Milli’s Top Ten – School Subjects

November 27, 2024

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There’s something special about that one class that makes the school day a little more bearable. Maybe it’s the thrill of a science experiment, the satisfaction of nailing a history quiz, or the simple joy of catching up with friends during PE. School is packed with subjects that bring out our talents, curiosity, and maybe a little bit of boredom! But which ones stand out the most? Millis’ Top Ten School Subjects are here to settle this debate.

School subjects have been around for centuries, but they didn’t always look like the ones we know today. Back in ancient times, students learned the basics of reading, writing, and math to help with everyday tasks like trading and farming. As civilisations grew, subjects like science and history were added to explore the world and understand the past. Over time, more creative and practical topics like art, music, and physical education made their way into classrooms.

10th Place: Maths
Maths – it’s the class that’s like a puzzle for your brain! I’ll admit, sometimes it feels like we’re trying to crack a code from an alien planet, but there’s something satisfying about finally nailing that tricky equation. However, maths is taking last place on my Top Ten because of the sheer difficulty and the thoughts of those impossible questions. Did you know that maths has been around since ancient Egypt? They used it to build pyramids – and we’re just trying to survive algebra.

9th Place: Science
Science class is all about discovering how the world works. From fizzing chemical reactions to dissecting a rat (yuck, but also kinda cool), science is always full of surprises. Here in Aotearoa, we even study things like native plants and animals, which makes it feel special to us. Fun fact: Kiwi scientists have made huge discoveries, like Ernest Rutherford splitting the atom! Not bad for a little country, eh?

8th Place: Te Reo
Te Reo Māori isn’t just a subject – it’s part of who we are as Kiwis. Learning it connects us to the culture and history of Aotearoa, and there’s something really cool about being able to pronounce those tricky place names like Whakatāne or Ngāruawāhia. Did you know the first Te Reo dictionary was made in 1820? Now, in class, we’re learning more than just words – we’re keeping a language alive.

7th Place: Hard Tech/Woodwork
Woodwork, or Hard Tech, is where we get to unleash our inner Bob the Builder. There’s nothing like the smell of sawdust and the sound of tools buzzing as we make our projects come to life. Here in NZ, we often create things like birdhouses or even Māori-inspired carvings. Fun fact: before machines, people used hand tools for everything – imagine making a whole house with just a hammer and saw!

6th Place: Reading
Reading. The quiet escape into other worlds. Whether it’s sinking into a novel or flipping through a graphic book, this subject lets you chill while learning whatever your book is about. In New Zealand, we celebrate reading big time, with events like NZ Book Month and heaps of local authors writing amazing stories. Did you know that our very own Margaret Mahy has won tons of international awards?

5th Place: English
English class is like reading’s big sister – but with essays. It’s where we learn to tell our own stories, nail speeches, and figure out what Shakespeare was on about. In NZ, we study cool local authors and poets like Patricia Grace and Hone Tuwhare. Plus, it’s the class that prepares you for pretty much every other subject because, let’s face it, we all need good writing skills!

4th Place: Social Studies
Social Studies is like a time machine mixed with a world tour. It takes us on a dive into history, cultures, and figures out how societies work. Here in Aotearoa, we also focus on important moments in Kiwi history, like the Treaty of Waitangi. Did you know that New Zealand was the first country to let women vote? Social Studies is full of facts that make you go, “Whoa, I didn’t know that!”

3rd Place: Art
Art class is where creativity takes centre stage – no rules, just a paintbrush and some paints. It’s the one place where I can truly let my ideas flow. There are so many different art styles, from crafting a dreamy watercolour landscape, sketching a portrait, or experimenting with clay to make something totally unique. Did you know that humans have been creating art for over 40,000 years? From ancient cave paintings to modern digital masterpieces, art has always been a way for people to tell their stories and share how they see the world.

2nd Place: Food Tech
Food Tech is where you go from making toast to whipping up actual meals. The best part? You get to eat your homework! In Kiwi classrooms, we often try out recipes with fresh, local ingredients like kumara or feijoas. Did you know that pavlova, one of our most famous desserts, might have been invented right here in NZ? Food Tech is not just delicious – it’s also a life skill!

1st Place: P.E.
And the gold medal goes to P.E.! It’s the one class where running around and having fun is literally the assignment. Whether it’s rugby, netball, or dodgeball, we know how to bring the energy. Plus, with New Zealand being big on sports, it’s no wonder we love a good game. Did you know P.E. started way back in ancient Greece with the first Olympic sports?

And there you have it – the ultimate ranking of school subjects, from brain-bending maths to action-packed P.E. Whether you’re solving equations, painting masterpieces, or scoring goals, every subject brings its own flair to the school day.

I would love to hear what your favourite subject is, and while you’re at it, have a vote on what the final Milli’s Top Ten should be next week.

Comprehension Questions:
1. What ancient civilisation used maths to build pyramids?
2. Which New Zealand scientist is famous for splitting the atom?
3. If you could swap two subjects, which would they be, and why?
4. If you could add one Subject to Milli’s Top Ten, What would it be? Let us know in the comments below.