Year 8 News
By Terry Tarapi | Posted: Tuesday September 22, 2026
Another action-packed term has whizzed by! As we reach the end of Term 3, the Year 8 staff would like to sincerely thank our whānau and wider community for the ongoing support you provide. Your encouragement and involvement help us create the many learning opportunities and experiences that make Year 8 at Balmacewen so memorable.
Term 4 Programme
Looking ahead to Term 4, we have an exciting programme planned that will provide students with opportunities to learn, contribute, collaborate and celebrate their final term at Balmacewen.
Our major Social Sciences unit is called “Voice and Vote.” Students will explore how democratic decision-making works and investigate a range of issues that are relevant to them as young people. These may include school hours, uniform, school lunches, subject choices and other issues that affect students. They will consider different viewpoints, discuss and debate the issues, and ultimately participate in a voting process.
Our Integrated unit of study is called “Legacy.” This unit will challenge students to think about the contribution they can make to Balmacewen. Working collaboratively, students will develop a useful resource, initiative or idea that can support future Year 8 students as they transition from Year 7 into their new role as senior students and leaders of our school.
Other Term 4 Highlights
Students will also be involved in a range of exciting learning and end-of-year experiences, including:
Learning and performing a variety of formal dances for the Year 8 Social
Creating and performing a class lip sync
Contributing to the Year 8 Yearbook
Taking part in our annual Year 8 Touch Tournament
Writing and presenting speeches
Developing their creative writing skills through narrative writing
Taking part in a range of activities celebrating their final term at Balmacewen
Term 4 is always a special time for our Year 8 students. Alongside the learning, there will be plenty of opportunities to build friendships, demonstrate leadership and create positive memories with their classmates.
We hope all our students and whānau enjoy a well-deserved, relaxing and enjoyable holiday break. We look forward to welcoming everyone back for an exciting final term.
Kā mihi nui,
Year 8 Teachers