Senior School

Te Kura Tuarua o Te Kauaeranga – Thames High School offers a wide range of courses, supported by a dedicated staff and a strong focus on personal growth. With a broad curriculum and inclusive environment, we help taiohi (young people) reach their potential and prepare for success in an pathway they choose.

 

Below are the bell times:

 Student Course Selection 

Students will need to sign in to their portal using this link https://thameshigh.school.kiwi/. In the student portal students can view information on their courses with their parent / caregiver until it is time to choose their subjects.

Parents / caregivers can also access their parent portal to view and help their young person/ taiohi choose courses. 

Students will receive advice and guidance about option selection in their whānau / rōpū. This advice adds to any careers education modules students complete or further advice our careers adviser, Ms Ardern.

We will have a presentation for Year 9 and Year 10 student by the Heads of Department to explain the different subjects next year.

The students and parents will be informed of the deadline to complete option selections. Kaitiaki and Kaiāwhina will follow up on anyone who hasn’t made their choices by then.

Making choices on time is important, we need to know what we can offer next year. Back up options are needed as timetable clashes are always likely. If insufficient students choose some subjects then they cannot be offered next year. Some subjects may be filled and will not be able to accept any more students.

Students are encouraged to seek advice about their selections with classroom teachers, Rōpū/Whānau Kaitiaki, Kaiāwhina and Parents/Caregivers/Whānau. 

If you feel you require more information, please contact the Rōpū/Whānau Kaitiaki to arrange a time to discuss.

FAQ 

Senior Course Selection 

What if I don’t know what I want to do when I leave school? 

That’s ok, it’s quite normal. Choose subjects  you like and may have seen success in before. Make sure you have a wide selection so that you have pathway options in the future. 

Why do I have to take English, Mathematics and Science (Year 11)? 

At Year 11, we believe that these subjects are essential to link through to many of the future years’ courses and careers. These make up part of the wide selection to allow you to have future pathways.

BUT if you have agreement with you parents, kaitiaki and kaiāwhina then – with advice – science can be opted out of, for another subject that is relevant.

What if I am unsure about which course to choose? 

Make sure you read the course description and also discuss this with your current teacher. Check the pathway diagram in the course details to see which of these two courses leads onto further studies that are required in your future pathways. 

I want to take three courses in Physical Education, is that Ok? 

It is great that you are wanting to be active, but this would limit your options for your future pathway within school and beyond. Choose one or two only. 

How many credits do I need for NCEA Level 1? 

Students need to achieve at least 60 credits at level 1 or above. Students must also complete the co-requisite award for Literacy and Numeracy.

See the Useful Information – NCEA details 

How many credits do I need for NCEA Level 2? 

Students need to achieve at least 60 credits at level 2 or above AND the co-requisite award for Literacy and Numeracy.

How many credits do I need for NCEA Level 3? 

Students need to achieve at least 60 credits at level 3 or above, AND the co-requisite award for Literacy and Numeracy.

Can I take a Gateway course? 

At Year 11, Gateway is not an option. At Years 12-13, Gateway is available by application. Please talk with Mrs Donovan about this if you are interested. 

What if the course I want to do is not shown in my course lists? 

You may be able to do this course through online learning, you will need to talk with Mrs Sawyer about this\