Learning
Empowering Students Through Innovative Learning
Empowering Students Through Diverse Learning Opportunities
“Learning is a journey of growth, creativity, and discovery at Hillmorton High School.”
At Hillmorton High School, we are dedicated to providing a comprehensive academic program that fosters critical thinking, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning. Our curriculum is designed to meet the diverse needs of our students, encouraging them to explore various subjects and engage with material that resonates with their interests.
We believe in an individualized approach to education, offering a range of core subjects like English, Mathematics, and Science, alongside electives that allow for deeper exploration. Our passionate faculty members create an inclusive and stimulating environment, utilizing innovative teaching methods to inspire critical and creative thinking.
Connecting Learning to the Real World
Outdoor Education is a vital component of the curriculum at Hillmorton High School, offering camps for students from Year 9 to Year 12. Senior Year 12 students prepared meals as part of their NCEA Hospitality course, showcasing remarkable leadership. The Year 9 camp was a highlight for all, creating lasting memories for our students.
Excursions
Engaging field trips connect classroom learning to real-world experiences.
Outdoor Education
Hands-on activities foster confidence and appreciation for nature.
Community Projects
Students give back through practical initiatives in their local community.
Adventure Activities
Camping, hiking, and more create lasting memories and valuable skills.
Whāia te iti kahurangi, ki te tuohu koe me maunga teitei
Hillmorton High School offers students a diverse array of co-curricular activities, providing numerous opportunities to engage in the vibrant life of the school community. These activities not only enhance students’ educational experiences but also encourage them to explore their interests and talents beyond the classroom.
The Arts are exceptionally well-served at Hillmorton, with students able to choose from a broad range of activities, including Art, Music, Dance, Drama, and various Cultural Groups. Our dedicated Arts staff, many of whom have established careers in the Arts, continue to perform or practice their craft. They are well-qualified specialists who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to our programs, inspiring students to express themselves creatively and cultivate their artistic skills. Through participation in these co-curricular activities, students develop confidence, teamwork, and a deeper appreciation for the Arts.
There are opportunities offered on a regular basis with visiting performers and teachers and instrumental and vocal tuition is available from well-qualified visiting teachers under the Itinerant Music Scheme. Specialist musicians – both school employed and itinerant from Forte are employed.
Tuition is available in:
- Flute
- Drums
- Voice
- Clarinet & Saxophone
- Ukulele
- Guitar
- Keyboard
- Brass (Trombone/ Trumpet/ French Horn)
- Bass Guitar
- Violin/Viola
This tuition is free of charge and there are a limited number of instruments available for hire. Please contact the Head of Music using the following address: bainbridgg@hillmorton.school.nz for further information.
Forte Itinerant music
For more information go to: https://www.forteitm.com/
Performing Ensembles
There are opportunities to be involved in choirs, vocal groups and bands, (depending on student numbers). Students have the opportunity to participate in national and local events such as the Wind Festival, Smokefree Rockquest, Christchurch Secondary Schools’ Orchestral Festival, the Primary Schools’ Music Festival and the Cultural Festival. We regularly have the opportunity to be involved in enrichment activities.
Enrichment Opportunities
Being able to attend live performances is vital. We are committed to ensuring that our students have the opportunity to participate in enrichment and extension programmes in the Arts. These have included Design and Creative workshops with New Zealand Opera, performances by national and local musicians such as the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra. Students are often invited to participate in composition workshops and regularly are able to meet with and learn from working musicians as part of exploring career development opportunities.
Artist PRINS shares her experiences with Students
CSO Education programme – perform for students in Year 7 and 8
As well as being able to be studied as part of a course, there is the possibility to undertake Dance as a co-curricular activity. There are numerous performing opportunities. We have been a part of the Royal New Zealand Ballet’s Education Programme. There may be an auditioned dance group with associated costs. We are regularly involved in Performing Arts events such as Showquest and DanceNZ Made. A number of students attend a ballet class and a number also learn outside of School. Cultural Dance is also a part of Polyfest.
Showquest and DanceNZ Made
This is a popular event that showcases the performing arts. This usually occurs in Term 1 and part of Term 2.
We have always enjoyed a strong and visible presence at Hillmorton with many former students subsequently going on to enjoy success at such tertiary providers as Hagley Theatre Company, Toi Whakaari, Ara, Broadcasting School and/or NASDA. Many ex-students are also now on Radio and TV programmes in New Zealand.
Many opportunities are available at all levels. As well as Drama as a subject, Theatresports and an Improv Group are activities students enjoy. We are involved in Sheilah Winn Festival and when possible, there will be a school production. Year 7 and 8 students enjoy Drama as part of their ‘ Explore” learning programme. Students will also have the opportunity to attend live performances with visiting groups such as NZ Playhouse or attending performances with the Court Theatre and other companies.
We offer students opportunities to be involved in Kapahaka and our Pasifika Cultural Group. Year 7 and 8 students often perform at events such as Primary Schools’ Cultural Festivals and at school events such as our Cushion Concert. We regularly participate in the Spacpac, Polyfest.
See this year’s Polyfest performance here, we hope you enjoy this performance as much as our students did.
Hillmorton has a long history of a great art teaching and learning programme. Students can participate in a wide range of visual arts experiences at places such as the Christchurch Art Gallery. An Arts student committee and Arts Club exist and there are a number of opportunities for our artists to exhibit in a range of contexts. We have recently implemented an annual Spring Arts Festival.
Hillmorton Students’ Work as part of Scape Art Exhibition, 2019. Vaka’a Hina
