Year 10 Tutoring NZ | Maths, English, Science

Year 10 is the last year before NCEA and the bridge to senior secondary school. Our structured programme builds the Maths, English and Science skills that senior courses rely on, from compound interest in NZ dollars to Newton's laws.

Key Topics Covered:

Maths: factorising, systems of equations, exponential growth, trigonometry and boxplots.
English: media representation, analytical paragraphs, satire, rhetoric and persuasive essays.
Science: DNA, evolution, the Big Bang, climate, Newton's laws and reaction rates.

Parent Tip:

Year 10 decides how smoothly Years 11 to 13 go. Help your child keep up a steady study routine and practise test-style questions little and often. We make sure each idea clicks before moving on.

Expand, factorise and solve quadratic expressions and equations

Use trigonometry and similar triangles to solve measurement problems

Write analytical paragraphs and literary responses with evidence

Plan and write an extended persuasive essay

Explain DNA, mitosis, meiosis and simple inheritance

Apply Newton's laws to motion, safety and engineering

Year 10 English Page →Year 10 Maths Page →Year 10 Science Page →

No.	Topic	What We Cover
01	Inclusive and Exclusive Language	Explore how word choices include, exclude or label groups, including respectful terms used in NZ's diverse communities.
02	Representation in Media Texts	Analyse how people, places and communities are represented in NZ news and media.
03	Analytical Paragraph Writing	Build analytical paragraphs with a topic sentence, evidence, explanation and link.
04	Sentence Focus and Syntax	See how sentence structure shapes emphasis, including active and passive voice and sentence variety.
05	Vocabulary and Inference	Grow academic vocabulary and practise inferring meaning from context and tone.
06	Nominalisation and Abstraction	Learn how turning verbs into nouns, such as decide to decision, creates formal, abstract writing.
07	Short Story: Identity and Voice	Read a short story and analyse how voice and choices shape a character's identity.
08	Persuasive Writing Task	Write a persuasive response on an issue of representation or power, using clear evidence.
09	Speaking: Media Bias Debate	Prepare and deliver a short debate on media bias using rhetorical devices.
10	Term 1 Review	Revise analytical writing, representation and an integrated mini-assessment. A termly mock test and parent report follow.

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Explore detailed Year 10 English overview & learning plans →

No.	Topic	What We Cover
01	Text Structures Across Modes	Compare how structure and features change across print and digital texts.
02	Interpreting Literary Meaning	Compare more than one interpretation of the same text and support your own with evidence.
03	Literary Response Writing	Write an analytical response to a key moment in a text with a clear thesis.
04	Paragraph Variation and Cohesion	See how authors vary paragraph length and structure for effect and link ideas smoothly.
05	Reading Strategies for Complex Texts	Use visualising, questioning and inferring to work through dense passages.
06	Visual Features and Representation	Analyse still and moving images from film and graphic novels, including framing, light and angle.
07	Comparing Literary Voices	Compare voice in poetry, prose and film through tone, rhythm and perspective.
08	Creative Voice Experiment	Write a short piece in a sustained voice, adapting structure and devices on purpose.
09	Spoken Interpretation	Listen to monologues or spoken word and analyse how delivery shapes meaning.
10	Term 2 Review	Revise literary skills and a literary assessment task. A termly mock test and parent report follow.

No.	Topic	What We Cover
01	Values in Language	Spot how evaluative language reveals values, both stated and implied.
02	Ethical Positions in Literature	Examine the moral stance a text takes and the values behind it.
03	Argument Writing Structure	Plan an extended argument with a clear claim, structured paragraphs and a strong close.
04	Punctuation for Effect	See how colons, semicolons and ellipses create pause, emphasis and tone.
05	Persuasive Reading Strategies	Find claims, evidence and bias in persuasive texts.
06	Organising Ideas in Texts	Compare how pamphlets, articles and speeches organise ideas for effect.
07	Satire and Interpretation	Study satire, cartoons and parody and the devices that add a second layer of meaning.
08	Extended Persuasive Essay	Write a full persuasive essay on a current issue with evidence and rhetoric.
09	Debate and Rhetoric	Prepare and deliver a structured debate using rhetorical devices to persuade.
10	Term 3 Review	Revise argument, values and persuasion through a term assessment task. A termly mock test and parent report follow.

No.	Topic	What We Cover
01	Multimodal Structures	See how documentaries and webpages combine words, images and sound.
02	Creating a Sustained Voice	Start a creative project with a consistent voice and chosen structure.
03	Integrating Images and Text	Study how images and paragraphs work together on websites and graphic texts.
04	Academic Vocabulary in Writing	Grow technical and academic vocabulary and use it with precision.
05	Multimodal Comprehension	Read complex multimodal texts and practise literacy test-style questions on predicting, inferring and summarising.
06	Visual Representation	Analyse how light, angle and composition build meaning in images.
07	Editing for Purpose and NZ Spelling	Revise drafts for structure, cohesion and NZ spelling such as colour, centre and licence.
08	Creative Portfolio	Build a set of short creative texts that explore one idea in different forms.
09	Spoken Performance	Rehearse and deliver a creative or persuasive presentation with rhetorical devices.
10	Year 10 Review and Year 11 Readiness	Revise the year and practise test-style reading and writing tasks, then preview Year 11 English and the skills NCEA Level 1 builds on. A termly mock test and parent report follow.

No.	Topic	What We Cover
01	Exact Values, Approximation and Error	Compare exact and rounded values and see how rounding early can grow into large errors in later steps.
02	Exponent Laws with Algebraic Expressions	Apply exponent laws to products, quotients and powers of variables, including negative and zero exponents.
03	Expanding and Simplifying Expressions	Expand and simplify polynomial expressions using the distributive property and exponent laws.
04	Factorising and Completing the Square	Factorise expressions and connect expanding, factorising and completing the square for quadratics.
05	Solving Algebraic Equations	Solve equations by factorising, simplifying and inverse operations, and check each solution.
06	Linear Inequalities	Solve linear inequalities and show solutions on number lines and graphs, such as a monthly phone data limit.
07	Systems of Linear Equations	Solve two linear equations in two variables by graphing, substitution and elimination, and interpret the answer in context.
08	Exponential Relations	Spot exponential patterns in tables and link equations to graphs with digital tools.
09	Solving Exponential Equations	Solve exponential equations using tables, graphs and digital tools to find unknown values.
10	Term 1 Review	Revise approximation, algebra, inequalities, systems and exponential relations through multi-step problems. A termly mock test and parent report follow.

No.	Topic	What We Cover
01	Linear, Quadratic and Exponential Models	Tell the three relations apart using first and second differences, tables and graphs.
02	Growth and Decay Modelling	Model growth and decay, including doubling time and half-life, and judge how well a model fits.
03	Compound Interest and Financial Modelling	Use compound interest in NZ dollars, such as a term deposit or a car loan, and compare it with simple interest.
04	Functions, Relations and Digital Conjectures	Explore functions with digital graphing tools, find where graphs meet and test conjectures.
05	Composite Surface Area	Find the surface area of objects built from prisms, cylinders, cones and spheres, such as a farm silo.
06	Composite Volume	Find the volume of composite objects and solve practical storage and capacity problems in cubic metres and litres.
07	Logarithmic Scales	Read and use scales that jump by powers of ten, such as earthquake magnitude, pH and decibels.
08	Pythagoras and Right-Angle Trigonometry	Use the Pythagoras' theorem and sine, cosine and tangent to solve two and three-dimensional problems.
09	Bearings, Elevation and Depression	Solve direction and height problems with bearings and angles of elevation and depression, such as the height of the Sky Tower.
10	Term 2 Review	Revise growth models, composite measurement, logarithmic scales and trigonometry through multi-step tasks. A termly mock test and parent report follow.

No.	Topic	What We Cover
01	Measurement Error and Accuracy	See how instruments and rounding affect results and judge how reliable a measurement is.
02	Proportion and Scaling Models	Use proportion and scale to solve problems with plans, maps and scale drawings.
03	Geometric Proof and Deductive Reasoning	Tell a demonstration from a proof and build logical proofs about lines, angles and polygons.
04	Congruence and Similar Triangles	Use congruence, similarity and angle properties to prove results and solve measurement problems.
05	Analytic Geometry: Lines and Segments	Use slope, midpoint and distance on the coordinate plane to describe lines and line segments.
06	Analytic Geometry: Verifying Shapes	Use coordinates to check properties of triangles and quadrilaterals, such as whether a shape is a rectangle.
07	Spatial Algorithms and Efficient Routes	Use step-by-step thinking and digital tools to plan efficient routes, such as a delivery run across Auckland.
08	Scale Design and Digital Spatial Solutions	Design and test a scale model or floor plan, state assumptions and justify choices.
09	Statistics in the Media: Claims and Bias	Question statistical claims for misleading graphs, biased samples and weak evidence.
10	Term 3 Review	Revise proof, similar triangles, analytic geometry and statistical reasoning through applied problems. A termly mock test and parent report follow.

No.	Topic	What We Cover
01	Five-Number Summary and Boxplots	Find the minimum, quartiles, median and maximum and build and read boxplots.
02	Comparing Data Distributions	Compare data sets using boxplots, histograms and dot plots and explain differences in centre and spread.
03	Scatter Plots and Association	Build scatter plots and describe the direction, strength and shape of the association.
04	Association versus Causation and Lines of Best Fit	Tell association from cause and effect and use a line of best fit to make careful predictions.
05	Two-Way Tables and Categorical Association	Build two-way tables and use counts and percentages to study links between categories.
06	Bivariate Statistical Investigations	Plan and run an investigation on two variables, then analyse and report the findings.
07	Conditional Probability Language	Read and write conditional statements using given, if and of, and show them with tables and diagrams.
08	Dependent and Independent Events	Compare dependent and independent events and see how dependence changes probability.
09	Conditional Probability Simulations	Run repeated trials and digital simulations to model conditional probability, plus test-style problems.
10	Year 10 Review and Year 11 Readiness	Revise the year's key skills and preview Year 11 maths, including functions and the skills NCEA Level 1 builds on. A termly mock test and parent report follow.

No.	Topic	What We Cover
01	DNA, Genes, Chromosomes and the Genome	Explain how DNA, genes, chromosomes and the genome relate and use models to show them.
02	Mitosis and Growth	Explain how mitosis supports growth, repair and cell replacement.
03	Meiosis, Fertilisation and Variation	Explain how meiosis and fertilisation mix genetic information from two parents.
04	Mendelian Inheritance	Use dominant and recessive alleles and Punnett squares to predict simple inheritance ratios.
05	Pedigrees, Sex-Linked Traits and Genetic Disorders	Read pedigree diagrams and link changes in DNA or chromosomes to inherited conditions, keeping the tone factual.
06	Evolution by Natural Selection	Explain variation, selection pressure, survival and reproduction in evolution.
07	Evidence for Evolution	Weigh fossil, anatomical, chemical and geographic evidence, including NZ's flightless birds, such as the kiwi and moa.
08	Adaptation, Selection and Biodiversity	Link inherited traits to survival and show how selection shapes biodiversity.
09	Genetics and Evolution Inquiry	Analyse inheritance or evolution data and build an evidence-based explanation.
10	Term 1 Review	Revise heredity, inheritance, natural selection and evidence through problem solving. A termly mock test and parent report follow.

No.	Topic	What We Cover
01	The Universe: Scale, Components and Measurement	Describe the parts of the universe and use astronomical units and light-years.
02	The Big Bang Model and Cosmic Timeline	Describe the Big Bang model and build a timeline from the early universe to stars and galaxies.
03	Evidence for the Big Bang	Analyse redshift, cosmic microwave background radiation and Hubble's observations.
04	Stars, Spectra and Astronomical Technologies	Explain how spectra and brightness reveal star properties, including telescopes such as those at Mt John Observatory near Lake Tekapo.
05	Earth's Climate System and Energy Flow	Model energy flow among the atmosphere, oceans, living things and land.
06	Evidence and Indicators of Climate Change	Analyse changes in temperature, sea level, ice and species ranges, including glacier retreat in the Southern Alps.
07	Ocean Circulation, Energy Balance and Climate Patterns	Explain how solar energy and ocean currents shape climate patterns.
08	Climate Modelling, Prediction and Responses	Use data and models to make predictions and weigh ways to reduce climate change.
09	Science, Technology and Earth-Space Research	See how satellites and computing expand what we know about Earth and space.
10	Term 2 Review	Revise cosmology and climate evidence through a supported scientific argument. A termly mock test and parent report follow.

No.	Topic	What We Cover
01	Motion: Distance, Time, Speed and Acceleration	Analyse motion with distance, time, speed and acceleration, using graphs and calculations.
02	Newton's First Law and Inertia	Investigate inertia and balanced and unbalanced forces, such as a passenger lurching forward when a bus brakes.
03	Newton's Second Law: Force, Mass and Acceleration	Use F = ma with data, graphs and algebra to solve force and motion problems.
04	Newton's Third Law and Interacting Forces	Explain action and reaction pairs in sport, rockets and transport.
05	Newton's Laws in Safety and Engineering	Apply the laws to seatbelts, airbags, tyres and crumple zones.
06	Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table	Use the Bohr model to link electron arrangement to the layout of the periodic table.
07	Periodic Trends, Groups and Properties	Spot patterns in groups and periods and link outer electrons to similar properties.
08	Types of Chemical Reactions	Identify and write synthesis, decomposition and displacement reactions with word and balanced equations.
09	Predicting Products and Reaction Patterns	Use reaction patterns to classify reactions and predict products.
10	Term 3 Review	Revise motion, forces, atoms and reactions through calculations and investigations. A termly mock test and parent report follow.

No.	Topic	What We Cover
01	Rates of Reaction	Investigate how temperature, concentration, surface area and catalysts change reaction rate, such as salty sea air and rust.
02	How Science Is Validated and Refined	Explain peer review, replication and evidence using examples from genetics and astronomy.
03	Science and Technology: Mutual Development	See how computing, satellites, gene technology and new materials push science forward.
04	Science Adoption, Values and Society	Examine why scientific ideas are adopted or contested and how values and needs shape them.
05	Questions, Predictions and Hypotheses	Write investigable questions and hypotheses about motion, reaction rates and inheritance.
06	Planning Valid and Reproducible Investigations	Control variables, manage error and risk and design fair, repeatable methods.
07	Precision, Calibration and Sample Size	Choose and calibrate equipment, record precise data and plan sample sizes.
08	Data, Graphs and Mathematical Models	Organise data with tables, graphs, statistics and equations and model relationships.
09	Patterns, Anomalies and Uncertainty	Find patterns and anomalies in data, make predictions and describe uncertainty.
10	Year 10 Review and Year 11 Readiness	Revise genetics, space, climate, forces and chemistry in an integrated task and preview Year 11 science. A termly mock test and parent report follow.

Student in a tutoring session with their tutor

Warm-up (5 min)

A quick mental maths, word or science question, plus a recap of the last session

Core Teaching (25 min)

The new idea from the lesson eBook, explained with examples and guided practice

Guided Practice (15 min)

Your child works through tasks with the tutor close by to help

Independent Practice (10 min)

Your child completes the in-class quiz on their own

Wrap-up (5 min)

A short summary, two take-home quizzes and a preview of the next lesson

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Year 10 Maths, English and Science Tutoring in New Zealand

By Term 4 of Year 10, Your Child Will...

Year 10 Curriculum: Maths, English and Science

Try a Free Lesson to See the Full Programme

Try a Free Lesson to See the Full Programme

Try a Free Lesson to See the Full Programme

Try a Free Lesson to See the Full Programme

Try a Free Lesson to See the Full Programme

Try a Free Lesson to See the Full Programme

Try a Free Lesson to See the Full Programme

Try a Free Lesson to See the Full Programme

Try a Free Lesson to See the Full Programme

Try a Free Lesson to See the Full Programme

Try a Free Lesson to See the Full Programme

Try a Free Lesson to See the Full Programme

What a Typical Lesson Looks Like

Warm-up (5 min)

Core Teaching (25 min)

Guided Practice (15 min)

Independent Practice (10 min)

Wrap-up (5 min)

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Year 9 Tutoring

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Year 10 Maths, English and Science Tutoring in New Zealand

By Term 4 of Year 10, Your Child Will...

Year 10 Curriculum: Maths, English and Science

Year 10 English - Term 1

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Year 10 English - Term 2

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Year 10 English - Term 3

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Year 10 English - Term 4

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Year 10 Maths - Term 1

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Year 10 Maths - Term 2

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Year 10 Maths - Term 3

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Year 10 Maths - Term 4

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Year 10 Science - Term 1

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Year 10 Science - Term 2

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Year 10 Science - Term 3

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Year 10 Science - Term 4

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What a Typical Lesson Looks Like

Warm-up (5 min)

Core Teaching (25 min)

Guided Practice (15 min)

Independent Practice (10 min)

Wrap-up (5 min)

Keep Exploring TutorExel

Year 9 Tutoring

Clear NZD Pricing

Ready to Help Your Child Excel?