Technology
This course involves working within a context to develop technological products. It builds on the Year 9 General Technology Course. You will generate ideas that will allow you to develop a range of outcomes. In the development of your ideas you will be investigating existing products to identify the key attributes that make products successful. You will make mockups or models that can test your ideas, then use a range of hard materials to develop those ideas into a final outcome.
You will learn new skills and knowledge and develop strategies to embrace challenge. You will have the opportunities to work on individual projects and group projects.
You will have the opportunity to develop a wide range of skills and knowledge that will prepare you for NCEA Level 1, 2 and 3. There are many Technology related careers and University courses that have Technology as an entry subject. You will also have the opportunity to sit an NCEA Achievement Standard to gain credits as you work through one of your projects.
Year 10 Fashion and Design
This course involves developing a range of outcomes related to Fashion and Design. You will learn about the Fashion trends of the past and how they have influenced Fashion today. You will develop knowledge and skills to make items that meet a given Design Brief or Challenge following the Design Process.
You will explore who you are in a conceptual form and learn the skills of design, including looking at digital designing. You will then transfer these new design skills and look at ‘who you are’ to influence the design and making of a ‘personal item’. This will allow you to express yourself in a unique way, while also gaining fundamental design skills and more specialist construction skills.
You will conduct some research into your culture and heritage to find similar existing products, suitable materials and learn how to manipulate a range of different materials. After the introductory project you will be given the opportunity to Design and Make items suitable for a personal project or you may wish to get involved in a community project. Or enter a competition such as the local schools Wearable Arts Competition and/or the National Brother Design Stars Competition.
You will also have the opportunity to sit NCEA Achievement Standard 91060 Demonstrate understanding of basic concepts used to make products from textile materials or Achievement Standard 91045 Use planning tools to guide the technological development of an outcome to address a brief.
Year 10 Digital Technology (Electronics/Coding)
Digital technology is a University approved course and in secondary schools continues to Year 13. As this is a new, Year 10 option course for 2017 students and will begin with an introductory unit which will equip them with the required skills to proceed to programming and use of microcontrollers with the intended outcome of being able to design, manufacture and programme an autonomous robot.
The course will be project based, concentrating on enquiry learning and ‘learning by doing’ and will incorporate these areas of digital technology (as well as safe and competent use of workshop machinery and power tools)
The course is biased towards practical outcomes but students must be prepared to complete all areas of the course including theory and assignment work. Students who opt to take this course do not need any prior knowledge or experience of electronics or programming a willingness to learn and a strong work ethic is required. Students taking this course will have the opportunity to participate in relevant NCEA level one digital technology achievement standards.
Year 10 Drama
In Year 10 Drama you will build on some of the performance skills developed in Year 9 such as Drama Techniques, Drama Elements and Drama Conventions. You will work in groups to develop performance pieces and perform for students at MHJC and the wider community. There will be an opportunity to participate in an NCEA assessment and to prepare for option choices at Year 11.
You will learn to work with a wide range of people in various situations. You will develop your communication abilities and confidence in public forums. An interest in performance techniques and creating original work for an audience would be of benefit but these skills will be taught during the course so are not essential. Enthusiasm and a willingness to try everything are essential.
The skills acquired in Drama can be fed into any number of pathways. Being able to speak with confidence in a public situation is an invaluable asset in many other subject areas that involve discussion and presentation. Being able to work cooperatively and creatively in a group develops excellent problem solving skills that can be applied to many areas.
Year 10 Music
Year 10 Music will see a development of the skills learned in Year 9. Practical work will largely focus on group and solo performance as well as song composition. The course will involve an NCEA unit based on digital aspects of music using programs such as MuseScore and Ardour. You also will have the opportunity to record one of your own songs. There will be an element of the theory of minor and major scales and the investigation of chords in a key.
Learning to develop confidence when performing is a huge part of music at year 10 and plenty of opportunities, both formal and informal will be offered as an opportunity to shine.
Year 10 Spanish
Spanish is one of the most widely spoken languages, there are more Spanish than English speakers in the world. There are over 350 million native speakers of Spanish in twenty two countries. The Year 10 Spanish course teaches not only a lively and expressive language, but a fascinating and different culture.
Students will have the opportunity to learn:
Our Year 10 Spanish students learn through;
Learning Spanish will give students the possibility to understand other Latin based languages like Portuguese and Italian. Year 10 Spanish is a preparatory year to go further and study Spanish at a professional level giving you the chance of having a success.
Year 9 Options 2017
Please select 4 Option Subjects but you will only study 2. This is because some Options may not be offered if only a few students select it, or some Option course may be over subscribed.
Please note the following selection restriction that is applicable to the Technology Options, Languages and Visual Art/Design & Visual Communication.
Technology (Digital, Hard Material, Fabric, Food)
– students can select a maximum 1x technology subject within their first two choices
– students can select a maximum 1x technology subject within their two back up choices
Visual Arts and Design & Visual Communication
– students can select one of these subjects within their first two choices
Languages (Spanish, Mandarin)
– students can select one of these subjects within their first two choices
Year 9 Drama
In Year 9 Drama you will build on basic performance skills such Drama Techniques, Drama Elements and Drama Conventions. These skills will assist them in performing in a range of situations.
There will be an opportunity to create props and costumes for Drama. You will learn to work with a wide range of people in various situations. You will develop communication abilities and confidence when performing in public.
An interest in performance techniques and creating original work for an audience would be of benefit but these skills will be taught during the course so are not essential. Enthusiasm and a willingness to try everything are essential.
The skills acquired in Drama can be fed into any number of pathways. Being able to speak with confidence in a public situation is an invaluable asset in many other subject areas that involve discussion and presentation. Being able to work cooperatively and creatively in a group develops excellent problem solving skills that can be applied to many areas. There is a $10 charge associated with this course to cover materials for mask making.
Year 9 Music
In Year 9 Music you will develop as a musician on your chosen instrument. You will further develop your experience and skills in performance, both solo and in a group. You will learn to set up stage equipment such as speakers and mixing desks. You will also experience writing your own song. There will be an element of theory in terms of learning major and minor scales as well as working out chords in a key.
There will be a chance to use digital audio software to create original mixes.
Year 9 Mandarin
The Year 9 Mandarin course covers language and culture; exploring both modern and traditional aspects of China. Students will experience a variety of learning opportunities, such as stories, games, Chinese celebrations, Chinese history, Chinese culinary, Chinese craft and art, and school trips. Authentic learning experience and e-learning will be embed in daily lessons.
Students will learn to
This course is open to both native speakers of Mandarin and non-native speakers. It will cater for the needs of individual students and ensure they progress further in their own pathways.
Native speakers of Mandarin will
Year 9 Spanish
Spanish is one of the most widely spoken languages, there are more Spanish speakers in the world than English speakers. There are over 350 million native speakers of Spanish in twenty two countries. The Year 9 Spanish course teaches not only a lively and expressive language, but a fascinating and different culture. Learning Spanish will provide the possibility to understand other Latin based languages like Portuguese and Italian.
Students will have the opportunity to learn:
Our Year 9 Spanish students learn through:
Year 9 Visual Arts
Students will given opportunities to develop ideas, skills and techniques in drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, design and time based art through a series of practical projects representing a variety of contexts.
Year 9 Visual Arts is for students who wish to:
‘While Art continues to be a desirable option for students wishing to pursue ‘traditional’ creative careers, such as Architecture, Interior Design or Painting / Fine Art related professions, the internet has seen an explosion of exciting, new roles emerge.’
http://www.studentartguide.com/articles/reasons-to-study-art
Year 9 Graphics: Design and Visual Communication
Design and Visual Communication (DVC) is a main communication tool, it is an international language therefore, it enables students to show their ideas avoiding languages barriers.
DVC combines the important educational aspects of communication and creative problem solving. This course will give students the chance to develop their own solutions to realistic design problems through the application of a design process. They will also get the skills to precisely communicate their solutions, by applying a range of Graphics Modes:
It is directly related to the dramatic technological developments that have occurred in today’s society, and involves fields such as:
This is a course with the emphasis placed on creativity and individual choice, developed to meet the needs of today’s students and tomorrow’s citizens.
The programme is developed around briefs that are based on realistic and thought provoking situations. Students will use graphics skills to develop, record and communicate individual and innovative solutions in a variety of ways.
This course stimulates students’ self confidence, self esteem and pride in achievement through enabling them to reach personal success.
Year 9 Food Technology
This course involves using technological practice to develop food products that meet a design brief. You will have to design, develop and test your ideas until you find a solution to meet your brief.
You will learn to think creatively and to work independently. You will develop skills to become a supportive team player able to undertake research accessing a variety of sources. You will be able to produce written and practical evidence to support your development work.
The variety of skills learnt in Year 9 Food Technology lead smoothly on to Year 10 and beyond. These skills will help with production of work in other curriculum areas and problem solving skills, developed through the design briefs, will be of use across the curriculum.
Year 9 Hard Materials Technology
This course involves developing outcomes to meet a given brief. In the development of your outcome/s you will make models or mockups that will test your ideas prior to working through the construction process. You will have the opportunity to use a range of hard materials to produce your final outcome – choosing the best materials that will enable your outcome to be “fit for purpose”.
This course requires creative and critical thinking. You will enhance your patience, enthusiasm and ability to work individually and in a group.
The variety of skills and knowledge you develop will lead you into the Year 10 Technology course. You will also be able use the knowledge you develop in Technology in other curriculum areas.
Year 9 Digital Technology (Electronics/Coding)
Digital technology is a University approved course and in secondary schools continues to Year 13. This MHJC course will align to the digital technology section of the Technology Curriculum.
The course will be project based, concentrating on enquiry learning and ‘learning by doing’ and will incorporate these areas of digital technology (as well as safe and competent use of workshop machinery and power tools)
The course is biased towards practical outcomes but students must be prepared to complete all areas of the course including theory and assignment work. Students who opt to take this course do not need any prior knowledge or experience of electronics or programming but a willingness to learn and a strong work ethic is required.
Year 9 – Fashion and Design
This course involves developing a range of outcomes related to Fashion and Design. You will learn about the Fashion trends of the past and how they have influenced Fashion today. You will develop knowledge and skills to make items that meet a given Design Brief or Challenge following the Design Process.
You will explore who you are in a conceptual form and learn the skills of design, including looking at digital designing. You will then transfer these new design skills and look at ‘who you are’ to influence the design of a ‘personal item’. This will allow you to express yourself in a unique way, while also gaining fundamental design skills and more specialist construction skills.
You will conduct some research into your culture and heritage to find similar existing products, suitable materials and learn how to manipulate a range of different materials. After the introductory project you will be given the opportunity to Design and Make items suitable for a personal project or you may wish to get involved in a community project. Or enter a competition such as the local schools Wearable Arts Competition and/or the National Brother Design Stars Competition.
Year 9 Media Studies
In Media Studies you will learn to explore media concepts with critical awareness and have practical experience in production work.
This course can give you essential skills and expertise as you progress to senior Media Studies, and beyond. You will develop the ability to communicate confidently as you work in production groups developing media products such as short films. You will develop flexibility, problem solving and openness to new ideas. You will experience “hands-on” use of technology such as cameras and digital editing software. You will be able to critically interpret a wide range of media.
Your group project experiences will enhance your problem solving skills and ability to use your creative skills to produce a finished
product to fit a brief.
Year 9 Social Enterprise
“What is Social Enterprise?
A social enterprise is a venture that uses a business model to create social and environmental value. Social enterprises generate income through trading products or services, and the majority of any revenues are reinvested back into their core mission. ” (Inspiring Stories)
Social Enterprise is ‘doing charity by doing trade’. A social enterprise company is any for profit or non-profit organisation that applies strategies to achieving philanthropic goals. Social enterprises would consider themselves to have social objectives.Social enterprises do not aim to offer any benefit to their investors, except where they believe that doing so will ultimately further their capacity to realise their philanthropic goals.
You will be involved in exciting project work and you can interact with people in New Zealand and around the world.
I would like to urge our community to ensure that enrolment applications are handed to reception in good time. Much of our planning and in particular staffing is based on the data we collect before the end of this term so accuracy is important.
The Board of Trustees has indicated that Out of Zone applications may be considered for 2017. This is in response to a number of families, particularly from Mission Heights Primary School who have found themselves to be outside the new zone created by the Ministry of Education to cater for the opening of Ormiston Junior College next year. They had originally bought homes inside our zone with the intention of attending MHJC so the board felt the need to support their application. We wish to keep families and community together – whanaungatanga.
It is also important to remind the community that if you have a sibling at the college and your home used to be inside the zone your child may remain at the college and siblings are entitled to enrol without going into the ballot.
“Growing greatness; Kia mana ake”
Congratulations to the Winners of our 2016 AIMS Games Raffle:
1st Prize – Sharp Top Mount Refrigerator with Champagne Silver Finish valued at $1049
Winner: Tracey Smith
2nd Prize – Health Basket valued at $300
Winner: Lorraine Davis
3rd Prize – Spices Thai Restaurant Botany Junction gift voucher valued at $100
Winner: Bevin Adamson
