Intermediate Department

The intermediate department at St Thomas's school consists of two Year 7 and two Year 8 classes. The smaller number of students at this level provides many advantages, including a lower teacher to student ratio, an increased likelihood of selection for inter-school competitions, as well as a close-knit and supportive network of students and staff.

St Thomas's takes pride in providing a comprehensive educational programme for Year 7 and 8 students.  At both year levels students learn German, attend Selwyn College for technology classes and participate in Dance Sport and Modules.

The intermediate department also provides many opportunities to develop sporting, cultural and leadership qualities. Year 7 students  take part in the Waterwise programme and Year 8 students partake in many outdoor education activities. Year 8 students are also encouraged to become involved in the leadership team, as part of this they attend an inter-school leadership conference with other intermediate aged students.

German German classes are progressive and consist of one 45 minute session a week taught by a specialist German teacher. Students work through booklets which are supported with audio visual media, as well as interactive computer based activities. Practical lessons give students a taste of German culture and include egg-rolling games at Easter and a fashion show hosted by Year 8 students.

Technology at Selwyn College Each week students attend Selwyn College for technology classes. Over two years students complete classes covering theory and practical work in food technology (cooking), hard materials (wood work), casting (metal work), soft materials (sewing) and structures and mechanisms (making a wind up wooden toy). 

Dance Sport During Term 3 the Years 7 and 8 students have Dance lessons with an instructor from the Stepz Dance Academy. The programme includes ballroom, rock and roll, and modern dancing. The 6 one-hour sessions culminate with an evening Social in the school hall.

Modules As part of preparing students for the nature of secondary school, the intermediate department runs a Modules programme each term. Each intermediate teacher plans and teachers a unit based on interest and teaching strengths. Students change classes for set periods during the final weeks of each term and over the course of the year are taught by all four teachers in the syndicate. This allows students to become familiar with different teaching styles and subjects, as well as learning how to plan and organise their belongings and work for multiple classes.

Year 7 Waterwise Programme On Mondays during the first and fourth term, Year 7 students go to Okahu Bay to participate in the Waterwise Programme. They have the opportunity to learn the sailing knots, how to use a kayak, and to rig and sail an   Optimist. Waterwise is part of a national program to educate students in this age group on water safety to develop water skills and confidence.
To find out more about the aims of the program see the following website. yacht.http://www.yachtingnz.org.nz/