In 2000, Gisborne Boys’ High School took on a leading educational role by introducing the Junior Graduation Programme to the Gisborne area.
Junior Graduation ProgrammeWe saw this as a very positive development for assessment, as the programme is designed to prepare students for the rigours of NCEA and other national qualifications. This programme encourages students to improve their skills in order to achieve. The graduation programme focuses on the little things that all students need to do in order to be able to succeed academically.
The focus of the Junior High School Graduation Programme is to promote and foster:
• Self management
• Attitude and behaviour
• Completing classwork
Students are taught and regularly assessed at their own level. They are constantly monitored and parents receive reports each term. Boys must prove that they have a desire to learn and the ability to work at their appropriate level before they are given entry to the next year level. We take education seriously and provide every opportunity for students to achieve their goals.
Parents of students who have been through the programme are delighted at the way it
helps their sons to set goals and how it allows them to measure their son’s successes. The graduation programme’s potential to improve the performance of students has been recognised nationally and emulated by a number of other schools
The Junior curriculum is designed to provide a sound general education while giving students the opportunity to prepare for future specialisation in a wide range of subjects.
YEAR 9
Core Curriculum: English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Physical Education/Health (all 4 periods per week), Information Technology, Materials Technology (1/2 year each, 2 periods per week)
Options: Art, Music, Te Reo, Japanese, Spanish, Graphics and Design, Business Studies, Food Technology, Drama, Ancient Civilisations, Reading Support.
YEAR 10
All students continue to take English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies (all 4 periods per week), Technology, Physical Education/Health.
They also have the opportunity to pursue the options they may have started in Year 9 and develop in option classes so that they can study these courses in NCEA classes.
Our top stream Year 10 classes study and enter for NCEA L1 Science and Visual Art. Graphics, Physical Development, Workshop Technology, Horticulture, Design Technology, Information Technology (computers), Economics, Whakairoa, Visual Arts and Art Design. Students may also become involved in one of the schools of learning (School of Outdoor Pursuits, Construction, Agriculture, Automotive Technology, Metal Engineering, Catering.
Classes are at NCEA Level 2 and may contain achievement standards and unit standards and are structured to meet student needs.