Course Outline
Year 7
Queen Margaret College
Year 7 Design (Technology) Programme 2025
Level 3-4 of the New Zealand Curriculum
Year 1 of the Middle Years Programme International Baccalaureate
Felting / Digital (First half year)
Digital/ Felting (Second half year)
Course overview
Criteria A and B – Term 1 Week 9
Criteria C and D – Term 2 Week 7
Criteria A and B – Term 3 Week 6
Criteria C and D – Term 4 Week 6
Technology is about making a difference in our world – through developing designs, products and systems that meet the requirements of a design brief. The design cycle is a key development process that is followed at all year levels in Technology. In the Year 7 course, students will cover two major units:
Felting: Zoo Gifts
Students will learn about felt-making traditions and processes. They will create their own felt fabric and learn how to hand-sew and embellish their materials. As part of this topic students will develop prototype gift items that have a zoo theme.
Digital Technology
In this unit activities will include laptop skills development, safe and ethical online behaviour, and a project that will incorporates computational thinking and the application of a variety of digital media.
Course details:
• Each class has 5 lessons per 10 day timetable.
• Each class will rotate through the two different unit topics over the year. Each unit topic will be approximately 2 terms in length.
• Each unit topic may be taught by a different teacher in appropriate timetabled classrooms.
• There is a $30+gst consumables fee for this course. This will be charged to your school account.
• The Felting topic will incur an additional charge for use of the Wellington Zoo educational facility and bus travel to the Zoo. This will be charged to your school account.
Students may also wish to participate in extra outside the classroom STEAM challenges such as the ePRO8 Team Technology competition, Robocup, and Codeclub. Details will be published as opportunities become available during the year.
Assessment Criterion: Design MYP
Over the course of the year students will be assessed according to the following criterion. There are 4 criterion in MYP Design – all based on the Design Cycle.
Criterion A Inquiring and analysing
Criterion B Developing ideas
Criterion C Creating the solution
Criterion D Evaluating
Maximum 8
Maximum 8
Maximum 8
Maximum 8
Each of these criteria will be assessed once in each of the unit topics (ie twice in the year). Students will be given specific assessment schedules for these criteria at the start of each unit.
QMC Technology Safety Rules:
Student safety and wellbeing is paramount at QMC. Accordingly, no student is allowed to operate any equipment without teacher supervision and safety instruction. When using specialist equipment there are some rules to be followed:
• Tie hair back.
• No blazers on.
• Aprons to be worn.
• Safety eye-goggles on if required.
• Covered shoes / PE shoes are acceptable.
• Protective gloves to be worn if needed.
• Persons operating equipment are to be given a clear working space around them. No crowding, talking to or distracting persons operating equipment.
• Students will be supervised always by a teacher if hazardous equipment is being operated.
• Turn equipment off at the wall and unplug from the wall when finished.
• Spaces used must be vacuumed / swept clean for the next person.
Homework expectations
Your child should be learning at home for a total of at least 45 minutes per weeknight across all subjects. To achieve at a high level in this subject, students are expected to complete some homework during the week. Homework might include:
• Carrying out individual project - written, research or design sketching tasks.
• Attending lunchtime workshops to complete any practical work or to access extra help with practical work.
• Catching up with work not completed during class time.
• Online tutorials for keyboard and coding skill development
Head of Learning Area: Richard Knuckey
Queen Margaret College
Year 7 Humanities (Individuals and Societies) Programme 2025
Level 4 of the New Zealand Curriculum
Year 1 of the Middle Years Programme International Baccalaureate
Turangawaewae
For Those Who Dare
In Our Backyard
Vote for Me
Course details
Term 1 Week 9
IDU Term 2 Week 1
Term 2 Week 8
Term 3 Week 4 and 7
Term 4 Week 4
Humanities (Individuals and Societies) encourages learners to respect and understand the world around them and equips them with the necessary skills to inquire into historical, contemporary, geographical, political, social, economic, religious, technological and cultural factors that have an impact on individuals, societies and environments.
The IB’s approach to Humanities (Individuals and Societies) includes a strong focus on inquiry and investigation. Students collect, describe and analyse data used in the study of societies; they test hypotheses, and learn how to interpret increasingly complex information, including original source material. This focuses on real-world examples, research and analysis is an essential aspect of the subject group.
The study of Humanities (Individuals and Societies) helps students to develop their identities as individuals and as responsible members of local and global communities. Studies in Individuals and Societies are essential for developing empathy and international-mindedness, including the idea that “other people, with their differences, can also be right” (IB mission statement).
Course Information
• In 2025 Year 7 Humanities (Individuals and Society) is a compulsory subject.
• There is an interdisciplinary unit with Mathematics focusing on orienteering.
• Each class has 7 lessons per 10 day timetable.
• Each class covers 4 units over the year.
• Each unit topic will be approximately 9 weeks in length.
• Students are assessed on 4 key skills. These skills are assessed through
o Knowing and Understanding,
o Investigating,
o Communicating
o Thinking Critically.
Homework expectations
Your child should be learning at home for a total of at least 45 minutes per weeknight across all subjects. To achieve at a high level in this subject, students are expected to complete some homework during the week. Homework might include:
• Completion of or extension of work done in class
• Reading
• Research
• Written responses
• Reinforcement of fundamental skills
Head of Learning Area: Adrian Hardy
Queen Margaret College
Year 7 Language and Literature Programme 2025
Level 3 of the New Zealand Curriculum
Year 1 of the Middle Years Programme International Baccalaureate
Unit Title
Unit 1 – I Am – non-fiction text study
Unit 2 – Fake News! Critical Literacy
Unit 3 – Novel study
Unit 4 – Deconstructing Disney
Course details
Proposed assessment date
Refer to assessment calendar on Managebac
Students are encouraged to develop genuine interest in literature and a confidence in reading, writing and presenting. Students read and write for a range of different purposes, developing research and presentation skills, building on their understanding of how texts are constructed and why authors create them. Students develop their written and oral communication skills using a variety of contexts and genre.
Course Information:
• Developing fundamental literacy skills is a focus throughout the whole year
• An understanding of visual literacy is developed through the study of film and storyboard development
• Non-fiction writing skills are developed
• The skills of writing are taught by studying a range of texts such as novel and film
• Skills in reading comprehension and analysis are developed
• Skills in collaborating orally in a literature circle are developed
Homework expectations
Your child should be learning at home for a total of at least 45 minutes per weeknight, across all subjects.
To achieve at a high level in this subject, students are expected to complete some homework during the week. Homework might include:
• Completion of, or extension of, work done in class
• Reading
• Research
• Revision of material covered in class
• Written responses
• Reinforcement of fundamental literacy skills through Education Perfect subscription
Head of Learning Area: Mrs. Annabel Harris
Queen Margaret College
Year 7 Language Programme 2025
Level 1 New Zealand Learning Languages Curriculum
Phase 1 of the Middle Years Programme International Baccalaureate
Language
Chinese
Unit title
Celebrating Chinese New Year
French Masterchef en français
Japanese Japanese anime project
Te reo Māori
Proposed assessment date
There is no formal assessment in the Year 7 Carousel programme.
Give a tour through the Māori world of Mahimaina (Minecraft)
Spanish ¡ Fiesta !
Queen Margaret College offers an introductory MYP language acquisition course, structured as a ‘languages carousel’. Students complete a seven-week module in each of the five languages we offer: Chinese, French, te reo Māori, Spanish and Japanese. Towards the end of the academic year, they will choose one of the languages from the carousel, with the intention of studying that language in Years 8, 9 and 10.
Course details
Through learning languages, students develop a respect for, and understanding of, diverse linguistic and cultural heritages. In each of the five carousel courses, they work on a task-based project where they begin to communicate in the target language, using vocabulary specific to the topic or situation. Each of the languages has a different theme for their project. In class, students participate in fun and challenging activities whilst practising their listening, reading, speaking and some basic writing skills. They engage in elearning, using their laptop to access various language learning resources and to record their work on OneNote. The support of our international language assistants enhances the learning experience.
Homework expectations
Your child should be learning at home for a total of at least 45 minutes per weeknight across all subjects.
In the language carousel courses, your daughter may be assigned occasional homework tasks. These might include:
• Short spoken presentations to practise
• Extension work
• Catching up on work missed due to absence
• Carrying out a research task on the project topic
• Cooking for the Masterchef project
Head of Learning Area: Caroline Harding
Queen Margaret College
Year 7 Mathematics 2025
Level 3-4 of the New Zealand Curriculum
Year 1 of the Middle Years Programme International Baccalaureate
Unit Title
Number and Measurement
Algebra and Problem Solving
Probability and Graphing
Course details
Proposed assessment date
Refer to assessment calendar on Managebac
The academic curriculum for Middle School mathematics at Queen Margaret College has the New Zealand Curriculum as its foundation. The mathematical content of courses and the way we measure student progress with mathematical skills is taken from the New Zealand Curriculum. The IB Middle Years Programme informs our approaches to teaching and learning and the way that students engage with the mathematical content at a particular curriculum level.
The curriculum in Year 7 is designed as a continuing mathematical step from the Primary School through the Middle School and onto the Senior School. Classes are mixed ability, and teachers differentiate learning for individual student needs.
The main topics covered throughout the year areprobability, number knowledge and skills, geometry and measurement, and algebra.
Course Information
• Mathematics is a compulsory subject in Year 7 with 7 lessons each fortnight.
• The Mathematics Help Room is staffed by teachers every week during Wednesday lunch times and after school on a Wednesday. Students can attend to do their homework or receive some extra help.
• There will also be the opportunity to take part in the following activities and competitions:
✓ The Problem Challenge is held throughout the year (entry fee approximately $5.00). This is compulsory for Year 7 students.
✓ International Competition and Assessment for Schools (ICAS) for Mathematics (entry fee approximately $25.00).
✓ The Australian Mathematics Competition is held in August (entry fee approximately $15.00)
✓ The Kiwi Maths Competition is held in September (entry fee approximately $15.00).
✓ A team will be selected to compete at The Wellington Mathematics Association MathsWell Competition held in August (entry fee approximately $25.00).
✓ QMC Mathematic Badge (badge on completion is approximately ($10.00).
• Year 7 will receive a subscription to an electronic MYP textbook and DrFrost at a cost of approximately $30.00. This is used for classwork, homework, and for independent study.
Homework expectations
Students should complete at least 45 minutes per weeknight across all subjects.
Head of Learning Area: Matthew Kavanagh and Mike Lockwood
Queen Margaret College
Year 7 Music Programme 2025
Level 3-4 of the New Zealand Curriculum
Year 1 of the Middle Years Programme International Baccalaureate
The Elements of Music and Keyboard
Composition
3
4
1 Week 11
2 Week 5
DAW’s
Course details
The students learn:
• A basic understanding of musical elements including foundational keyboard skills
• To compose and notate their own rhythms and melodies using music software
• An overview of the history, development and identity of musical instruments from around the world through research and presentation tasks
• A basic introduction to DAW’s
Course Information
• All students take Year 7 Music in 2025
• Students have 5 lessons per 10 day cycle for half the year
• Several extra-curricular activities are available to all students
Homework expectations
Your daughter should be learning at home for a total of at least 45 minutes four times per week, across all subjects. The expectation in music is that most work will be completed in class. Occasionally a student will need to complete composition or research tasks at home in order to achieve at a high level.
Music Teacher for year 7: Jordan Bennett
Head of Learning
Area:
Tim Jenkin
Queen Margaret College
Year 7 Physical Education Programme 2025
Level 3-4 of the New Zealand Curriculum
Year 1 of the Middle Years Programme International Baccalaureate
Invasion Games
Fitness
Dance
Māori Games
Unit Title Proposed
Term 1, Week 9
Term 2, Week 5
Term 2, Week 9
Term 3, Week 9
Newcombe ball Not assessed
Striking and Fielding Not assessed
* These assessment dates may be subject to slight variation
Course details
Students are provided with an exciting and enriched programme. The Physical Education department is committed to creating and maintaining a learning environment that recognises and acknowledges each student as having individual and metacognitive needs, by offering a high quality, broad-based curriculum. Students work cooperatively, demonstrating appropriate communication skills to achieve goals in social and competitive situations.
Students learn about:
• Their own bodies capabilities through a number of fitness activities
• Movement compositions through dance in a sport context
• Encouraging personal best and cooperation in competitive games
• Identifying factors that affect performance in fitness activities
• Accepting individual differences and celebrating others successes in team situations
• Health topics including interpersonal skills, friendships, communication styles, bullying, and puberty.
Course Information
• In 2025 Year 7 Physical Education is a compulsory subject
• Each class has four Physical Education lessons and two Health lessons per 10-day timetable
• Correct uniform to be worn all term. Failure to do so will result in the following:
• 1st time a warning
• 2nd time a lunchtime detention
• 3rd time a Dean’s detention
Homework expectations
Your daughter should be learning at home for a total of at least 45 minutes per weeknight, across all subjects. On occasion PE homework will include:
• Extra physical tasks
• Creation of routines
• Written tasks to support practical work
Head of Department: Aimee Francois
Queen Margaret College
Year 7 Religious Education Programme 2025
Unit Title Proposed
Term 1
Introduction to Religion and Worldviews
Introduction to the Old Testament and concept of Covenant.
Patriarchs: Monotheism and Covenant.
Term 2
Exodus: Monotheism, Covenant, and Law.
Term 3
Judges: Monotheism, Covenant, and human history.
Kings: Monotheism, Covenant, and human experience.
Term 4
Exile: Monotheism, Covenant, judgement, and redefinition of hope.
Prophets: Monotheism, Covenant, Judgement, and hope
Messianic Hope: Monotheism, Covenant, Hope. Incarnation and Christmas.
Course details
No formal assessments
The aim of R.E. in Y7 is to introduce students to the concept of religion and its central features. Students encounter an overview of historical and contemporary world religions. Students then begin a study of the Abrahamic faiths through the narratives of the Old Testament, focussing on key concepts of monotheism, covenant, law, salvation-history and messianic hope.
Course Information
R.E. is compulsory for all Y7 students. Each class has 2 lessons per 10 day timetable .
Homework expectations
Your child should be learning at home for a total of at least 45 minutes per weeknight, across all subjects.
Students are not set formal homework but may be asked to read around topics and conduct individual research.
Head of Department: Deborah Wilson
Queen Margaret College
Year 7 Science Programme 2025
Level 2 of the New Zealand Curriculum
Year 1 of the Middle Years Programme International Baccalaureate Unit Title
Becoming a Scientist
This topic assesses Criteria A and D
Magic of Science
This topic assesses Criteria B and C
Forces
This topic assesses Criteria A, B, C and D
Marine Biology
This topic assesses ATL communication, social and research skills
Test – Week 7, Term 1
Research task – Weeks 9/10/11, Term 1
Investigation – Weeks 8/9, Term 2
Test – Week 5, Term 3
Investigation – Weeks 7/8/9, Term 3
Portfolio throughout the topic during Term 4
* These assessment dates may be subject to slight variation
Course details
The aim of the Year 7 Science programme is to allow students to see what it takes to become an effective Scientist and appreciate how Scientists work. Students start the year off focussing on working safely and effectively in the laboratory, and learning to complete scientific experiments including how to carry out a basic scientific investigation. Students will develop their understanding of the scientific method by designing and carrying out investigations, and analysing and evaluating their results. They learn to independently research how Science affects us not only individually and locally but the Earth as a whole.
Course Information
• In 2025 Year 7 Science is a compulsory subject.
• Each class has 7 lessons per 10 day timetable.
• Each class covers 4 units over the year.
• Each unit topic will be approximately 8 - 10 weeks in length
• Students are assessed on 4 key skills. These are Knowledge and Understanding, Inquiring and Designing, Processing and Evaluating, and Reflecting on the Impacts of Science.
Homework expectations
Your daughter should be learning at home for a total of at least 90 minutes four times per week, across all subjects. To achieve at a high level in this subject, students are expected to complete some homework during the week.
Homework might include:
• Reading and researching science concepts studied in class
• Completion of assignments started in class
• Practising new skills learned in class
• Catching up on work missed due to absence
• Revising material covered in class in preparation for tests
Head of Department: Rebecca Hickey
Queen Margaret College
Year 7 Theatre Programme 2025
Level 2-3 of the New Zealand Curriculum
Middle Years Programme International Baccalaureate
Unit Title
Devising original drama
Drama theatre form
Criteria A, C, D
Drama Journal
Course details
Proposed assessment date
A: Term 1, Week 8
Term 3 week 7
C: Term 1, Week 9
Term 3, Week 8
D: Term 1, Weeks 9 and 10
Term 3, Weeks 8 and 9
Term 2, Week 3
Term 4, Week 3
The aim of the course is to introduce all students to key concepts in a practical environment. The course aims to inspire a passion for and confidence in, Drama in all students. There is a particular focus on verbal and non-verbal skills- along with small group collaborative skills and the development of independent work skills as a support to other curricular areas. Students will begin with a study of how to use techniques effectively in a performance situation as they learn strategies for creating and staging original poetry for performance.
The students move on to creating a short original performance based on a fairy-tale through a devising cycle and complete their Journal.
Course Information
• Each class has 5 lessons per 10-day cycle for a half year.
• Each class will cover 3 topics over the course of the half year programme
Homework expectations
Your child should be learning at home for a total of at least 45 minutes per weeknight across all subjects.
Generally written reflections will be completed in class. However, it is vital that when approaching an assessment some homework time is used to learn lines.
Teacher in Charge of Theatre: Benjamin Gibson
Queen Margaret College
Year 7 Visual Arts 2025
Level 3-4 of the New Zealand Curriculum
Year 1 of the Middle Years Programme International Baccalaureate
Unit Titles and Skills Taught Proposed assessment date
Unit 1
‘Natural Environment’
INQUIRY: Drawing Fundamentals; Skills and Techniques
• Intermediate observation and drawing skills
• Colour theory
• Experimenting with a range of medias
• Research traditional and contemporary Pacific Art and artist to inform work
Students will explore their skills in final works;
• Task 1: Ink mix media painting
• Task 2: John Pule Acrylic Painting
All Units
• Ongoing workbook exploration which includes, notes, sketches, plans, etc.
• Evaluation of own and other students’ artworks using art terms
• Discussion of artist models and artworks using appropriate art terminology
Course Information
• In 2025 Year 7 Art is a compulsory subject.
• Each class has 4 lessons per fortnight for half year.
Summative assessment
First half year Term 2 week 6
Second half year Term 4 week 3
• Each class will rotate through three different unit topics over the year.
• Students are assessed on 4 key skills. These are Knowing and Understanding, Developing Skills, Thinking Creatively, and Responding
• There is a consumables fee of $60 which will be charged to the student’s account.
Course details
The aim of this course is for students to develop an enthusiasm for and confidence in art making, building on the skills acquired in each successive year. The Year 7 Visual Arts course is a practical course of study that introduces the students to Year 1 of the MYP framework. The artistic fundamentals that students develop form a foundation on which to build further skills and understanding of the MYP Arts Curriculum. They will be encouraged and enabled to:
• create and present art
• develop skills specific to the discipline
• engage in a process of creative exploration and (self-)discovery
• make purposeful connections between investigation and practice
• understand the relationship between art and its contexts
• respond to and reflect on art
• deepen their understanding of the world.
Homework expectations
Your child should be learning at home for a total of at least 45 minutes per weeknight across all subjects. To achieve at a high level in this subject, students may be expected to complete some work outside of class time.
This work may include:
• Completion of assignments already worked on in class
• Catching up on work missed due to absence
• Researching on the internet
• Completing a formative or summative reflection sheet that enables the student to assess her own projects
Teacher in Charge of Visual Arts: Anna Faulknor