The curriculum

The curriculum at Timaru Girls’ High School currently offers courses leading to established standard NZQA qualifications, including NCEA Levels 1 to 3 and Scholarship. Course flexibility, individual subject choice, personal satisfaction and measurable academic achievement, are all essential components in the educational programme that we offer.

As pupils progress along their educational pathway, specialisation in subject areas allows them to choose courses that are tailored to their developing strengths, skills, talents and interests. The creative and supportive environment provided by the school gives the individual pupil the satisfaction of achieving success which has ultimately stemmed from their own personal choice – a major step towards maturity and adulthood.

During Year 9 all pupils study a number of core subjects. These are English, Mathematics, Health and Physical Education, Science and Social Studies. They also study between three and six optional subjects. These include French, German and Te Reo Maori in the Languages area; Visual Art, Dance, Drama and Music in the Arts area; Business Basics, Food Technology, Graphics, ICT and Materials Technology in the Technology area.

At Year 11 English, Mathematics and Science are compulsory. Pupils choose three additional Level 1 subjects from the following area: the Arts, Languages, Physical Education and Health, Social Sciences, and Technology.

At Year 12 English is compulsory and pupils study four or five additional subjects usually at Level 2.

At Year 13 pupils study five subjects usually at Level 3 and Scholarship.