English is a core subject which provides the language skills and experience, which are essential to all learning and in all areas of life.  It is a foundation for most careers especially where oral and written communication is important.  English is a prerequisite for many professions including: law, teaching, journalism, politics, marketing, radio, television etc.  As a core subject, English is recommended for medicine and other science based tertiary courses where report writing and research are required.

Through a wide range of topics students develop essential skills around reading, writing, communication and meaning.  There is emphasis on critical thinking, transactional writing and multi-modal literacy skills necessary for progression both within and beyond school.  Practical skills covered include: formal, report, creative and essay writing, comprehension and deeper thinking strategies, and visual/verbal literacy skills.  Students have the opportunity to participate in ICAS English competitions, national spelling bees, and inter-school debating and speech competitions.  Students are actively encouraged to participate in authentic learning contexts such as school and community publications and writing workshops with published authors and public figures.

Mathematics is a core component of modern education.  Mathematic skills are essential for problem solving and decision making in the 21st century.  Students that specialise in Mathematics benefit from having a rigorous qualification at the end of schooling.  Mathematics is a core prerequisite for numerous tertiary courses and careers.  Trident High School offers students of all abilities suitable pathways of courses from Year 9 to 13.

Students develop flexibility and creativity in applying mathematical strategies to everyday life.  Students will develop the ability to reflect critically on the methods they have chosen.  Problem solving, reasoning and communicating mathematical ideas are learned and assessed through the skills of Number, Measurement, Geometry, Algebra and Statistics.  Students also have the opportunity to participate in the ICAS competition and the Maths Mind Competition.

Science is both a process of enquiry and a body of knowledge.  It is an integrated discipline. Our Year 10 curriculum focuses on the Nature of Science strand, which is centered on students developing scientific skills and attitudes and using these to make sense of the world around them.  Our programs of learning also incorporate Matauranga Maori, which takes many forms such as traditional knowledge of cultural practices and environmental knowledge. This involves the students learning about healing medicines, fishing and cultivation practices, astronomy, as well as concepts used in cooking and building.  Students will also have the opportunity to participate in extension activities, with the opportunity to go further if successful.

Social studies gives you the skills to participate in an increasingly global society.  It encourages critical thinking, an appreciation for the past, and an awareness of current and future issues such as sustainability and climate change.  In today’s world it is essential to understand different perspectives and Social studies allows students the opportunity to explore different ways of viewing the world.

Social Studies is about people; who they are, what they do and how they change. Our Year 9 and 10 programmes focus on local and national contexts particular to Whakatāne and Ngāti Awa, as well as global contexts. We focus on the strands of identity, culture and organisation, place and environment, continuity and change, and the economic world, and will incorporate the new NZ Aotearoa Histories curriculum. These are achieved through the development of skills of inquiry,

critical thinking, exploration of values, and opportunities for social action.

This course leads on to senior courses in Geography, History, Business Studies, and Community and Social Investigation.

Our core Physical Education and Health programme is run through two practical sessions and one theory session each week. It is designed to allow everyone the opportunity to be involved in a range of physical activities and learning experiences related to your well being. You do not have to be an amazing athlete to do well in Physical Education, you need to have a great attitude and be supportive of your peers and their learning. You will experience a range of activities including times where you will choose the context you learn through. Developing excellent self management skills is a key component of our programme and as you are well aware by now, wearing PE gear is compulsory (even if ill or injured). Physical Education is about more than just the physical, it is about developing your support and empathy towards others through an understanding of strengths and weaknesses. It is also about realising how our actions can impact those around us and how our own attitude can dictate the type of experience we have.

Our Health classes provide learning opportunities to give you knowledge on how to make Health enhancing decisions as you navigate your life journey.  Overall, we want you to grow your understanding of how being active can positively influence all aspects of your Hauora (taha tinana (physical), taha wairua (spiritual), taha whanau (social) and taha hinengaro (mental and emotional).