Years 9 and 10 Curriculum
In Years 9 and 10, our curriculum is designed to build a solid foundation across the five core subjects of English, Mathematics, Physical Education, Science, and Social Science. Additionally, students explicitly develop the capabilities of self-management, communication, collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, and global leadership.
All students entering Year 9 in 2026 will follow the Single Subject Programme. This programme provides a structured approach to learning where each of the five core subjects is taught separately by specialist teachers. Students develop depth of knowledge in each discipline while building the six key capabilities that underpin success in senior school.
Programme Continuation for Current Students
Students who began Year 9 in 2025 in the Integrated Subjects Programme will have the choice to continue with this programme through Year 10 in 2026. The Integrated Subjects Programme takes a cross-curricular approach, where themes and topics connect learning across multiple subject areas.
What All Students Experience
Regardless of programme, all students cover the same five core subjects—English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and Health & Physical Education—and develop the six key capabilities required to support them in becoming successful NCEA graduates.
To complement their core programme, students also select from a variety of specialist subject options including Technology, the Arts, Languages, and Business.
Our Aim
The aim of our Years 9 and 10 curriculum is to provide a rich and varied learning experience that supports students to become passionate, independent learners who are self-motivated and ready to aim for excellence in senior school.
Key Capabilities for the Future
The junior curriculum explicitly focuses on building the skills and attributes students need to navigate an ever-changing world. These following capabilities are central to our vision for learner success and are integrated across all learning areas:
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Collaboration
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Communication
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Self-Management
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Global Leadership
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Critical Thinking
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Creativity
Accelerated Learning Programme
The accelerated learning programme provides opportunities for academically able Year 9 and 10 students to be challenged and extended. Through a differentiated curriculum and tailored support, students are encouraged to think deeply, engage critically with complex ideas, and develop as independent, motivated learners.
Regular enrichment activities, problem-solving challenges, and cross-curricular projects extend learning beyond the classroom, helping to lay strong foundations for future academic success, including NCEA Excellence and NZQA Scholarship.
Sports Academies
For Year 9 and 10 students who demonstrate talent in a specific sport (football, netball, cricket and rugby), we offer a range of skill-based, subject-focussed Sports Academies. These courses blend practical and theoretical learning, covering skill development, game analysis, fitness, nutrition, and sport-specific knowledge.
Please note: Entry to the sports academies is by trial and invitation.
Senior Curriculum (Year 11 to 13 / NCEA Level 1 to 3)
Throughout the senior school, there continues to be an explicit focus on providing students with a holistic education. Howick College supports students to gain high academic achievement and develop the capabilities which allow graduates to engage positively with and participate in society.
From Year 11, students will choose six subjects and be assessed using the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) system. The NCEA qualification is New Zealand’s primary assessment qualification which is recognised and accepted internationally.
In each subject, skills and knowledge will be assessed against a variety of standards. A range of internal and external assessments are used to measure how well students meet these standards. When students achieve a standard, they will gain a number of credits. Students must obtain 60 credits to gain an NCEA Certificate. There are three levels of NCEA Certificate and generally students work through Levels 1 to 3 from Year 11 to 13, but these can be gained over more than one year.
All students are encouraged to pursue high achievement by gaining NCEA with Merit or Excellence. When students perform consistently above the ‘Achieved’ level, their results can be ‘endorsed’ to reflect their high level of commitment and academic excellence. This is recognised through Endorsement Certificates awarded at each level and in each course.
At NCEA Level 3, students will need to obtain a certain number of credits in approved subjects, plus literacy and numeracy, to gain University Entrance requirements.
