Learning Areas

English

English is the study, use, and enjoyment of the English language and its literature, communicated orally, visually, and in writing, for a range of purposes and audiences and in a variety of text forms. Learning English encompasses learning the language, learning through the language, and learning about the language. Understanding, using, and creating oral, written, and visual texts of increasing complexity is at the heart of English teaching and learning. By engaging with text-based activities, students become increasingly skilled and sophisticated speakers and listeners, writers and readers, presenters and viewers.  

Mathematics

Mathematics and Statistics help students develop critical thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills. Knowledge and skills acquired in this subject area will empower students in their daily lives and also provide a basis for future career specific training.

The Mathematics department at Matamata College has the objective of ensuring that all our students leave school with at least the required qualifications needed for entrance to University or Polytechnic courses. We employ highly qualified and experienced teaching staff which includes specialists in both Calculus and Statistics. We have designed several courses aimed at maximizing the potential of all our students. The courses offered lead toward NCEA Qualifications and allow students to choose an appropriate pathway and focus for their learning.

Science

Science is a way of investigating, understanding, and explaining our natural, physical world and the wider universe. It involves generating and testing ideas, gathering evidence – including by making observations, carrying out investigations and modelling, and communicating and debating with others – in order to develop scientific knowledge, understanding, and explanations. Scientific progress comes from logical, systematic work and from creative insight, built on a foundation of respect for evidence. Different cultures and periods of history have contributed to the development of science.

Social Sciences

Social Sciences at Matamata College is a community where students explore how societies work and how they themselves can participate and take action as critical, informed, and responsible citizens. In an ever changing world where technology and automation is rapidly advancing it is important to be able to ask critical questions, to be able to explore a range of perspectives, to make judgements, to provide solutions and to have empathy.  Social Sciences explores what it is to be part of this world and gives our students the skills to make informed decisions.  It prepares students for the world!

Physical Education

Social Sciences at Matamata College is a community where students explore how societies work and how they themselves can participate and take action as critical, informed, and responsible citizens. In an ever changing world where technology and automation is rapidly advancing it is important to be able to ask critical questions, to be able to explore a range of perspectives, to make judgements, to provide solutions and to have empathy.  Social Sciences explores what it is to be part of this world and gives our students the skills to make informed decisions.  It prepares students for the world!

Languages

Students build on their interest in a language, progressing continuously while gaining competence in Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing.  Developing students’ knowledge of the culture is also an essential component of studying a language.  Students will continue to consolidate and increase their vocabulary and grammar knowledge over the course of their studies. Consequently, when students reach Years 12 and 13, they would have acquired the language skills to communicate on a much deeper level.

The Arts

The arts are powerful forms of expression that recognise, value, and contribute to the unique bicultural and multicultural character of Aotearoa New Zealand, enriching the lives of all New Zealanders. The arts have their own distinct languages that use both verbal and non-verbal conventions, mediated by selected processes and technologies. Through movement, sound, and image, the arts transform people’s creative ideas into expressive works that communicate layered meanings.  

Technology

Technology makes enterprising use of knowledge, skills and practices for exploration and communication, some specific to areas within technology and some from other disciplines. These include digitally-aided design, programming, software development, various forms of technological modelling, and visual literacy – the ability to make sense of images and the ability to make images that make sense.

Totora Learning Centre

At Totora Leanring Centre, our staff are a compassionate, dedicated, and professional group of teachers and Learning Support Assistants who believe that everyone, irrespective of their skills and physical limitations, deserves and has the right to an education that will stimulate, consolidate and extend.