ENGLISH - (Language A)

In English, students read and write for a range of different purposes, developing research and presentation skills, building on their understanding of how texts are constructed. Students develop their written and oral communication skills using a variety of contexts and genre.

LANGUAGE B

In Modern Languages, whether beginning a new language or continuing with one previously studied, students will develop the four core skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking. Students will use a wide variety of texts, audio material and videos and have classes with a native speaker. We encourage girls to begin communicating more independently. We foster awareness and understanding of and respect for other languages and cultures.

HUMANITIES

Humanities has as its aim the understanding of our world and our place in it. In order to gain that understanding we study the interactions between humans and environment and the impact they have on each other.

SCIENCES

Sciences are ways of investigating, understanding and explaining our natural, physical world and the wider universe. In each year of Sciences in the Middle School, the girls work to develop their practical skills using a variety of equipment. They plan experiments and use their mathematical skills to process the data collected to draw relevant conclusions. Each year level studies a number of different units derived from the four science strands of the Living World, Planet Earth and Beyond, Physical World and Material World.

MATHEMATICS

The Years 7 to 10 Mathematics Programme covers the content and skills from both MYP Mathematics and the New Zealand Curriculum. Mathematics follows a ‘spiral' curriculum, revisiting topics to reinforce earlier understanding and gradually increasing the difficulty level. Years 7 and 8 Mathematics is designed as a two year course where some topics are spread over two years; other topics are taught each year. From Year 9 classes are streamed based on prior knowledge and PAT results. Individual differences are planned for by the class teacher and there are opportunities for class support, enrichment and extension activities at all levels.

TECHNOLOGY

In 2011, each class in Year 7-9 will take Technology as a compulsory subject. Classes will rotate through two different topics over the year, focusing on a different technological area / context: (e.g.: Materials, Electronics). Students will be involved in a variety of activities with given scenarios to ‘problem solve'. These result in the development of a model, prototype, system, or product outcome. Not all topics will have an individual ‘take home' aspect as some may be group-based or client-focused. Below are examples of current topics taught which may be offered in 2011. Topics covered in units of work, particularly in Year 10, may differ from year to year depending on the interests and capabilities of students, opportunities, needs, resources and the like.

VISUAL ARTS

The aim of the Years 7-10 Art Course is for students to develop an enthusiasm for and a confidence in Art making, building on the skills acquired in each successive year. The artistic fundamentals that students develop in each year form a foundation on which to build further skills and understanding of the MYP Arts Curriculum.

DRAMA

Drama is part of our everyday lives and serves a variety of purposes. It enables us to understand ourselves, the people around us and the world in which we live, enriching the lives of individuals and giving voice to communities.

MUSIC

Music is fully integrated within the curriculum at Queen Margaret College, and students have abundant opportunities to benefit from music programmes at varying levels, whether in class, individual lessons or the many extra-curricular activities. Each year in Music, girls will develop skills of reading and writing music. They will both compose their own music and perform other compositions on a range of instruments. These activities will help further their understanding of how music is constructed. They will research, listen to and develop an appreciation of a range of music from different eras and cultures. Additional extra-curricular musical opportunities are also provided for playing and singing.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Physical Education is a holistic subject where the girls examine both their Hauora (wellbeing) as well as the Hauora of others. Students learn through, in and about movement and develop effective communication and social skills. By the time the girls reach Year 10 in Physical Education it is hoped that they will be able to take on leadership roles.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Religious Education is at the heart of the "special character" of Queen Margaret College. It allows opportunities for students to experience learning and thought in religion; notably Christian, but also in other faiths.