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Languages


At Orewa College, we learn languages to build global understanding, cultural appreciation, and confident communication

Languages open doors to global understanding, cultural appreciation, and confident communication. Whether it is Japanese, Chinese, Spanish, Te Reo or another world language, our dynamic curriculum is designed to inspire curiosity, fluency, and real-world application. Other languages are also offered under the Kotui Ako Department (Online learning).


Middle School (Year 7 and 8)

Starting language learning and Rumaki opportunities

We are excited to announce that from 2026, we will have a Rumaki unit (full immersion) for students starting at Year 7 and 8. The Rumaki unit aims to provide instruction in Te Reo Māori in 80% of the subjects.


Year 7

Japanese and Te Reo Māori (Rumaki)

Japanese - The Year 7 programme introduces students to foundational concepts and skills in Japanese.

Te Reo Māori (Rumaki) - Ākonga will learn basic greetings, pepeha, and waiata. They will also learn how to ask and respond to simple questions, describe their feelings, learn some traditional Māori games, and begin to read and write basic reo Māori texts.


Year 8

Chinese and Te Reo Māori (Rumaki)

Chinese - The Year 8 programme introduces students to foundational concepts and skills in Chinese.

Te Reo Māori (Rumaki) - Builds on the skills acquired in Year 7. Students will learn how to greet one another, ask how they feel, what they are doing, and where they are going. They also learn the basic sentence structures in present, past and future tense. Students will also learn about food, clothing, body parts and objects found in their homes.


Middle School (Years 9 and 10)

Building language and cultural understanding

In Year 9 and 10 students have the opportunity to deepen their understanding of Japanese, Chinese, and Te Reo Maori. Spanish is introduced in Year 9 with a semester course, which extends to a Semester and full-year course in Year 10.


Chinese

Learning through oral communication, culture, and practical activities

  • The Year 9-semester course introduces students to the Chinese language with a strong focus on oral communication. You will begin to recognise and write hanzi (Chinese characters) in fun and accessible ways while exploring the rich cultural traditions.
  • In Year 10 semester course, you will continue your learning through practical, hands-on activities such as calligraphy, cooking, and cultural projects. You will deepen your understanding of hanzi and learn to read and write simple texts with growing confidence.
  • The full year course also lays a solid foundation for NCEA Level 1 Chinese. Come and experience the fun of learning one of the world’s most widely spoken languages!


Japanese

Developing early writing skills and learning through media

  • In Year 9 this is a fun and engaging half-year course where you willl begin your journey into the beautiful world of Japanese writing with Hiragana.
  • In Year 10, you will learn through a variety of media, including anime, movies, music, cooking, and pop culture.


Spanish

Building practical ‘survival skills’ and exploring Hispanic culture

  • The semester course covers language ‘survival skills’ such as talking about your daily routine, ordering food, discussing weather, navigation, describing your house and town, and shopping for food and clothes.
  • In addition, you will explore aspects of Hispanic culture through music, movies and important Spanish or Latin American festivals.
  • We will learn about traditional food and try our hand at some Salvadorian cooking. There is also a full-year option.


Senior School (Years 11 -13)

NCEA pathways in Languages

Students in Years 11 to 13 further develop their skills and knowledge in Languages through more specialised courses and practical applications, preparing them for NCEA assessments, scholarship opportunities, and pathways beyond school.

The following courses are offered:

  • Year 11 (Level 1): Japanese, Chinese, Spanish, Te Reo Māori
  • Year 12 (Level 2): Japanese, Chinese, Spanish, Te Reo Maori
  • Year 13 (Level 3): Japanese, Chinese, Spanish, Te Reo Maori


Scholarship

Opportunities for highly motivated and high-achieving students

Scholarship is available in Year 13 for highly motivated and high-achieving students.


Extension opportunities

Experiences beyond the classroom

  • Kapa Haka - competitions, or additional enrichment activities
  • Chinese, Japanese and Spanish - As part of the Year 10 course, students will have the opportunity to enjoy an authentic dining experience at a local restaurant, where they can apply the language skills they have developed throughout the course.
  • Chinese, Japanese, and Spanish – As part of the senior course, students will have the opportunity to participate in a class trip that offers cultural experiences, including enjoying an authentic meal at a restaurant and shopping at a specialised store, where they can apply the language skills they have developed throughout the course.
  • In 2026, senior students enrolled in Japanese courses will have the opportunity to go on a Japanese trip to Japan during the September holidays.


ESOL - English for Speakers of Other Languages

Placement and support

The Languages Department at Orewa College offers various ESOL courses. Students will be placed in an appropriate ESOL class based on the results of an English language placement test. Optional enrichment experiences are also offered to ESOL students.


2026 Languages Department


Contact

Find out more about Languages at Orewa College

For more information about Languages, please contact:

Head of Department: Masami Stewart
Email: [email protected]