Kaikorai Valley College- School Curriculum
At Kaikorai Valley College, our curriculum is designed to inspire curiosity, foster growth, and prepare students for life beyond school. From Year 7 through to Year 13, our learners benefit from a seamless, engaging, and inclusive educational experience that combines core learning with broad exploration, supported by strong pastoral and academic guidance.
In Years 7 and 8, students are based in homerooms led by trained teachers who guide their development in reading, writing, languages, social studies, health, and mathematics. For these subjects, students are grouped by ability to ensure learning is well‑matched to their needs. They also engage with specialist teachers in vibrant modules covering science, physical education, and creative and practical disciplines such as art, drama, music, digital technology, food, design, textiles, robotics, dance, and te reo Māori. These classes take place in purpose-built learning spaces—well‑equipped laboratories, art studios, a music suite, drama theatre, gymnasium, and information centre—ensuring a rich, hands-on start to secondary school.
By Years 9 and 10, all students study compulsory subjects such as English, mathematics, health, science, Aotearoa New Zealand histories, financial literacy, te reo Māori, physical education, and careers education alongside a suite of elective courses. These electives range across arts, technology, languages, sport and wellbeing, sciences, social sciences, and even our unique urban farm. This framework ensures that every student completes core learning while exploring personal interests and gaining breadth in their studies. Opportunities in drama technology, languages, outdoor education, food studies, design, and environmental learning provide a dynamic, high-interest programme tailored to diverse needs.
From Year 11 onward, students build towards National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA). In Year 11 they choose six subjects to meet NCEA Level 1 requirements, including literacy, numeracy, and a mix of three core and three elective courses. They might select from English, mathematics, science, social sciences, arts, languages, physical education, digital and visual technologies. In Year 12, students study four subjects toward NCEA Level 2 and may choose academic, vocational, or mixed options. They are supported to gain University Entrance literacy credits and to develop vocational pathways. The Year 12 programme includes study one day a week at Otago Secondary Tertiary College (OSTC), work experience, outdoor education, first‑aid, community service, and hands‑on projects—including those on the urban farm.
By Year 13, students select courses matched to their pathway objectives, whether academic, vocational, or work-based. There are no compulsory subjects at this level. Students often sit Scholarship exams, build their tertiary entrance profile, or pursue vocational qualifications. They may continue with OSTC, Gateway workplace learning, or STAR unit-standard short courses, supported by practical experience and career planning.
Throughout every year level, Kaikorai Valley College offers structured, expert-led support to guide each student’s learning journey. Teachers design personalised learning pathways, adapt teaching to student strengths and interests, and monitor progress closely. Our curriculum reflects the values of PRIDE—Participation, Respect, Inquiry, Diversity, and Environment—while embracing culturally responsive practices and genuine whānau partnerships. Whether nurturing a Year 7 student discovering new passions, guiding a Year 10 learner through career choices, or refining a Year 13 scholar for tertiary or vocational success, KVC provides rich, relevant, and purposeful education.
Our curriculum is not just about subjects; it’s a journey shaped by relationships, opportunities, and purposeful learning. Here, every student is supported to discover their strengths, grow their confidence, and prepare for a future beyond school.