Technology

DESIGN & VISUAL COMMUNICATION

COURSE OUTLINES

• Design & Visual Communication Level 1
• Design & Visual Communication Level 2
• Design & Visual Communication Level 3

DESIGN TECHNOLOGY

Design Technology empowers ākonga to transform creative ideas into meaningful real-world outcomes. Through hands-on learning in our makerspace, students develop practical capability, creative confidence, and the skills to design for people, places, and the environment.

Guided by the Technology learning area and the emerging Resistant Materials Technology curriculum, ākonga investigate materials, explore contemporary manufacturing processes, and develop innovative solutions to authentic design challenges. Learning is grounded in whakaaro auaha – creative thinking, manaakitanga – care and respect, and kaitiakitanga – guardianship of people and te taiao – the natural world.

Using industry-standard digital technologies alongside traditional making practices, students will design, prototype, test, and manufacture engineered outcomes. Practicing  iterative design, stakeholder collaboration, and critical reflection, ākonga build resilience, technical capability, and an understanding of how design can contribute positively to communities and the wider world. Design Technology provides exciting pathways into design, engineering, architecture, product development, and future-focused industries.

Year 11 Design Technology

Design Technology is a hands-on course where creativity, innovation, and technical capability come together. Working in our makerspace and design studio, you’ll design and manufacture products that respond to authentic needs and meaningful contexts. 

You’ll explore familiar and emerging materials, investigating how their properties influence performance, aesthetics, and sustainability. Using CAD/CAM technologies you’ll transform ideas into high-quality engineered outcomes.

Through researching, prototyping, testing, and refining, you’ll learn how stakeholder needs, cultural perspectives, and environmental considerations inform design decisions. Concepts such as kaitiakitanga and mātauranga Māori will guide your thinking as you develop responsible and sustainable solutions. Assessment currently contributes towards NCEA Level 1 through practical and portfolio-based work.

Year 12 Design Technology

Design Technology challenges you to think more deeply about how products are designed, manufactured, and used. Through increasingly independent projects, you’ll create sophisticated outcomes that balance function, aesthetics, sustainability, and user needs.

Working in our makerspace, you’ll investigate advanced materials, contemporary manufacturing processes, and circular design principles while using advanced CAD/CAM technologies to prototype and manufacture innovative products.

You’ll work closely with stakeholders, using research, experimentation, and evidence-based testing to refine and justify your design decisions. Sustainability, kaitiakitanga, and life-cycle thinking are central to the course, encouraging you to consider the wider environmental, social, and cultural impacts of your design choices.

Assessment currently aligns with NCEA Level 2 and recognises students who can independently develop, test, refine, and communicate advanced design outcomes.

Year 13 Design Technology

Year 13 Design Technology offers an exciting opportunity to pursue ambitious, self-directed projects that respond to complex real-world challenges. This course encourages you to think critically, innovate boldly, and work like a professional designer.

Using our makerspace and industry standard digital technologies you’ll develop complex engineered outcomes informed by research, experimentation, and stakeholder collaboration.

Projects are highly personalised, allowing you to explore areas of genuine interest while investigating sustainable materials, emerging technologies, and future-focused manufacturing systems. Drawing on principles of kaitiakitanga and mātauranga Māori, you’ll consider how design can contribute positively to people, communities, and te taiao – the natural environment

Assessment at this level rewards independent thinking, advanced technical practice, critical evaluation, and innovative problem-solving.

Ongoing study pathways at Tertiary Level include; Design, Innovation, and Engineering Degrees.

COURSE OUTLINES

• Design Technology Level 1
• Design Technology Level 2
• Design Technology Level 3

DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY AND COMPUTER SCIENCE

JUNIOR COURSES

Year 9 Digital Design
Year 9 Robotics and Computer Science
Year 10 Digital Design
Year 10 Robotics and Computer Science

COURSE OUTLINES

• Computer Science Level 1
• Computer Science Level 2
• Computer Science Level 3

HARD MATERIALS TECHNOLOGY

This hands-on course combines Technology (Materials Technology) with practical construction and trades skills, giving students the opportunity to design, plan, and build real-world projects. Through workshop-based learning, students develop confidence using tools and equipment, learn safe working practices, and gain valuable skills in measuring, construction, assembly, and finishing. Ideal for students considering an apprenticeship, a future in the construction industry, or tertiary study in areas such as architecture, product design, engineering, and construction management, this course develops practical capability, creative thinking, and problem-solving skills while providing a strong foundation for a wide range of future study, training, and career pathways.

Year 10 Hard Materials Technology Year Planner

COURSE OUTLINES

• Hard Materials Technology Level 1
• Hard Materials Technology Level 2
• Hard Materials Technology Level 3

HOSPITALITY AND FOOD TECHNOLOGY

Year 11 Hospitality

Year 11 Hospitality is a practical, hands-on vocational course designed for students interested in exploring pathways within the food and hospitality industry. The course develops essential cookery skills, kitchen safety knowledge, and an understanding of industry standards through authentic, real-world learning experiences.

Students build confidence in food preparation, cooking, and presentation while learning the importance of food hygiene, workplace safety, teamwork, communication, and effective time management in a professional kitchen environment.

As a vocational programme, learning is assessed through industry-relevant Unit Standards and practical observations. Students demonstrate their skills and knowledge through hands-on tasks, allowing them to gain recognised credits while developing competencies valued by employers and training providers.

Through a range of practical learning opportunities, students gain valuable industry experience and develop transferable skills that support future study, apprenticeships, training opportunities, and employment pathways within the hospitality sector and beyond.

The course encourages creativity, independence, and manaakitanga, empowering students to prepare and serve food for others in a positive, respectful, and professional environment while developing pride in their work and contribution to the wider community.

Year 12 Hospitality

Year 12 Hospitality is a practical, hands-on vocational course designed for students who wish to further develop their culinary skills and explore pathways within the food and hospitality industry. Building on foundational kitchen knowledge, students gain authentic, industry-relevant experience through a range of food preparation, cookery, and service activities.

Students complete Unit Standard 167 Food Safety, developing a strong understanding of safe food handling practices, hygiene requirements, and workplace expectations within a commercial kitchen environment. Throughout the year, students also work towards a range of hospitality Unit Standards focused on knife skills, fruit and vegetables, salads, baking, and international cuisine, enabling them to broaden their practical cookery knowledge and techniques.

As a vocational programme, assessment is conducted through the achievement of Unit Standards and practical observations of industry skills. Students demonstrate their competence through both practical and written tasks, meeting industry expectations while gaining nationally recognised credits that contribute towards future training and employment pathways.

The course focuses on advancing practical cookery skills while continuing to develop confidence, teamwork, organisation, communication, and time management in a professional setting. Through authentic learning experiences, students build transferable skills that support further training, apprenticeships, and employment opportunities within the hospitality sector and related industries.

Year 12 Hospitality encourages creativity, professionalism, independence, and manaakitanga through the preparation and service of food, helping students develop pride in their work and an understanding of the importance of providing quality hospitality experiences for others.

Year 13 Hospitality

Year 13 Hospitality is a practical, hands-on vocational course that extends the skills and industry knowledge developed in Years 11 and 12. The course prepares students for further training, apprenticeships, tertiary study, and employment within the food and hospitality industry by providing authentic, industry-focused learning experiences.

Students refine advanced cookery, café service, and food presentation skills while working to industry-standard expectations in a commercial kitchen environment. The course places a strong emphasis on independence, leadership, teamwork, and professionalism, encouraging students to take increasing responsibility for planning, preparing, and serving food.

Throughout the year, students continue to strengthen their understanding of food safety, customer service, time management, and workplace practices while developing confidence, creativity, and adaptability in a range of practical hospitality contexts.

As a vocational programme, assessment is conducted through the achievement of industry-based Unit Standards and practical observations. Students demonstrate their skills and knowledge through a combination of practical and written tasks, gaining nationally recognised credits while building a portfolio of industry-relevant competencies. These assessments reflect real workplace expectations and provide students with valuable experience in meeting professional standards.

Year 13 Hospitality fosters professionalism, resilience, and manaakitanga, enabling students to provide quality hospitality experiences for others while developing the technical and transferable skills required for success in the hospitality industry and beyond. By the end of the course, students will be well prepared to transition into further study, apprenticeships, or employment and will have developed the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to pursue a career pathway within the hospitality industry.

Café Services – Year 12/13 Combined

Café Services is a practical, hands-on vocational course that provides students with opportunities to build on their food and beverage knowledge while gaining valuable experience in a café environment. The course combines practical kitchen skills with customer service and café operations, preparing students for future pathways within the hospitality and food service industries.

Students develop confidence in preparing and presenting a range of café-style food and beverages while working to industry-standard practices. Learning is applied in authentic, real-world situations as students prepare, package, market, and sell food items, while developing essential teamwork, communication, organisation, problem-solving, and time management skills.

The course places a strong emphasis on customer service, manaakitanga, and workplace expectations, including health and safety procedures within a commercial food environment. Students gain experience interacting with customers, managing service demands, and maintaining professional standards in both food preparation and service.

As a vocational programme, assessment is conducted through the achievement of hospitality Unit Standards and practical observations. Students demonstrate competency through a range of practical tasks and industry-based activities that reflect real workplace expectations, enabling them to gain nationally recognised credits while building valuable employability skills and industry experience.

This course provides excellent preparation for further hospitality training, apprenticeships, and employment opportunities within cafés, restaurants, catering operations, and the wider food service industry. By the end of Year 13, students will have developed the practical skills, industry knowledge, professional attitudes, and confidence required to transition successfully into further study, apprenticeships, or employment and be well prepared to pursue a career pathway within the hospitality industry.

Food Technology / Food & Nutrition – Year 12/13

Food Technology/Food & Nutrition is a practical, creative course that combines hands-on culinary skills with the study of nutrition, health, and well-being. You’ll develop confidence in food safety and professional kitchen practices while preparing nutritious, affordable meals using seasonal ingredients. As you progress, you’ll explore how culture, sustainability, media, and multinational food corporations influence the food we eat and the choices we make.

The course is assessed using Achievement Standards and includes internally assessed written reports and external examinations. Students who complete all Achievement Standards are eligible for Course Endorsement in Home Economics.

This course provides a pathway to further study and careers in Food Technology, Nutrition, Hospitality, Health Sciences, Food Science, Marketing, and Education, while equipping you with practical life skills and the confidence to make informed food choices.

COURSE OUTLINES

• Hospitality Level 1
• Food Technology / Nutrition Level 2
• Food Technology / Nutrition Level 3

TEXTILES TECHNOLOGY

Year 9 Textiles Technology

Create It. Design It. Make It Your Own.

Year 9 is all about building confidence and learning the foundations of textile design and construction. Students explore how ideas become finished products while developing practical sewing skills and creative design thinking.

Students will learn to:

• Work safely and confidently in a textiles studio
• Use sewing machines and specialist equipment correctly
• Develop hand sewing and machine sewing techniques
• Read and follow sewing instructions
• Measure, mark and cut fabric accurately
• Understand different textile fibres and fabrics
• Apply decorative techniques including appliqué, embroidery and fabric embellishment
• Insert zips, sew buttonholes and attach fastenings
• Generate and communicate design ideas
• Evaluate and improve products using stakeholder feedback
• Develop sustainable practices through material selection and reuse

Textiles Technology Year 9 Planner

Year 10 Textiles Technology

Take your skills to the next level.

In Year 10 Textiles Technology, you’ll extend your skills and take more ownership of your design work. You’ll work through the full design process, using research and planning to guide your ideas from concept to finished product.

In this course, you will:

• Develop skills in design, problem-solving, and innovation
• Use functional modelling to test and improve your ideas
• Learn pattern-making and garment construction techniques
• Create up to four different textile outcomes
• Develop your own individual style and project direction

You’ll complete two assessed projects while also having opportunities to explore and extend your skills. This course prepares you for Year 11 Textiles Technology.

Textiles Technology Year 10 Planner

Year 12 Textiles Technology

Year 13 Textiles Technology

COURSE OUTLINES

• Textiles Technology Level 1
• Textiles Technology Level 2
• Textiles Technology Level 3