In Term 2, 3 and 4 our Year 9 Maths students will be working with different employers to contextualise their maths learning. On Monday, 10th March, we welcomed our employers to the school for a launch of this initiative known as Secondary School Employer Partnership (SSEP). All Year 9 classes will be matched with an employer to learn how different maths topics are relevant within a real world, working environment. For example, in term 2, two classes will be learning about Measurement with Hawkins Construction and McKenzie Higham Architects, two classes will be learning about Geometry with Cuttriss Surveyors, two classes will be learning about Multiples, Prime Numbers, Decimals, and Percentages with Nada Bakery and two classes will be learning about Algebra with Meridian Energy. In Term 3 and Term 4 we will have Deloitte, Aquaheat, Sky Stadium, TBI Health, Wellington City Council, Wilson Barbeque, Westpac, and Naylor Love Construction cover other topics in the Maths curriculum. The learning is both inside and outside the classroom and will help students understand “Why am I learning this”, as well as exposing them to new jobs and professions. As we say, “you can only be it, if you can see it”.
Also in Term 2, we are starting our Career Hauora program which will be the key part of Ako time in Terms 2 and 3. This is a 5 year programme from years 9 to 13. In Year 9 the students look at identity, skills, vision for the future, understanding of the importance of school
building the foundations for a career. In year 10 the focus is on introduction to various new pathways, exploring career options and planning for senior school years (e.g., subject choice). In Year 11 the focus is on engaging with the world outside of school starting to think about ‘adulting’ and work readiness, CVs and cover letters, driver licensing, and financial literacy. In Year 12 the focus is on career exploration and investigating a clear plan for next step/s and preparing for life outside of school. In Year 13 the focus is on a individual career journey beyond school, having a clear plan for next steps, practical tools and preparing for life outside of school. Have a look here at an introduction to the Year 9 programme.
Finally in Term 2, our Taster courses will be up and running. This will be an opportunity for students to explore different career options via courses offered at Weltec and Whitireia. These are one or half day courses in things like, carpentry, baking, automotive, electrical, beauty therapy, youthwork, nursing, animal care and vet nursing.