The curriculum offered at Darfield High School enables every student to participate in the eight Learning Areas of the New Zealand Curriculum, in order to gain the knowledge and understanding needed for a broad and balanced education. They provide the context within which knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values are developed. Subject combinations are arranged to suit the majority of students. Courses will run provided that there are sufficient students to form a class, that staffing is available, and that the requested combination of classes can be timetabled. If a class size is too small to timetable, it may be possible for the student to be enrolled through Distance Learning. National Certificates, National Examinations, and NCEA are available from Level 1 to Level 3. Acceleration and flexibility are possible, as students can select from any NCEA Level course. It is strongly recommended that students speak with their Dean to find the best fit for them and their future pathways.

English is the study, use, and enjoyment of the English language, communicated orally, visually, and in writing, for a range of purposes and audiences and in a variety of forms. It is creative and critical, receptive and productive. In Aotearoa New Zealand, the study of English incorporates mātauranga Māori and considers our place in the Pacific.

Ko tōu reo, ko tōku reo, te tuakiri tangata. Tīhei uriuri, tīhei nakonako. Your language and my language are expressions of identity. May our descendants live on and our hopes be fulfilled.

Mathematics is the exploration and use of patterns and relationships in quantities, space, and time. Statistics is the exploration and use of patterns and relationships in data. These two disciplines are related but involve different ways of thinking and solving problems. Both equip ākonga with effective means for modeling, analysing, and interpreting the world in which they live.

Science involves generating and testing ideas and gathering evidence to understand, explain, and develop knowledge about the natural world. Scientists do this by making observations, carrying out investigations and modelling, and by communicating and debating with others.

Learning in Agricultural and Horticultural Science develops students' understanding of the interconnectedness of all aspects of the growing environment, which includes people, soils, water, climate, plants, and animals. This subject focuses on primary production and predominately stops at the site gate, excluding businesses that support the primary industry. Ākonga will learn about on-site decisions as well as the off-site considerations that influence the production of primary products. There is a strong emphasis on environmental, social, cultural, and economic sustainability and a focus on innovation in response to economic and environmental challenges. Primary production is of national significance as it provides significant export earnings, self-sufficiency, and employment opportunities. The knowledge and skills that ākonga develop through their learning in Agricultural and Horticultural Science open pathways to a wide range of opportunities in life, further study, and career, in Aotearoa New Zealand, the Pacific, and elsewhere. The subject provides valuable opportunities for hands-on practical work that will help establish ākonga appreciation for the growing environment.

The arts stimulate imagination, thinking, and understanding. They challenge our perceptions, uplift and entertain us, and enrich our emotional and spiritual lives. The arts enable people to participate in collaborative and individual pursuits that contribute to community and personal identity. The study of the arts can equip ākonga with analytical, creative, cooperative, entrepreneurial, and problem-solving skills which will enhance any career pathway they choose to pursue.

Movement is integral to the human experience. It facilitates a lifelong understanding of our bodies, contributes to our hauora, and allows us to live physically active lives. Movement is affected by and affects who we are, how we experience and interact with others, and our relationship to and place in society. Physical Education and Outdoor Education develop the social, emotional, intellectual, and cultural capabilities of ākonga. These capabilities inform the ways in which ākonga understand tikanga in movement contexts, provide diverse ways of participating in physical activities, and contribute to movement's wider benefits to hauora. Health is about the wellbeing of individuals, whānau, and communities. It is about developing an understanding of the factors that influence the health of these groups.

Welcome to the Technology Learning Area. We are excited to offer a wide range of engaging courses which are rich in practical, hands-on learning experiences. Our courses equip learners with knowledge, skills and insight equally beneficial to the Engineering, Construction, Food and Hospitality or Digital pathways, and are highly transferable to adult life.

At Darfield High School (DHS), students can access various future pathway options. These include: Dual Enrolment, Gateway and the Pathways class, which aim to equip them with the necessary vocational, employment skills and real-world experience for a successful future. Alongside these, vocational programs, DHS also recognises the value of distance learning in extending its curriculum and providing students with opportunities for self-directed study. Distance Learning is offered through NETNZ, Kotui Ako, and Te Kura.