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.

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.

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.

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.

Learning Japanese gives ākonga the chance to communicate in a different language, and to gain an appreciation of a fascinating culture. Ākonga develop their speaking and listening skills, as well as reading and using the unique Japanese writing system, which can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. Ākonga will find knowledge of Japanese very helpful if they are planning on travelling to Japan or hosting Japanese visitors.

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.

Welcome to the Financial World! Commerce is a half-year option designed to introduce students to aspects of Commerce. We do small units in Accounting, Business Studies & Economics to allow to you see what’s to come in the senior school.

From 2024, all learners need to achieve a 20-credit co-requisite specific to these skills to be awarded any level of NCEA. The co-requisite is a one-off requirement. Students will have two opportunities in Year 10 to sit these exams.