Learning at WHS

Years 9-10

Teaching and learning at Whakatāne High School is centred on the eight essential learning areas. The Year 9 curriculum offers students a breadth of subject choice allowing them to begin to specialise in Year 10.

The curriculum for Year 9 begins with the core subjects of English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies and Health and Physical Education. Other subjects are classed as optional, which means you choose. This allows you to try subjects you would like to study but know very little about, or participate in a subject you already enjoy that is not part of the core curriculum.

Progress Statements

Progress in Year 9 at Whakatāne High School is measured both against the New Zealand Curriculum Achievement Objectives and the School Values.

Teachers in each subject area will report against Phase 4 of the curriculum and make a judgement as to whether your child is Emerging, Developing, Consolidating, Proficient or Exceeding. They will also give feedback on areas of strength, next learning steps and how you can help at home.

Across the two years in the Junior School, we aim to show the progress made across the curriculum. It is perfectly usual for your child to be working at different levels in different subjects.

‘Soft’ skills are the personal attributes which enable people to interact effectively with other people. These include skills such as strong work ethic, communication skills, time management, problem solving and team work.

As we work to develop the ‘soft’ skills, now recognised as being as important as academic progress, we will be reporting on the School Values of Respect, Responsibility and Achievement. Teachers will identify whether your child rarely, sometimes, usually or always demonstrates these skills in that subject area. Your child will also be able to reflect and self assess against set indicators.

Pūāwaitanga Programme (ALP)

This programme is suitable for students who are working at a higher level across the curriculum at the end of Year 8. It is important that these students are strong in both numeracy and literacy and capable in Science and the Social Sciences as well.

Schools send curriculum data through with curriculum judgements for reading, writing and maths as well as any standardised testing results.

Students who are not initially invited to join the programme may be identified during the year as being suitable for the programme.

We encourage parents to inquire at the enrolment interview and ask questions about the programme.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

There is no set benchmark for these classes – each year group is looked at individually.
At the end of Year 9 these students may be invited to join the programme again. It is not an expectation that these classes will roll over for Year 10. Data and teacher input is used to decide this.
Students who show ability in one subject area i.e. Maths, will be offered the same opportunities within their mainstream class as the Pūāwaitanga students in that subject.

Marumaru

What are our Marumaru classes?

Marumaru is a core class for Year 9 and Year 10 students, based on whānaungatanga and the promotion of Māori academic achievement and leadership. It provides a supportive learning environment where students are encouraged to build positive relationships, strengthen their cultural identity, develop leadership skills, and receive the academic and pastoral support they need to thrive.

We also embrace:

Karakia
Te Reo Māori me ona Tikanga
Ngāti Awatanga
Mātaatuatanga
Pōwhiri
Kapa Haka
Kaupapa Māori whānui
Strong Kaiawhina Support in classes
The values of Te Aka Matua, woven throughout all learning

Aims

Consistency in staff and expectations to ensure strengthened relationships with students and whānau
Māori academic achievement and leadership is supported
This programme aspires to provide learning experiences for students that values and respects Māori language, culture and identity
Small class numbers
Staff involved will endeavour to prepare students to participate confidently in both worlds, Te Ao Māori and Te Ao Whānui through an integrated curriculum
Te Aka Matua involvement

Year 9 Marae Visit

Every year, all Year 9 ākonga visit our local marae, Te Whare o Toroa, for a cultural experience that lies at the heart of our school identity. This visit is a foundational element of our Local Narrative Framework, which we encourage all Year 9 subjects to weave into their learning programmes throughout the year.

The visit focuses on our connection to our local landscape and our tipuna, Wairaka, and her powerful challenge: “Kia whakatāne au i ahau.”

The Tuakana-Teina Experience

This visit is a living example of our school’s leadership culture. Our Te Aka Matua seniors and prefects guide the experience, welcoming our new teina onto the marae with a pōhiri and serving as mentors throughout the day. This provides our senior leaders with meaningful opportunities to teach and support our younger students.

What Ākonga Experience:

During their time at the marae, students engage deeply with ngā taonga a kui mā, koro mā (the treasures of our ancestors), including:

Pōhiri Tikanga: Learning and participating in formal welcoming protocols.
Mau Rākau & Waiata: Exploring the art of traditional weaponry, song, and movement.
Ngā Kōrero Tuku Iho: Understanding the foundational narratives of our local area and how they connect to the history of our school.

Years 11-13

Secondary school years are about creating future pathways. With excellent teaching staff and responsive, eager young minds such as yours, these years will be well enjoyed. Commit yourself to your learning, stay focused on your subjects and you will achieve excellence at Whakatāne High School.

The senior school allows a seamless mix of academic and vocational subjects which all contribute to the NCEA qualification.

Year 11 students study English, Mathematics and Science, plus three other subjects towards NCEA Level 1. All students are expected to achieve their literacy and numeracy requirements by the end of the year. Year 12 students study six subjects of their choice (with English being strongly recommended) towards NCEA Level 2. Year 13 students study six subjects of their choice. Where appropriate, students in Year 13 are encouraged to enter the NZ Scholarship examination.

How to prepare for Year 9

All enrolments MUST have an enrolment interview. To book an enrolment interview, click here:

OUT-OF-ZONE

The board has determined that up to 39 places are likely to be available for out-of-zone students in Year 9 next year. The exact number of places will depend on the number of applications received from students who live within the school’s home zone. The board has also made the decision that the school will be closed to ALL other out-of-zone applications from Year 10-13 for 2027.

All out-of-zone applications must be received, and an interview held, by 21 October 2026 to be included in the ballot on 22 October 2026 (if required).

Please click on the images below to view our 2027 Prospectus, Year 9 Curriculum Guide and Sports information brochure.