All students are placed in a ‘Learning Advisory’ group of about 12 students, with a Learning Advisor. Students remain in that learning advisory group (with one teacher) for the time they are at Mana College. Learning Advisory time occurs 2-3 times a week.

2 learning advisory groups combine to form a class, for the following courses:

• Place-Responsive Curriculum (English, Social Studies, Maths and Science)
• PE and Health
• Maths
• Some options

Both Year 9 and 10 have a range of options they can choose from. All Year 9 students rotate through 5 options on an 8 weekly cycle. There are 4 other options that they can choose 2 of to study in more depth.

At Year 10 similar options are offered and students can choose 4 options to study over the year.

Year 9 students also have one STARS period a week, where they work with Year 12/13 mentors.

Academy time occurs in a block for 2 periods a week. Approximately 24 academies are offered across the school, and are generated primarily out of student interest, with some led by students. Academies focus on developing key skills and capabilities, with some offering NCEA credits. Academies consist of students from Year 9-13.

Place Responsive Curriculum at Mana College is a form of integrated learning, that connects our young people more closely to the communities we live in, by prioritising engagement and authentic learning experiences.

VISION

The Mana College’s Place-Based Curriculum draws upon our local environment people and places to support the development of:

-awareness of cultural identity;

-active citizenship;

-knowledge of place and history;

-mutually beneficial community connections that develop new knowledge.

Through this curriculum Mana College students will develop the dispositions (way of thinking), capabilities and knowledge needed to re-generate and sustain our communities.

Context of learning for Year 9 and 10