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TMoA Years 11-13 Subject Descriptors

Subject descriptors are available on this page when they are released for consultation.

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He kōrero mō te rauemi nei

Subject descriptors are available on this page when they are released for consultation.

Wāhanga ako 

Tau 11 subjects 

Tau 12 subjects

Tau 13 subjects 

Te Reo Rangatira 

Te Reo Rangatira 

Te Reo Rangatira 

Te Reo Rangatira 

Pāngarau 

Pūtaiao 

Te Waiora 

Hangarau

Toi Ihiihi 

Te Ao Haka 

Te Ao Haka 

Te Ao Haka 

Toi Ataata 

Toi Ataata 

Toi Ataata 

Te Ao Whakairo 

Te Ao Whakairo 

Toi Puoro 

Toi Puoro 

Toi Puoro 

Toi Rēhia 

Toi Rēhia 

Toi Rēhia 

Te Pūmanawa Tangata 

Ngā Reo 

Te Reo Rotarota o Aotearoa | New Zealand Sign Language

Te Reo Rotarota o Aotearoa | New Zealand Sign Language

Te Reo Rotarota o Aotearoa | New Zealand Sign Language

Te Reo Pākehā 

Te Reo Pākehā

Te Reo Pākehā

Te Reo Pākehā

Pāngarau

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Mokopuna are taught pāngarau and mathematical concepts including number, algebra, geometry, statistics, and patterns grounded in authentic contexts. Mokopuna are taught practices in problem-solving, logical thinking, numerical reasoning, and data interpretation through authentic and culturally grounded contexts. Pāngarau is taught in ways that reflect te ao Māori and Māori knowledge, laying strong foundations for future study in specialist mathematics in Tau 12–13 and future pathways. 

Students are taught the fundamental principles of mathematics and gradually introduced to more advanced concepts, including algebraic techniques, trigonometry, calculus, probability, and statistical theory. Teaching develops mathematical reasoning and problem-solving skills through structured exploration of elementary functions (linear, quadratic, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric), their graphs, and the algebraic and calculus methods used to analyse them. Students are also taught probability and statistical theory, including permutations and combinations. Mathematics leads to pathways in mathematics, statistics, engineering, computer science, biology, business, psychology, economics, and health sciences. 

Students are taught the aspects of mathematics and statistics related to data analysis. Students are taught how to use statistical reporting, probability theory, regression analysis, and evidence-based decision making across a range of contexts and statistical and computational methods for analysing and interpreting data. Statistics and Data Science leads to pathways in data science, statistics, probability, and related fields like computer science, accounting, geography, business, health sciences, psychology, other data-informed disciplines, and further academic research. 

Students are taught mathematical and statistical concepts for investigating and solving problems to enable future innovation. They are taught practical applications such as mathematical modelling, data analysis, and interpretation of results. They are also taught how to apply reasoning, solve problems, and critically evaluate models and solutions. Mathematical and Statistical Modelling strengthens knowledge and capabilities for industry pathways and leads to careers in in mathematics, finance, earth science, chemistry, physics, engineering, and technology. 

Students are taught the mathematical ideas that underpin concepts such as number theory, graph theory, and logic. Students are taught the processes behind mathematical thinking and abstract reasoning, enabling them to engage in authentic structured problem solving. Further Mathematics is designed to be studied in addition to another Year 13 mathematics course, Mathematics, Mathematical and Statistical Modelling, or Statistics and Data Science. Further Mathematics leads to pathways in mathematics and related areas, such as computer science, software engineering, advanced mathematics, physics, complex systems, algorithm design, and engineering. 

Pūtaiao

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Students are taught about living systems focusing on how organisms function, interact, and evolve within biological systems. Students are taught how to use practical investigations to test and apply knowledge in areas such as cellular biology, genetics, ecological systems, body systems, and biotechnology. Biology leads to pathways in biology and related disciplines including biomedical science, environmental science, biotechnology, and health sciences. 

Students are taught about biological, environmental, physical, and human systems, and how these interact and are managed to sustain agricultural and horticultural production. Students are taught how to examine topics such as plant, animal, and soil science, sustainability, business and management practices, and production technologies, and develop skills to apply this knowledge in practice. Agricultural and Horticultural Science leads to pathways in agricultural and horticultural science and related fields, such as sustainability, agriscience, or land-based industries. 

Students are taught about the properties, structure, and composition of matter, and the physical and chemical transformations it undergoes. Students are taught how to investigate chemical systems and processes through theoretical knowledge and practical applications. Chemistry leads to pathways in chemistry and related sciences such as biomedicine, food science, environmental science, health sciences, and engineering. 

Students are taught about Earth’s systems and the universe, with a focus on concepts from astronomy, geology, climate science, and environmental change. They are taught how to apply theoretical knowledge and scientific modelling to investigate key processes and their implications. Earth & Space Science leads to pathways in environmental sciences, Earth and space science, geological and geotechnical sciences, aerospace sciences, and astronomy.

Students are taught about key areas of physics, including mechanics, waves, electromagnetism, and modern physics including quantum phenomena. Students are taught how to examine and use experimental techniques, mathematical modelling, and the fundamental concepts of physics to explain the natural world. Physics leads to pathways in physics and related fields such as engineering, technology, medicine, and other physical sciences. 

Te Pūmanawa Tangata

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Students | mokopuna are taught how businesses, consumers, and governments interact within the economy, and how financial and economic reasoning and models can be used to explain decision-making in contexts. Students | mokopuna examine how internal operations and external influences affect business activity, and how economic theory connects to practical concepts such as marketing, people management, business planning, operations, and kaupapa Māori enterprises. This subject provides a foundation for further study in Business Studies | Te Mātai Pakihi, Economics | Te Mātai Ōhanga, and related pathways in Years 12 and 13.   

Students | mokopuna are taught how businesses operate, make decisions, and respond to change in a range of small business, corporate, national and global contexts.  Students | mokopuna are taught about business functions such as marketing, finance, operations and resources, and how to apply business concepts, models, and values. Students | mokopuna are also taught how business and sustainability intersect in sectors, such as in agri-businesses. Business Studies leads to pathways in business, economics, commerce and agri-business and related fields such as entrepreneurship, management, commercial innovation, agri-innovation, rural enterprise, and environmental leadership. 

Students | mokopuna are taught about how economic decisions and events shape societies. Students | mokopuna are taught key economic concepts such as the roles of consumers and businesses, and how scarcity and choice shape market forces and affect economic outcomes. Students are taught to apply economic concepts, models, and values to explain how consumers, businesses, governments, and communities interact and make informed decisions. Economics | Te Mātai Ōhanga leads to pathways in Economics and in related areas such as business, finance, public policy, and global development. 

Students | mokopuna are taught about natural physical processes such as climate, earth surface and tectonic processes, and cultural processes such as demography, geopolitics and resources, and how these shape environments and influence how people interact with them. Students | mokopuna are taught how to investigate geographic concepts and apply spatial thinking to contexts in New Zealand, the Pacific, and globally. 

Hangarau

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Students are taught about digital and traditional visual communication, as well as technological practices for designing innovative, user-centred conceptual products and spatial environments. Students are taught how to apply design thinking and structured design processes to contexts, such as design heritage, visual communication, sustainability, and digital technologies. Spatial & Product Design leads to pathways in engineering, architecture, product and spatial design, trades, or creative technologies. 

Students are taught the knowledge and skills to apply programming, design, and problem-solving skills to complex contexts, such as data transformation and visualisation, human-computer interaction, inclusive design, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies. Students are taught how to examine social, cultural, and ethical implications of digital technologies and their influence on society and the environment, to become discerning users and designers of digital tools. Digital Technologies leads to pathways in technology and technology-related subjects in Years 12 and 13. 

Students are taught about computational thinking and computer science principles. Students are taught how to apply this knowledge in theoretical and practical authentic contexts to solve problems and action computer science opportunities. Students will also be taught to consider the impact of human factors in areas such as programming, computer vision and graphics, networking, data and digital systems, human-computer interaction, cryptography, security, and artificial intelligence and intelligent/autonomous systems. Computer Science leads to pathways in computer science, and related disciplines such as software engineering, and data science. 

Students engage in technological practice, design thinking, and reflective development processes to create fit-for-purpose digital media outcomes. Students are taught project and file management, research and analysis skills, and build, test, and refine digital products, with an understanding of ethical and societal considerations. Digital media leads to pathways in screen industries, web and app development, creative technologies, interactive media, animation, and game development. 

Te Waiora

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Mokopuna are taught how the body moves, performs, and adapts in physical activity, sport, and movement experiences, and how this supports waiora, identity, and connection to te taiao. They learn principles of movement, how the body responds and adapts during movement activities, and how mātauranga Māori, scientific, and practical knowledge guide safe, purposeful participation. Mokopuna apply this knowledge across physical, sporting, and taiao-based contexts, strengthening movement capability, teamwork, leadership, and reflective practice, while deepening resilience, and cultural connection. Ngā Akoranga Koiri Tau 11 prepares mokopuna for Tau | Year 12 and 13 subjects such as Waiora, Health Education, and Physical Education, and opens pathways into hauora, sport, education, recreation, and cultural leadership. 

Students are taught the anatomical and biophysical science of movement, and how movement contributes to oranga across the lifespan. Physical education | Ngā Akoranga Koiri includes how leadership frameworks, coaching and sport pedagogy, and sports psychology shaped inclusive, adaptive, and performative movement experiences and events. Students are taught to critically analyse social and cultural influences on movement and to apply theoretical, scientific, and practical knowledge of leadership, coaching, and movement psychology to design intentional and meaningful movement experiences and events. Physical Education | Ngā Akoranga Koiri leads to pathways in movement and sport sciences, sport coaching and leadership, health and physical activity promotion, community health, fitness, and sport performance. 

Mokopuna are taught about well-being grounded in Māori knowledge and enriched by global perspectives. Through the teaching of whakapapa, tikanga, and collective responsibility to nurture belonging and interconnectedness. Mokopuna are taught how to examine hauora as a holistic concept through Te Whare Tapa Wha (taha tinana, wairua, whānau, and hinengaro) and other models of hauora shaped by identity, relationships, and movement. Te Waiora leads to pathways in health, medicine, education, social services, hauora promotion and community including hapū and iwi wellbeing.