Academics at EOHS
Te matauranga o waho
At East Otago High School students in the junior school, Years 7-8, experience all of the Essential Learning Areas including the core subjects of English, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies. This prepares them for life in the senior school where they will have the opportunity to specialise, preparing them for tertiary education or a place in the workforce.
In Years 9 – 10, students have a two-semester programme. Students get to choose the topics they are going to study, rather than a subject. We have seen a huge increase in motivation in our students, since this programme was introduced.
In the Senior School, Years 11 – 13, a variety of choices are available and guidance will be provided by the school’s careers team and at the senior option nights. Students are asked to plan their courses of study with care so that students at East Otago High School leave as many doors as possible open for their futures.
East Otago High School prides itself on its wide range of subjects and is always happy to discuss individual pathways for students
Find out more information about each department below.
In English, we promote the basics of reading, writing and speaking as we strive to turn our students into confident communicators.
Year 7-8
In Year 7 and 8, we study stories and students are encouraged to develop a love of reading through the East Otago High School Reading Challenge as well as building up their writing skills through using programmes such as The Writer’s Toolbox. Students also create speeches to develop their communication skills and many students enter the annual Speech Competition.
Year 9-10
Over a two year cycle we run eight different English options for our composite classes of Year 9/10 students covering topics such as War Poetry, Thrillers, Identity and Survival. Students study a range of texts to develop their English and Communication skills and are encouraged to read for pleasure and build up their writing skills. The Year 10 students also prepare for the recently introduced literacy co-requisite tests which are taken in May and August as part of the preparations for NCEA.
Senior students study NCEA courses with a particular emphasis on gaining University Entrance literacy in Year 12 and those Year 13 students who study English at Level 3 focus on gaining 14 credits or more for tertiary study.
The Mathematics Department offers inspiring, comprehensive, dynamic, practical courses catering for the individual needs of all students. The Year 7–10 courses cover Number, Algebra, Measurement, Geometry, Statistics and Probability, giving the students a wide grounding in all topics. In Years 9-10 students are given options of which Maths topics they would like to learn about, such as maths in the future, engineering, and maths computers and logic. Check out the Junior Curriculum booklet for more details.
In Year 11 all students, in consultation with parents and teachers, opt into a course in mathematics according to their ability level – we offer two different courses: a foundation course that is designed to give students practical and relevant mathematical skills for everyday use at home or in the workplace and the aim is to pass the Numeracy NCEA pre-requisites and a higher level course involving algebra and problem solving for those intending to continue Maths into Year 12.
For Year 12 and Year 13, the courses are set up to further extend mathematical minds leading towards tertiary study and career pathways.
Right throughout the school the student’s progress is tracked and specific needs are identified. Support is offered in several ways: student support personnel, differentiated learning tasks, computer programs, and tutorials if required. The department encourages students to engage and progress to the best of their abilities.
Students are encouraged to develop motor skills through movement, acquire knowledge and understanding about movement and develop positive attitudes towards physical activity.
Students will be supported to develop understandings, skills and attitudes that enhance their interactions and relationships with other people.
Finally, students will be encouraged to create healthy communities and environments by taking responsible and critical action.
Social Studies is integrated throughout all levels of our school, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the world around them.
Years 7-8
Social Studies is taught within homeroom classes, following an odd/even year structure. Students explore a variety of topics, including Aotearoa New Zealand’s history, natural disasters, and consumer rights. The curriculum is designed to help students develop a deeper understanding of current events and their broader context.
Years 9-10
At this stage, Social Studies is delivered by specialist teachers through engaging courses. The odd/even year structure continues, with topics ranging from Mythbusters and Making a Difference to skills for living and exploring geological features in the Hills to Sea course. These courses emphasise preparation for NCEA, equipping students with essential skills for their academic progression.
History
History is available at all NCEA levels (Years 11-13). The curriculum includes a range of skills, from essay writing and source interpretation to in-depth historical research. Students study various subjects, gaining a profound understanding and appreciation of historical events and their relevance to contemporary issues. They also explore geological and natural phenomena on a global scale.
Business Studies
Introduced in 2014, this Year 11 subject combines business studies and economics achievement standards. We are also developing a Young Enterprise group as part of this course.
Geography
Offered at all NCEA levels, Geography is a popular subject at EOHS. Students engage in skills such as mapping, graphing, and geographic research. Topics include Extreme Natural Hazards, Population Studies, and Resource Sustainability in our local area. With 25 credits available, this course has a strong track record, including two scholarships awarded.
Economics
Currently available through Correspondence School and Video Conferencing classes.
The Technology Department at East Otago High school consists of a multi-material based workshop with facilities for fabricating Wood, Metals and Plastics. Other facilities include an attached Design and visual communications room and a Food & Fabrics room. All facilities are well equipped for Technology at all levels.
At Year 7 and 8 all students will be involved in a 13 week module for Hard Materials, Information Technology and Food Technology via Home Economics. There is also an option for Fabrics Technology to be a part of this module.
For Years 9 and 10 students are able to choose Materials Technology and a Foods based Technology for one or two semesters throughout the year. These will centre around a specific context which student activities will be based around. Digital Technology is an option for Semester Two.
In Year 11, 12 and 13 students can choose to study Home Economics and/or Bcats to gain Level 2 and 3 achievement standards.
The Arts are a powerful form of expression that recognise the value of and contribute to the unique bi-cultural multicultural character of New Zealand, enriching the lives of all New Zealanders.
Our Arts curriculum encompasses all 4 disciplines. Music, Visual Art, Dance, and Drama.
Music
Core Music is available to all students from Year 7 to Year 13, offering comprehensive opportunities for instrumental learning through our Instrumental Music program.
In Years 7 and 8, students begin their musical journey with foundational instruction in instruments such as ukulele and keyboards. They explore composition by creating diverse soundscapes and original musical pieces with professional applications. Additionally, students delve into orchestral instruments and the role of music in film.
Our Year 9 and 10 courses are semester-based, designed to scaffold students in essential musical skills necessary for success in NCEA. Courses include School Of Rock for group performances, East Otago Idol for solo performances, Beats and Pieces for original song creation, and Life’s A Stage for those interested in musical productions.
In NCEA Music, students deepen their understanding of music theory, develop solo and ensemble performance skills, and participate in live performances throughout the year. Emphasis is placed on analysing music to discern elements contributing to successful compositions, preparing students to create their own original works. Our NCEA program provides real-world musical experiences, equipping students for careers in music or professions utilizing musical expertise.
All courses and resources are available for students and families to access remotely at the official Music department website at eohsmusic.weebly.com. Throughout the year, there are opportunities for students to attend professional visiting performances.
Visual Art
At Year 7 and 8 all students will be involved in a 13 week module for Art. Students will cover a range of themes from Still life through to Portraiture over the two year cycle. Students will also have an opportunity to work with air dried clay, soft pastels ,crayon and dye , printmaking, collage, charcoal and paint, as well as exploring how different cultures express their creativity.
For Year 9 and 10, students are able to choose Visual Arts for one or two semesters throughout the year. Each semester will centre around specific themes for example painting school murals and/ or development of skills and knowledge in different mediums and genres from photography using cell phones and school cameras through to painting, collage ,mixed media, clay and printmaking.
In Year 11, 12 and 13 students can choose to study Visual Art and gain Level 2 and 3 achievement standards as well as producing a folio of their work.
Students will also have opportunities to enter Art competitions and potentially have their work displayed around the school, in the community and featured in the school newsletter, school magazine and our facebook page .
Extra Curricular Arts opportunities
Other activities throughout the school week contribute to the life of the school and include:
Cultural Extravaganza
This encompasses all disciplines of the Arts curriculum.
Choir
This is held during an afternoon form-time and is available to all students who enjoy singing. Students gain the opportunity to perform at various events throughout the year, including events both within the school and out in the wider community.
Instrumental Music Lessons
Students have the opportunity to learn a wide range of instruments. Instruments include flute, saxophone, violin, double bass, trumpet, guitar, keyboards, and drums. Lessons are held during school time.
Orchestra
The orchestra is currently made up members of the wider East Otago community, and welcomes High School students to learn and play orchestral instruments alongside them. It is held every Monday in the Music Room.
Rock Bands
The music department is set up with 2 practise rooms that students can utilise during their intervals, lunches, and free periods. Students have the opportunity to perform at events including the Smokefree Rockquest. Rock Band mentoring is available.
Dance Group
This is held during lunchtime and is available to all students who enjoy dancing.
Musicals and Productions
Students with a passion for performing are given opportunities to prepare and present well-known stage productions/musicals for the wider community. Previous successfully staged musicals include Footloose and Beauty & The Beast.
Year 7 and 8 Science
The Year 7 and 8 Science programme focuses on the Nature of Science and introduces learners to scientific concepts and skills that allow them to describe and explain everyday phenomena. The emphasis is on practical hands-on activities and the development of science literacy skills. As well as local curriculum experiences such as the Flying High Balloon project, Aquvan visit, Orokonui Ecosanctuary field trip, Science Roadshow.
Year 7 and 8 Science is a two year programme (odd and even years).
Odd year topics include Nature of Science, Ecology, Energy and Matter.
Even year topics include Nature of Science, Electricity, Chemical reactions, Predator Free NZ.
Year 9 and 10 Science
Introduces learners to a wide range of scientific concepts and ideas that will help them develop a more in-depth understanding of the world around them. Two modules are offered each semester and these cover aspects of the Material, Living and Physical worlds.
Odd Year modules: Human body systems, Up, Up and Away (Flight), Clean and Green, Who dunnit (Forensics).
Even Year modules: Car Science, Kitchen Science, Meet the elements, Our world.
Year 11 Science
The Year 11 Science programme aim is for learners to develop a greater understanding of a range of science concepts and to further develop their ability to make connections between the science taught in class and the world around them. The course includes learning the skills and big ideas that are foundational for NCEA Level 2 Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
Topics include:
Living World: Biology investigations, Life processes, Ecology, Genetics
Material world: chemistry vocabulary, structure and conservation of matter, chemical reactions.
Physical world: scientific method, physic calculations, mechanics and electricity basics.
Year 12 -13 Science
Learners have the opportunity to study NCEA Level 2 and 3 Biology, Chemistry and Physics, leading towards tertiary study and career pathways. (see course selection booklet for more information).
EOHS offers a Te Reo programme from year 7—10.
During Year 7 and 8, students have a Te Reo lesson once a week for two terms. The programme is based on an odd/even year cycle. Even year focus is on Kai (food) and odd year focus is Te Marae (the marae). Alongside the Vocabulary and Tikanga of these topics students build a basic Kupu Hou (word bank) of greetings, simple questions about their families friends and classroom.
The Year 9 programme builds on the basics covered in the junior school. They study sentence structure and simple conversations. Year 9 students have two periods of Te Reo for two terms. One group focus on Matariki and the second group study Parihaka.
Te Reo at Year 10 is an option. Students have two periods a week for the full year. Students at this level work more formally making use of the text books Te Reo Take Take and Te Matapuna. The programme is focused on preparing students to have the confidence and skill to study for NCEA Level 1 by correspondence.
There is always close liaison with the local marae.
East Otago High School offers a broad curriculum with specialist teachers and modern facilities. Year 7 and 8 students have the benefits of a homeroom structure providing security and this is enhanced through the larger school structure.
Homework
We have a “Google Classroom” for each of our classes. This is the medium by which homework is carried out.
Students will be expected to go to the “Classroom” and answer the questions posed there. They need to contribute at least one comment per subject. (There is an English section as well as a Social Studies one.)
Our expectation is that students will think in-depth about their response. Reading other students’ ideas and typing in their own contributions will help improve literacy skills which are so essential to all learning.
If internet or computer access is an issue computers are available in A Block at interval and lunchtimes. The computer room is also open every lunchtime except Fridays.
In addition, Maths homework is done via an online programme called “Maths Buddy”. Each week students will be assigned tasks to complete and a time frame in which to do this. Students are expected to complete this work in their own time. If internet access at home is an issue for your family students can do this work at school at interval or lunchtime. Computers are available in the Year 7 & 8 block, library or computer room.
Often tasks will be accompanied with instructional videos to help the students if they have forgotten the work covered in class.
At the bottom of the home page for this website are links for “Speed Tests” and “Time Tables” which we encourage students to challenge themselves with as this will aid their retention of basic Maths facts and their progress in this subject.
Your support in encouraging your child to use this website regularly is appreciated.
Computers
Students have extensive access to technology at school including sets of chromebooks dedicated to the Year 7 and 8 classes. The computer suite is available at lunchtime for students’ recreational or homework needs. Online access is available via personal log-ins. Students’ devices can be linked to the school network on request.
Specialist Subjects
Students rotate through the following subjects during the year. This ensures that all students cover all the subjects in the New Zealand Curriculum.
Te Reo (Maori), Materials Technology, Home Economics, Music, ICT, and Visual Arts
Spelling
Each student will have 10 words to learn each fortnight. These words are taken from students’ writing and topic lists as appropriate. Parental help ensuring this happens would be appreciated. These words are kept in the students’ homework diaries. Tests are held every fortnight.
Basic Maths Facts
Ready recall of basic addition and subtraction as well as knowledge of the multiplication tables is essential for success in our Mathematics programme.
Library
East Otago High School has a designated Librarian, who supports class programmes, and is available to help students during interval and lunchtime. Students are also able to become “Student Librarians” and help with issuing books at break times.
Current Events
Events occurring locally, nationally and internationally are discussed in form classes and students are encouraged to become aware of major happenings. There is a current events test each week.
Lunchtime Activities
A wide variety of lunchtime activities are provided. This includes access to the school swimming pool in Terms 1 and 4. Students are encouraged to be actively involved as much as possible. Students have access to the computer room, library, and sports equipment during this time as well.
Cultural and Sporting Opportunities
East Otago High School offers a range of cultural and sporting activities including: Kapa Haka, Choir, Orchestra, and a variety of sports teams. If students are interested in becoming involved in these activities their first point of contact is their Form Teacher.
Guidance Counsellor
East Otago High School has a school counsellor and is available for consultation. Students wishing to see the counsellor can request an appointment by filling in the appropriate form available from the school office. Wherever possible these appointments will be scheduled to have minimum impact on classroom learning.
Health Nurse
A Health Nurse visits school regularly and students may email her directly or make appointments through the office.
Student Council
Two representatives from each form class are elected as their class representatives on the school student council. This provides a forum whereby students may become actively involved in the running of the school and suggest new initiatives.
Peer Support
This programme runs for one period a week during Term One. Year 13 students work with small groups of Year 7s in a mentoring role.
Absences
Any information regarding absences from school must be given to the form teacher or the school office.
Leaving School Grounds
Students may not leave the school grounds without permission or signing out at the office.
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