Junior Curriculum
Welcome to the Junior Curriculum at Hastings Girls' High School - Ngā Rau Huia O Ākina
Our Junior curriculum is designed to ignite curiosity and foster a love of learning in every student. Focused on key ideas like Change, Identity, and Creativity, we encourage students to explore the world around them while developing essential skills in literacy and numeracy. Through a mix of core subjects and exciting electives, students have the opportunity to learn in a way that reflects their interests and strengths. With our unique hub-based learning approach, students are supported by dedicated teachers and given the tools they need to thrive both academically and personally.
Our Curriculum, Our Learning
Junior students select a learning hub for each year. Our Junior curriculum begins with big ideas and enduring understandings that are central to us as human beings, a society, and a global world. With our hub-based approach, students thrive in an engaging, purposeful learning environment, supported by collaborative teaching teams. Together, we build the foundation for future success.
Over two years, curriculum study explores concepts such as Change, Identity, Social Justice, Sustainability, Belonging, Curiosity, Creativity, and Survival. Learning combines cross-curricular understandings with specialist knowledge and skills.
All students continue to develop Literacy and Numeracy skills across our 5 learning areas of Science, Mathematics, English, Social Studies and Physical Education and Health. Our teaching staff are committed to developing strong literacy and numeracy skills for Junior students to ensure success at NCEA. Teachers engage in professional development to enhance these foundational skills.
Students needing extra assistance are identified early, and support plans are implemented. Our Learning Support Coordinator, SENCO, ELL specialist, and (some bilingual) Teacher Aides work together to ensure every student has the tools they need to succeed. For those requiring additional help, smaller learning support groups provide targeted assistance.
Enrichment opportunities are available to all students through classroom activities and EOTC (Education Outside the Classroom). Additionally, students may take NCEA subjects in areas of strength, participate in debating, and robotics.
During their time in the junior school, students have the opportunity to choose from a range of electives that may vary from year to year. These electives include Visual Arts, Sports Science, Outdoor Education, Business Studies, Performing Arts, Te Reo Māori and Technology in Year 9. Year 10's have additional electives of Nutritional Technology, Design and Visual Communication, Music, Dance and Maker Technology.
How does a Hub work
Our Junior School consists of five learning hubs, each centred on a unique theme that integrates learning across subject areas. This focus helps students connect their learning to real-world concepts and personal interests.
Each hub supports a Year 9 and a Year 10 class, allowing students to engage deeply with age-appropriate learning experiences. Core subjects such as Science, Mathematics, Physical Education, Social Studies, and English are taught by subject specialists.
The school day is divided into blocks, with each block focusing on a core learning area. Learning within the blocks connects across subjects, intentionally bridging knowledge and skills through the hub's focal point.
Junior Hub Overview
Hastings Girls' High School - Ngā Rau Huia o Ākina is recognised for its innovative and responsive curriculum design. Our place-based local curriculum is tailored to the interests, skills, and strengths of our students, fostering confidence and a love of learning. Teachers collaborate to create a rich, integrated curriculum that enables students to develop skills and knowledge through a shared focal point.
Hub Choices
Pacific Connections
In the Pacific Connections Hub, you’ll explore the rich languages, vibrant cultures, and traditional songs and dances of Aotearoa and the Pacific Islands. This hub offers a unique opportunity to delve into the values, beliefs, and stories of Māori and Pacific cultures, helping you connect with your own cultural identity and place in the world.
Through your core subjects, you will examine themes such as identity, customs and traditions, and the connections across the Pacific Ocean that shape the world we live in today. Engage in topics such as Māori and Pacific values and protocols, environmental issues, political perspectives, and my land, my identity, while participating in activities like kēmu Māori, performance, and music.
This hub invites you to immerse yourself in the past, present, and future of these rich cultures, fostering a deep understanding and appreciation of our Pacific heritage. Dive into this meaningful journey and let it inspire your learning through a powerful cultural lens.
The Living World Hub
In The Living World Hub, you'll embark on a journey to understand and protect the natural world. This hub is perfect for students who are curious about the science behind our environment and want to make a positive impact. You’ll explore how we can monitor, measure, and improve the health of our planet for the benefit of everyone.
Through hands-on experiences, collaborative projects, and in-depth research, you’ll gain insights into topics such as biodiversity, environmental conservation, sustainable living, and human impact on ecosystems. This hub also integrates Mātauranga Māori, allowing you to learn from traditional knowledge and connect it with modern conservation practices.
Whether you’re studying wildlife habitats or exploring solutions to environmental challenges, this hub will inspire you to take an active role in shaping a sustainable future. Unleash your curiosity and make a difference through The Living World Hub!
The Creative World Hub
In The Creative World Hub, you’ll immerse yourself in a vibrant exploration of creativity through arts, performance, and waiata. This hub is designed for students who are passionate about expressing themselves in imaginative and artistic ways.
You’ll delve into a rich blend of activities, from painting and photography to dance, drama, and music, while also connecting with Māori culture through Te Ao Haka. Whether you’re mastering techniques in visual arts, composing your own music, or performing on stage, you’ll develop skills that celebrate creativity and self-expression.
Throughout the year, you’ll work collaboratively, engage in exciting projects, and showcase your talents through performances and exhibitions. You’ll also explore the deeper themes of whakapapa, tūrangawaewae, and whanaungatanga, fostering a connection to identity, community, and cultural storytelling.
Discover how creativity can inspire and enrich your learning journey in The Creative World Hub, where your ideas come to life!
Exploring the Outdoors
In the Exploring the Outdoors Hub, you’ll connect core subjects to real-world outdoor experiences, perfect for students with a passion for adventure, nature, and exploration. This hub provides hands-on learning opportunities where you’ll gain practical skills, deepen your knowledge of the environment, and develop a greater appreciation for the natural world.
Explore topics such as conservation and kaitiakitanga, survival skills, geology, and astronomy while tackling challenges like navigating with maps, mastering water safety, and learning to thrive in rivers, oceans, forests, and mountains. You’ll also develop essential teamwork, trust, and self-reliance through hiking, camping, and outdoor activities that immerse you in Aotearoa’s diverse landscapes.
This hub combines physical development, outdoor education, and critical thinking, fostering resilience, leadership, and confidence as you become a citizen of the natural world. Discover how the outdoors can inspire and enrich your learning while building skills that will last a lifetime.
Note: This Hub has a charge to cover the cost of travel, accommodation, and food for trips throughout the year.
Contemporary Innovation
Are you passionate about design, entrepreneurship, and making a difference? The Contemporary Innovation Hub is designed for students who love exploring creative ideas to solve real-world problems and improve the world around them.
In this hub, you’ll develop skills in creativity, problem-solving, and innovation through core subjects, with hands-on opportunities to design, create, and produce your own products. Explore areas like architecture, product design, fashion, advertising, and food technology, while also gaining insight into business concepts like marketing, financial literacy, and sustainability.
Work with experts from within our school and the wider community as you bring your ideas to life through prototyping, planning, and market testing. You’ll also explore how innovation drives progress, from developing impactful solutions to creating sustainable enterprises.
This hub empowers you with the skills and knowledge to become a confident change-maker, ready to innovate, lead, and showcase your projects throughout the year. Dive into the Contemporary Innovation Hub and turn your creative vision into reality!