Academic Programme

Onehunga High School’s curriculum is based on the principles of the New Zealand Curriculum. The final decision on all courses rests with the Principal.

Our Curriculum outline provides a summary of all the courses that we offer at school.  Courses offered are subject to student selection.

Academic Programme 2024

YEAR 9

All students follow the same basic course. Subjects studied all year are English, Science, Social Studies (including Te Ao Māori), Mathematics and Physical Education and Health. Students need to choose 4 electives. You need to choose 2 electives from "Arts" subjects and 2 "Technology" subjects.

Students are also required to select a language option which is studied all year. Language options are Te Reo Maori, Chinese, French, Samoan or Tongan. Extra English support is available for students from non-English speaking backgrounds.

Year 9 - Elective Booklet

 YEAR 10 - 13 Academic Programme

YEAR 10

Students continue to study English, Mathematics, Physical Education, Health, Science and Social Studies all year. Students also study either 4 electives or a language and 2 electives. Electives run for half a year each. Students can choose from:

Arts: Dance, Drama, Photography, Music or Visual Art

Technology: Food and Hospitality, Digital Technologies, Product Design, Elementary Woodwork, Architectural Design

Business:  Business Studies, Media Studies, Money Matters

Languages: Chinese, Samoan, Te Reo Māori, Tongan

Physical Education: Athlete Development Programme

YEAR 11 

Year 11 students’ study six subjects – English, Mathematics, Science and three other subjects. Subjects offer Achievement Standards and/or Unit Standards towards Level One NCEA.

 YEAR 12

Year 12 students study English and five additional subjects. Most Year 12 students work towards Level Two NCEA. Prerequisites apply to many subjects indicating the minimum level of performance required to gain subject entry

YEAR 13 

Most students in Year 13 work towards NCEA Level Three. Again prerequisites apply to many subjects indicating the minimum level of performance required to gain subject entry. It is important that students take courses designed to facilitate their transition from school to tertiary study or work.

Multi-level study is an important component of the school curriculum. Senior students may, with approval from Heads of Department, combine NCEA Level One, Two and/or Three subjects. For more detailed information about selecting courses for 2024 can be found here.