Alpha
is Henderson High School's academic programme. The
Alpha programme is entering its second year in 2011. With a focus on enrichment
learning, students will gain the skills necessary to become global citizens
that have the know how and attitude to succeed in whatever field they choose.
Students will work towards becoming technology savvy, effective communicators,
problem solvers, information seekers and critical thinkers. The programme will
provide students with the skills necessary to achieve at a high level in NCEA
when they reach the senior school.
For
a more detailed description of the programme and its components please download
the Alpha Handbook.
Laptop
A
key aspect of the programme is the mini Toshiba laptop that each student is
provided with. The laptops allow both Alpha teachers and the students
themselves to further enhance their learning. These laptops are serviced by the
school and are used in all their classes.
Selection
process
Selection
is through a written test and interview with the head of the programme. If you
would like to be considered for the Alpha programme please fill in the
application form and return it to the school via post or to the email address
below.
APPLICATION CLOSING DATE: 24 September 2010
TEST DATE: 19 October 2010
Learning
opportunities
The
Alpha class remain together for English, Maths, Science, Social Studies, Health
and Physical Educations. A summary of the learning experiences in each subject
follows:
English
The
English programme built for the Alpha Class is designed to keep students
interested in and excited about the study of language and literature. A key
objective of this programme is to enable our students to understand and make
meaning from a variety of texts and then communicate their own ideas through
visual, written and oral language. The texts used in class are specifically
selected to challenge, engage and inspire our students. The technology available
to our Alpha class supports this learning by connecting them to resources
beyond our classroom while also providing students with innovative tools to
help share their ideas with others.
Maths
We operate much as an ordinary
accelerated Mathematics class but with the added use of technology to enhance
the learning environment. For many units
the Ultranet is used to provide resources and work that would apply to the
current topic. There are times when the class can look at some of the methods
of solving problems and in some cases the process is searchable...such as the
rule for determining if a number can be divided by 7 or 11. We can also use it
to research definitions. We sometimes use various websites that have
interactive lessons and practice that is completed on the computer. The biggest
unit we do, which the technology enhances, is statistics where the Excel spreadsheet
program can be used to enhance graph making and statistical calculations. We
also use excel simply to establish basic statistics from the class data from
various assessments so they can see what the class averages are and how the
results are spread out.
Science
Alpha
Science is a course that focuses on the Year 9 NZ syllabus as well as
completing the focus for Cambridge
checkpoint. This course is intensive and challenges as well as inspires the
above average ability student. The course involves Chemistry, Biology, Physics
and Astronomy.
Students
in this class will be expected to think outside the box to:
- Work as a team to
develop science theory
- Design and present in
a mature and imaginative way
- Explore the use of
multi media technology in their presentations
- Dissect and explore
different organs and how they operate
- Discover functions of
flowers and reproduction
- Investigate energy
transfer by making their own machines
- Investigate light and
sound and report back on technology in this field
- Design investigative
experiments as a team
Social
Studies
Junior
Social Studies is a pathway to History, Geography and Classical Studies at
senior levels. We have developed a junior programme that reflects these
subjects and scaffolds the students into them. We aim to focus on these
traditional but ever evolving subjects, while still providing students a
contemporary view of their country and world.
The
Alpha programme mirrors this but with one or two clear distinctions. The Alpha
students are expected to complete all work set to other classes and respond
largely in an online digital format. The advanced nature of the course also
allows Alpha students to take the prescribed course and investigate areas more
thoroughly. Through research and computer literacy the Alpha students are
encouraged to immerse themselves in their local and global communities.
Health
Health is studied from a holistic approach with the
concept of Hauora being the main underlying concept. This means that Health is studied
from four different perspectives, physical, mental/emotional, social and
spiritual dimensions. Students study a range of topics such as Relationships
which includes sub-topics like peer pressure, conflict and bullying. Drugs -
smoking and alcohol, Nutrition, and Puberty. Alpha uses the internet as a tool
to research varies topics in-depth such as mental illness versus mental
disability, exploring the body with interactive programmes, and community
programmes.
Physical
Education
Physical Education is predominantly practical but
occasional theoretical lessons are included. This gives students the
opportunity to help prepare for senior PE. Students not only learn various
skills, techniques and strategies of different physical activities but also
learn other vital life skills of working and communicating appropriately with
others, being disciplined and organised, being socially responsibly, learning
to identify their own and others peoples strengths and weakness and adapting to
their own and others peoples needs. Heart rate monitors and other measuring
equipment is used to monitor progress and results, and the internet is also
used to enhance learning.
Comments
from 2010 Alpha students
"Alpha
is an awesome and enhancing programmed designed especially to challenge and
enrich the lives of intelligent young people. It encourages us to think
creatively, strive fore excellence, set goals for our future, and use all of
our skills to make our lives successful." - Grace
"Alpha
is an amazing opportunity. It provides a great learning environment and all the
students in Alpha encourage each other to strive for excellence. The facilities
we use are amazing, the laptops make learning easier and we get through topics
a lot faster. The teachers are great and Alpha is a lot of fun!"- Hanna
"Alpha
is a great experience. Alpha helps boost your learning and gets you learning
about different ways of thinking. Alpha is about achieving high and learning
the process of working. Alpha challenges you to think outside the box to get
the best results." - Josh
"I
think it's not just about the laptops. I think it's also about the privileges,
the experience and getting the chance to be a better student. It is fun and the
homework isn't that hard. You get to see what it is like to be in a great, fun
and awesome class. I love it all, every moment of it! It's a great way to
challenge your mind and skills." - Elizabeth
"Alpha
is an amazing programme that enables you to extend your knowledge in a variety
of fun and interesting ways. I am so glad that I took the opportunity to be in
Alpha. It is very worthwhile. If anyone wants to try out, go for it! It is the
best thing I have done for my learning so far." - Lauren
Enquires
If
you have any questions in regards to the programme please contact
Heidi
van Drongelen on 838 9085 (ext 712) or hdrongelen@hhs.school.nz
