Find Your Fit at Pakūranga College

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JosephYear 13

“Abseiling down a 14m cliff face by a beautiful river in the middle of a forest was definitely a highlight of Peer Support Camp for me. I had to push past some fears but as a Peer Support Leader I wanted to make the Year 9s feel comfortable, which meant facing up to the challenge. I don’t have any younger siblings, so I find it very rewarding to be able to inspire younger students through Peer Support and help provide an awesome camp experience.

I remember my own camp as a Year 9. I made lots of other friends, which is key when transitioning to a big high school filled with strangers; it helps you fit in and feel comfortable.”

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LeahYear 11

“My experiences at Peer Support Camp definitely helped with my transition to high school as at camp you make new friends and gain more confidence in an environment where all Year 9s are new and learning.

I enjoyed getting involved in the activities, but my personal highlight was getting to know the Peer Support Leaders and everybody in my Whānau. I hope I’ll be able to make a difference as a Peer Support Leader in the future.”

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AshleyYear 13

“I’m so proud of representing Pakūranga College in hockey. It's a great feeling to know that I’m part of something bigger and making a positive impact. Joining the team has boosted my confidence and it’s been great getting to know students in other parts of the college.

For anyone new to the college, I say make the leap and sign up for a sport. There are so many to choose from, you won’t regret it!”

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SophiaYear 13

“Getting involved in co-curricular activities has made my time at Pakūranga College more fulfilling, giving me opportunities to connect with others and develop new skills. Joining a variety of councils has allowed me to contribute to projects and work closely with others.

For anybody new, I recommend joining a variety of co-curricular groups to expand their interests. You never know where you’ll find your passion, and it’s the best way to make friends while getting the most out of your college experience.”

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JosephYear 13

“Being able to multi-level subjects at school is great. Completing some of my Maths and Science subjects a year early has definitely kept me challenged and motivated in class, which makes it more enjoyable. I get to work at a pace that fits my brain and I’m surrounded by classmates who are just as curious and driven with their schooling. I’ve even started taking Scholarship classes for my Year 13 subjects, which really tests me.

I also like that I’m able to share my knowledge with other students. I’m in a leadership role that gives me the opportunity to support Year 9 students in their learning, plus I also tutor other students sitting NCEA. It’s pretty rewarding.”

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AlanYear 13

“I’m a Student Whānau Leader and the highlight of my leadership role is being involved in Peer Support. Peer Support sessions are fun (especially camp) and it's great to guide Year 9 students and influence them to be their best as they move through the college.

As a leader, I've definitely felt more comfortable and confident in communicating with other people. I used to be very quiet and not very talkative but being a leader has put me in positions where I can improve my communication skills.”

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VeroniqueYear 12

“Representing Pakūranga College in sport is an amazing feeling; I’m very proud to be allowed to represent my school. Participating in school sports has also given me a lot. My friendships both in school and sport have grown substantially, and my skills and physical health are constantly improving.

For new students wanting to join a school sport I say have a goal and follow your dreams. That approach has absolutely worked for me!”

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JosephYear 13

“As our brilliant Principal says, getting involved in co-curriculars makes school about more than just English, Science, and Maths. One of the highlights for me was the school production. I got to pursue my passion for acting in front of hundreds of people – it improved my public speaking and was so much fun. Plus, everyone who came to the show started to recognise me, so I met lots of new people in the cast and the wider school.

For new students who are a bit unsure, I say join any club that seems even the slightest bit interesting because each club will improve and develop you in ways that aren't clear at first. On top of that, it'll help you make friends outside of your small core class.”

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BlakeYear 13

“My teachers at Pakūranga College are supportive of all students, working with different academic abilities to make sure that every student does the best they can, whether they need extra support or extension.

I have been given extended learning opportunities, extra help, and additional resources, through multi-levelling, which has been extremely beneficial. I especially like being in a class with other students who have a passion for learning, like myself. Multi-levelling has also allowed me to broaden my subject choices and take more subjects than the average student, which has kept me challenged and engaged in my studies.”

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RaymondYear 11

“Pakūranga College has extended my learning by allowing me to take Year 12 Maths while I’m still in Year 11. This has challenged me academically and helped me move ahead at a faster pace in a subject I’m strong in.

This support has helped me grow in confidence and resilience across all my subjects, allowing me to take on more learning challenges. It has reinforced the mindset that academic success and future opportunities come from consistent effort and active engagement. Showing up each day is what allows real growth to happen.”

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BodhiYear 13

“Representing Pakūranga College in sports is a lot of fun. I get to meet new friends, learn more skills, and keep fit at the same time. I’m a competitive club swimmer and it’s been really great to continue that at school, starting with our annual Swimming Sports and progressing through to the interschool, Champions of Champions, and National Secondary Schools competitions.

You don’t have to be competitive; the Sports Department runs a huge sports programme for all students from elite to those just wanting to give sport a go. There are so many opportunities – I believe everyone should try a sport, you’ll definitely have fun.”

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AlanYear 13

“There is such a wide range of leadership opportunities within Pakūranga College, so there’s an opportunity for everybody. Whether it be leadership within your Whānau, sports, cultural groups, or councils, there is a chance for every student at Pakūranga College to become a leader within their interests. Take the leap and put yourself out there!”

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EmilyYear 12

“Peer Support made the transition to college so much easier because I made a lot of new friendships. I was able to share how my college experience was going with the group, and it was good to know that most of the Year 9 students were going through similar things.

I still stay in touch with my Peer Support Leaders through different groups I’ve joined, like Dance Academy. If I see them around the college I often have a little conversation with them. I’m definitely inspired to become a Peer Support Leader so I can help future Year 9s with the transition to high school.”

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SiennaYear 13

“Representing Pakūranga College in sports is a privilege and incredibly rewarding as it allows me to show school pride and spirit. Playing sports has also allowed me to connect with people who share similar interests and I’ve made lots of awesome friendships.

If you are new to school my advice is to get involved in sports; maybe try one you haven’t played before. It’s a great opportunity to try new things and find what you enjoy.”

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JosephYear 13

“I’m a Student Whānau Leader for Rimu, which basically entails encouraging and supporting all the students in our Whānau to get involved and setting that example. At the moment our team of leaders is working on ways to get everyone participating in Athletics Day.

As a leader my communication skills have grown and I find it easier to make new friends, which is awesome. At Pakūranga College there are so many ways to lead – lots more than at primary and intermediate – and you lead far bigger groups of people. I really enjoy the challenge!”

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EmmaYear 13

“Miss Guthrie in the Careers Department has always been open, encouraging, and easy to talk to. She reassured me that it’s okay to try something and then change direction if it doesn’t feel right, which took a lot of pressure off making decisions about my future career. This mindset has helped me feel more comfortable exploring different pathways without worrying about making the 'wrong' choice.

Through her, I’ve gained valuable insight into what life after school can look like. She has helped me understand different options and pathways, and has supported me in finding opportunities like Gateway, which has given me hands-on experience. Because of her support, I now feel much more prepared and excited about leaving school and making decisions about my future.”

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HildaYear 12

“Pakūranga College has definitely nurtured me academically, giving me more choices and more opportunities to explore what I want to do in the future. Taking extension classes in Maths, Chemistry, and Biology has allowed me to learn at a quicker pace and will give me more study options in Year 13. Being able to gain university entrance early has also given me a greater sense of security for life after school.”

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LuciaYear 12

“At Pakūranga College I have been part of the Pūhoro programme, where I received astounding academic and cultural support. The learning environment has strengthened my confidence in my academic ability and helped me better understand my learning style, reducing the anxiety I once felt around performance in school. Through opportunities to multi-level and prepare for Scholarship examinations, I have been able to broaden my subject choices and explore more challenging and exciting areas of study.”

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RubyYear 12

“Peer Support made the transition to high school easier because I got to meet new people and it made finding my classes much simpler. I enjoyed the different activities we did in our Peer Support group, like the respect and trust exercise, it was nice to share my thoughts and ideas with others.

I still have contact with my Peer Support Leaders and when I see them around the school we stop and have a little talk. I would definitely like to be a Peer Support Leader in the future because it is a great opportunity to meet new people and help them be comfortable at school, like how my Peer Support Leaders did for me.”

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JosephYear 13

“My teachers at Pakūranga College are very encouraging. They make a point of giving additional work, beyond the set curriculum, to students who are excelling. It means I always have learning to get on with in class and it deepens my knowledge of subjects that I’m passionate about.

Being extended with extra work in class has given me confidence in my tertiary study and career plans after school. I feel like I’m more prepared for the workload and expectations of university.”

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AlanYear 13

“Playing sports at school has allowed me to build strong friendships with lots of people, which has made my time at Pakūranga College very enjoyable. I get to share so many great experiences with my friends, plus I have a real sense of purpose and belonging to the college.

Winning games and accomplishing things as a team gives me so much pride. It’s exciting to know that you are helping to contribute to your school and its reputation in the community. So don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone, you never know, you might enjoy that new sport for a lifetime!”

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HildaYear 12

“My teachers at Pakūranga College have created many resources detailing how to achieve well in specific subjects, which I find very helpful. They have also given their time after school for revision classes, and they encourage collaborative student learning. Supporting me to share my knowledge with other students in my class, has enhanced my understanding of topics as well as theirs. I believe that it is a great idea to extend a student learning through activities like this.”

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AmeliaYear 13

“Having a small group to talk to and form bonds with helped make starting high school less intimidating and stressful. Peer Support was a great introduction to the college and one of the best takeaways was the information about all the extra activities I could get involved in.

I really enjoyed going on the Peer Support Camp, even if it was condensed. So many of my school camps had been cancelled due to Covid; it was awesome that I finally got to do some camp activities! I would like to be a Peer Support Leader in the future, I really enjoy being engaged in the college, and I’d like to go on camp again as well!”

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SiennaYear 13

“At Pakūranga College, there are many different types of leadership, and one role I’m privileged to hold is that of Student Whānau Leader for Kauri Whānau. Through my leadership role, I've experienced huge personal growth. I’ve grown in confidence and my communication skills have improved. I’ve found my voice and have learned to use it to help others.

One of the highlights of this role is going on Peer Support Camp again, this time as a leader supporting Year 9 students. It’s such a special experience and I was able to bond with Year 9 students to help them create new friendships and feel more welcomed at Pakūranga College.”

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EmmaYear 13

“For me, the biggest benefit of the Gateway programme was the opportunity to experience jobs in a real work environment. After spending 13 years in school, I'd had some part-time jobs, but none that I could see myself continuing once I left school. Gateway gave me the chance to step outside of the classroom and experience a potential career path firsthand.

I really valued the opportunity to work alongside others and be part of a team. Getting to know my manager and seeing how a workplace operates day-to-day helped me build confidence and better understand what is expected in a real job. The experience helped me learn more about what I enjoy and what I don’t, which has been really important for making decisions about my future.”

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VeroniqueYear 12

“I enjoy the quiet and stillness of my Whānau Group each day, it gives me time to catch up on schoolwork or study for an upcoming assessment.

As a Year 12, I also like connecting with younger students to offer support, as well as being able to ask for advice from older students. Having Peer Support Leaders in my Whānau Group definitely helped me settle into the college as a new Year 9.”

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LeahYear 11

“I love representing Pakūranga College in sport as it means I can do the sport I love while showing pride for my school. Every time I wear the kit at an event I show the Pakūranga College values.

To new students, I say, definitely get involved in sports. Sport has helped me get more involved in school life and meet some great people, plus I’ve been able to push myself at competitions against other athletes. Taking up a sport will help you make new friends and make your time at college so much more enjoyable. It doesn’t matter what sport you choose, try something new if you want, because all skill levels are catered for.”

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SophiaYear 13

“As a Mataī student, I help bring my Whānau together and build school spirit. Although this is my first year as a Student Whānau Leader, I’ve seen how teamwork and enthusiasm work together to create a strong sense of community. This role has helped me grow in confidence and adaptability. Pakūranga College offers many leadership opportunities, along with plenty other ways to get involved and grow.”

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AylaYear 11

“I have grown into a brighter, more knowledgeable student at Pakūranga College, where extending my learning has been well-supported. I didn't find Year 10 Maths challenging enough, so the school supported me to progress to Year 12 Maths, which has been great for me.

My teachers regularly assign extension work beyond the standard curriculum to help me build my knowledge and keep me engaged with my learning.”

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EmilyYear 12

“I loved Peer Support Camp so much! I built a bunch of new relationships and the Peer Support Leaders were so nice. During the activities at camp, they helped me along the way and if I had a problem, they would always solve it with me.”

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AlanYear 13

“Participating in co-curricular activities has allowed me to build relationships with teachers and make new friends – it really makes me feel connected to the college. My highlight is being involved in the Interact Council, especially volunteering for the Rotary Carnival, which we do every year. It’s a fun and meaningful way to help out.

Don’t be afraid to join a new club, council, or group - participation is encouraged and all the groups are very welcoming, so there is nothing to be scared of!”

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SiennaYear 13

“I really feel like my culture is celebrated at Pakūranga College. As students, we get to showcase our cultures multiple times a year through events, performances, and Cultural Night. I’m part of the Samoan Cultural Group and I’ve enjoyed being able to connect more deeply with my culture and with other students who share the same culture.

There are also lots of opportunities for students to learn about other cultures. One of my most memorable experiences was watching traditional dance and song performances from other cultural groups, before taking the stage to perform my own at Cultural Night.”

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JordanYear 12

“I advise everyone starting at Pakūranga College to get involved in sports – it’s a great way to balance school life! Academics are extremely important, but it's also important to take a break, which I do by playing sports with friends each week. I’ve made heaps of great friendships through sports, so get involved and don’t miss out on meeting some great people.

There are lots of different sports on offer, and we have some really strong teams. I’m so proud to be part of them and represent the college.”

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AarshiaYear 13

“When I first started at Pakūranga College, I wasn’t sure what career to pursue. I tried engineering because I’d grown up helping my dad with projects, and I ended up loving it. The Careers Department helped me explore different pathways to engineering, like university and apprenticeships, helping me choose the right subjects to get me there. I’m feeling confident about the future thanks to their support.

Their guidance also influenced me to become a Careers Ambassador at school. This opportunity has helped me build confidence and leadership skills that I know will be valuable in the future. It feels good to help other students with their career goals!”

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LeahYear 11

“I joined the African Cultural Group at school and I’ve really enjoyed learning and performing the dances, as well as meeting new people.

Events like Cultural Night and Cultural Expo are a great celebration of all the cultures at the college, and I’ve been exposed to so many different ones that I now have a new appreciation for. My stand-out cultural experience is definitely Cultural Night - we celebrate every culture and each group shows a bit of what they are about.”

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VanshYear 12

“Pakūranga College has extended my learning through multi-levelling, which has allowed me to advance academically based on my ability rather than just my year level. I was given the opportunity to study NCEA Level 2 Physics, Chemistry, and Algebra while in Year 11, which advanced my learning in these subjects by a full year. This also allowed me to make friends with people who were also learning at a similar level, which I enjoyed.

By multi-levelling, I will be able to achieve seven subjects at NCEA Level 3, which is more than the usual five. This allows me to select my five subjects with the best grades when applying for university. I'll also have more academic achievements to show when I apply for scholarships, which is helpful.”

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LuciaYear 12

“My Pakūranga College teachers provide extension work and additional resources whenever I am progressing ahead of the class, ensuring that I remain challenged and continue to grow. At the same time, they offer academic support whenever I need clarification or assistance—this balance allows me to feel both consistently extended in my learning and well supported in achieving my goals.

I have multi-levelled in Drama and have been given the opportunity to study for the Scholarship examination in that subject both last year and this year. The skills learnt here have helped me to consistently take part in and win the Eastern Zones Speech Competition, presenting each year with guidance from my teachers in both writing and performance.”