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2026 Studies Guide

Mike Boomer —

As we begin to plan for 2026, students are asked to start thinking about their subject pathways and choices for next year. The 2026 Studies Guide contains information about individual subjects and outlines of the different course content and assessments. It is organised in this way:

Each 'course' contains:

  • any entry criteria

  • introduction

  • content

  • skills

  • assessment

  • (and in some cases) Course Costs

For new Year 8 students moving into Year 9, you will receive information directly from Ms Welsh, the Year 9 Dean, over the next couple of months.

Access the 2026 Studies Guide HERE or from the school website.

IMPORTANT DATES

  • Tuesday 12th August- Curriculum Evening in the school Hall from 4pm-6pm

    • this is an opportunity to ask any questions about individual subjects

    • it is an opportunity to see what is available

    • Heads of Departments, Deans and Careers staff will be available to answer questions

    • for longer conversations it will be an opportunity to make appointments for follow up discussions

  • Friday 22nd August- Monday 25th August- Senior academic reports to be published 

  • Friday 22nd August- Year 10, 11 and 12 students will receive a Subject Selection email

  • Friday 29th August- Year 10,11, and 12 subject selections due

 WHAT SHOULD I DO AT THE MOMENT?

Last week at the senior Assembly, we introduced the concept of "ikigai" as a possible tool for students to think carefully about their subject choices for next year. They should think about:

  • What am I passionate about?

  • What am I good at?

  • What can make a living from?

  • What does the world/community need?

At the moment students should:

  • Apply the model to see if it helps your thinking and planning

  • Use the 2026 Studies Guide to check what courses are available

  • Use the 2026 Studies Guide to check entry criteria for courses you are interested in

  • Check your academic results, your Term Two academic report, (and when available) check your Term Three academic report

  • Check how you will meet any subject entry criteria

  • Talk to your parents, teachers, kaitiaki for guidance

  • Make sure you attend the Curriculum Evening on Tuesday 12th August

  • If needed, make an appointment with Careers

KEY THINGS TO REMEMBER FOR 2026

  • NCEA is a multi-level model. That means you should consider a mixed course of subjects across more than just one NCEA level depending on your needs, academic skills and pathways.

  • If you need guidance or help to make your plan, we have staff here to help- reach out.

  • Choosing a subject because your friend chooses it, is not a great criteria to use.

YEAR 12 STUDENTS MOVING INTO YEAR 13

  • Remember that we have removed three subject options- Hospitality, Recreation and Sport, and Industrial Technology. But we still have pathways for you.

  • Instead of Hospitality- consider Food Technology at Level Two or Three, consider Dual Pathway at Ara in Level Three Bakery, Cookery, or Level Two courses in Hospitality Cookery and Beverage.

  • Instead of Recreation and Sport- consider Physical Education, Health, Outdoor Education, Outdoor Education (Local).

  • Instead of Industrial Technology- consider Technology Achievement Standards at Level Two or Three, consider Dual Pathway at Ara in Level Two Plumbing or Electrical Engineering or Automotive Engineering or Construction or Level Three Carpentry.

  • We also have Dual Pathway opportunities through Avon City Ford and National Trades Academy.

  • For students who successfully apply and are accepted into the Ara Dual Pathway programme, we will run a three-day programme here at CBHS targeted at reaching any Literacy or Numeracy thresholds you have not yet met, Employment Skills, workplace digital literacy skills, as well as some Physical Education. We will also try to supplement this with Gateway (work experience) opportunities. This allows students to be fully involved in school, co-curricular activities and events throughout the year.

  • For more information about courses, possibilities and application dates, please see Mrs Connolly in Careers. 

YEAR 11 STUDENTS MOVING INTO YEAR 12

  • Focus on your current academic achievement

  • Research the entry criteria to get into different subjects but do not be afraid to try something new

  • Begin talking with your parents and teachers about your ambitions, skills and aspirations

  • Look at the Ikigai Model

YEAR 10 STUDENTS MOVING INTO YEAR 11

  • Focus on your current academic achievement

  • Begin talking with your parents and teachers about your ambitions, skills and aspirations

  • Look at the Ikigai Model