Taeotu Pathways
Graphic Design
Graphic Design is a creative process that combines art and technology to communicate ideas.
Common uses of graphic design include identity (logos and branding), websites, publications (magazines, newspapers and books) advertisements and product packaging. Graphic design is a part of daily life and is used for everything from CD covers and huge billboards to T-Shirts.
Students use Adobe Illustrator which is the industry standard commercial software used by companies for print, multimedia and online graphics. Graphic Design can open the door to many exciting careers for the future.
Robotic Engineering
- Hands-On Learning: It combines the tactile experience of LEGO building with the logical thinking of coding, creating a powerful learning environment.
- Building Blocks for Innovation: The SPIKE™ Prime Set includes 528 LEGO elements, allowing students to build a wide range of robots and interactive creations.
- Intuitive Coding: Students use a drag-and-drop coding language based on Scratch, making it easy to learn and experiment with programming. ·
- From Beginner to Advanced: SPIKE™ Prime caters to all learning levels, with easy-entry projects for beginners and the option to explore text-based coding with Python for more advanced learners. ·
- Developing Essential Skills: Through SPIKE™ Prime, students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration skills – essential for success in today’s world.
- Real-World Application: by using sensors and motors, students can build robots that interact with the world around them, mirroring real world robotic applications.
At Rotorua Intermediate, we believe in empowering our students with the skills they need to thrive in the 21st century. That’s why we’ve integrated LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Prime into our curriculum.
Discovery Science
Students will experience practical engaging learning experiences covering the four strands in the NZ Science Curriculum:
- Living World
- Planet Earth & Beyond
- Physical World
- Materials World
Science involves generating and testing ideas, gathering evidence – by making observations, carrying out investigations and modeling, and communicating and debating with others – in order to develop scientific knowledge, understanding and explanations.
Design & Construction
Design & Construction utilises the hard materials and electronic spaces. Students initially learn safe skills and techniques while working with a range of mediums such as wood and plastics.
They collaborate within groups to develop a practical solutions to “real world problems”. This requires them to research their ideas and existing solutions and produce a set of working drawings in support of their chosen outcome.
Equipment available for their use includes scroll saws, drills, hand tools and soldering irons along with a wide range of materials with which to construct their solutions. Self management, thinking skills and creativity are essential skills in this subject.
Minecraft Create
At Rotorua Intermediate we embrace the power of MinecraftEdu for learning and creativity.
Students work collaboratively with their peers while using this software to design and create a landmark structure of their choice.
They are encouraged to be effective team members and to connect with their peers to solve the problems they encounter. To do this they must communicate effectively and respectfully with each other and contribute ideas and skills to achieve a common goal.
Culinary Arts
Our Culinary Arts program offers more than just cooking techniques; it’s a rich learning experience designed to equip students with essential life skills. Students will master foundational culinary methods while developing crucial attributes such as discipline, organisation, problem-solving and time management.
This class also fosters creativity, communication skills, and teamwork through practical application. The primary goal is to provide students with a diverse set of skill-based culinary tools. By the end of the term, students will confidently prepare a range of meals suitable for home cooking or for navigating independent living. For those considering a career in hospitality, this class provides valuable introductory learning and insight into the profession.
Music Exploration
MUSIC is a fundamental form of expression, both personal and cultural.
In MUSIC EXPLORATION, we learn to MAKE, SHARE and RESPOND to music that we like. Students focus on learning to read notes and chords on a musical instrument of their choice – keyboard or guitar. Each week we focus on a musical genre such as Pop, Classical, Reggae, Rock, NZ Music, etc and learn to play new songs using the notes and chords we have learnt in the preceding lessons therefore building confidence while learning new skills. All of this builds towards students performing to a live audience in the final lesson. The students will be encouraged to “EXPLORE” lots of different ways to construct, experiment with, and play music, through such diverse ‘tools’ as keyboards (with hundreds of different sounds), guitars (acoustic/electric/bass), launchpad, piano tiles, Logic pro and garageband recording, ‘experimenting’ with cello, violin, saxophone.
Students work individually and collaboratively to EXPLORE the potential of sounds and technologies for CREATI
Visual Arts
Visual Arts at our school encourages creativity, self-expression, and exploration through a wide range of materials and techniques. Students are introduced to both traditional and contemporary art practices as they develop their skills in drawing, painting, printmaking, and sculpture. They are inspired by artists from Aotearoa and around the world, and are encouraged to reflect their own stories and cultures through their work. Each student is supported to think critically, take creative risks, and celebrate the process of making their art into a masterpiece.