Kawerau's Tarawera High School is introducing new vocational pathways for its students next year introduce them to a range of jobs and study options relevant in the real world.

New principal Helen Tuhoro has a vision for a 'new-look” high school, with the 2014 pathways set to cover five sectors of industry: manufacturing and technology, construction and infrastructure, primary industries, service industries, and social and community services.

Kane Dyer, deputy principal of curriculum at Tarawera High School.

Tarawera High's deputy principal of curriculum Kane Dyer students will choose their own pathway, and core subjects, such as maths, English, and science, will be integrated and taught across the subjects.

He believes a cross-curricular approach means students could be working on projects that encompass a range of subjects, and with different teachers.

Timetables will be split throughout the week, with full days of trade subjects on Thursdays and Fridays to maximise opportunities for the students.

This ability to teach across a common theme, pulling in literacy and numeracy will benefit students in many ways, says Kane.

'A vocational pathway suits our students, it's time for a change; and Tarawera will set the benchmark for this new approach.

'For example, students studying science will learn about science from what is happening right here in Kawerau, which is rich in natural resources and thermal activity.”

Not content with only changing its own approach to education, Tarawera High also has big plans for community initiatives, which will see the school open up classes to members of the Kawerau public in 2014.

'This will enable people wishing to up-skill or improve their employment prospects to enrol on a part-time basis and join students in classes,” says Kane.

In addition, parents in the community home schooling their children will have the opportunity to tap into specific skills and classes that they may not be comfortable with and continue through e-learning at home.

This school is set to introduce the new initiatives in 2014.