Find Your Fit at Pakuranga College

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RubyYear 10

“My Peer Support Camp experience was so much fun and I got to make so many more connections and relationships with other Year 9s and Peer Support Leaders. I learnt more about myself and was more confident.”

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EulaYear 13

“My Whānau has given me a sense of belonging at school. I’ve built so many new friendships and when I have questions or concerns my Whānau Group Teacher and Whānau Leaders help me address them.

My most memorable Whānau experiences have been Peer Support Camp (as a Year 9 student and a Peer Support Leader), and our annual Athletics Day. These events ignite Whānau spirit and bring out proud Pōhutukawa supporters, plus we have fun going head-to-head with other Whānau in a bit of friendly competition.”

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XanderYear 13

“When I started at the college I had an idea of the career path I wanted to take, but had some doubt too. Talking to the Careers Department was very helpful as they were able to suggest lots of options that fit with my aspirations and personality traits. I now feel confident in the path I’m taking.

We all have doubts but the Careers Department is great at lifting us up. The best piece of advice they gave me was that once you put your mind to something and you are willing to give everything to achieve it, it is easy to achieve.”

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BaileyYear 13

“Our Whānau Group Teachers and Whānau Leaders support us constantly. We can always rely on them to be there when we need them.

The Whānau system definitely encourages a bit of healthy competition at our college sports and arts events. It’s exciting to compete against the other Whānau and unite all Nīkau students to take part and give things a go, even if we don’t often finish on the podium. We try to approach everything we do as a Whānau with kindness and caring.”

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PollenYear 13

“The variety of clubs and groups we have on offer allows me to step out of my ordinary, being involved in a different club most days keeps my routine fresh and helps me stay connected.

It’s nice to receive recognition for being part of various groups, but for me, the best part is making memories with the people I’ve met. I’ve found some of my closest friends through co-curricular activities and my advice to anyone thinking about joining a club is to do it – make your time at school count!”

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EmilyYear 10

“Peer Support has 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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RubyYear 10

“My Peer Support Camp experience was so much fun and I got to make so many more connections and relationships with other Year 9s and Peer Support Leaders. I learnt more about myself and was more confident.”

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LydiaYear 12

“Co-curricular activities at the college are super accessible. I’ve really enjoyed being involved in performing arts as leader of the Chinese Dance Group and as part of Pakpop, a K-pop dance group. It’s fantastic to be able to combine my love of dance with my culture, plus being student-led makes the groups even more fun to be part of.

I’m also part of Concert Band which is more structured, with lots of involvement from the Music Department to get us competition ready. We do lots of performances at the college and it’s great to share our music with other students.”

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BodhiYear 11

“Representing Pakuranga 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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StephanyYear 13

“I think it’s a wonderful experience to learn about your own or another person’s culture, and Pakuranga College’s cultural groups have a really warm and welcoming energy that makes it easy.

A lot of students join cultural groups that they aren’t ethnically part of, and it’s very normal here to want to learn about someone else’s culture. The only requirement is to be respectful of the culture you’re learning about.”

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CathyYear 13

“The learning environment in class is really positive and I’m never afraid to ask a question. My teachers encourage me to explore beyond the curriculum and apply my learning to wider contexts, and when I need extra help they’re always supportive. I like that we are shown how to manage our learning outside of school as well, it’s great preparation for external assessments.”

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DepaliYear 13

“My role as a Whānau Leader and Peer Support Leader has enabled me to build connections across different year levels and create significant relationships throughout the school. Being a sounding board for younger students and finding like-minded individuals in leadership roles has been very meaningful and really supported my personal growth.”

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FinlayYear 13

“To anyone who's sceptical about joining a sporting programme, don't be. There are opportunities for all skill levels through competitive and social teams. Make the most of the school's programmes, get some friends together, and have a laugh as a social team. Or join a team and meet new friends. I’ve made some of my closest friends through sports teams. Everyone is so supportive and we always like to celebrate a win together.”

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CallumYear 13

“The Whānau system really makes our Junior students feel at home. As a Student Whānau Leader, I like helping them make friendships in their ‘scary’ years of first starting high school. Our Whānau work hard to build student connections through social activities like Whānau Group sports and the Peer Support Camp, and these connections stay with you for all five years of high school and even after that!”

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JasmineYear 13

“The Whānau Leaders and Whānau Group Teachers in Mataī regularly check up on students and make sure we are okay during our time in school. They are also aware of recognising our talents and try to push us to pursue them in the best way possible. That’s how I became a Peer Support Leader.

It felt great to be recognised by my Whānau with a leadership role and it’s given me one of my most memorable Whānau experiences at Peer Support Camp. It was amazing to be a person that made the experience fun for Year 9s and inspired them to come back to camp as a Peer Support Leader one day.”

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MelanieYear 13

“I’ve really enjoyed developing my creative skills here at the college. I’ve mastered lots of practical applications like Illustrator and Photoshop in Design class, to help bring the ideas in my mind to life. My teachers always encourage me to think outside the box and I feel so supported. It’s reassuring to know the skills I’m learning now will be useful in my career.”

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NadiaYear 13

“My teachers constantly give me chances to challenge myself. When I’m comfortable with a concept they test my understanding with more difficult problems to solve or give me access to additional resources. They are happy to go beyond the norm to support and keep me engaged in my learning.”

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AdvaitYear 12

“I’m a practical learner and my teachers have been very supportive, encouraging me to take part in hands-on co-curricular activities to deepen my understanding. My teachers check in with me regularly to offer help or give extension work.”

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AshleyYear 11

“I’m so proud of representing Pakuranga 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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CallumYear 13

“My Whānau has given me some of my most memorable experiences at Pakuranga College. Whānau Group sports is always fun, and it was great to be part of the team that collected 450 cans for the Auckland City Mission foodbank this winter, but the best would have to be winning the Whānau Arts Challenge for the first time since 2011. I had the privilege of leading the Nīkau band to first place and it was some of the most fun I've had jamming and performing. It was also nice to see my Dean, Mrs Mackay, celebrate first place, she deserves one!”

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AshleighYear 13

“I had the opportunity to take both Level 1 Math and Science in Year 10. Taking these Level 1 courses a year in advance enabled me to study three Sciences across three years, something I wouldn’t have otherwise done. It also meant that by the time I got to Year 13, I could pick up three other subjects that interested me, rather than select subjects purely for academic success.”

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DepaliYear 13

“My teachers are willing to help me outside of class time, during lunch and other breaks to support my learning. In my experience, the Maths Department has been particularly helpful with this. I can think of so many teachers who take extra time to explain concepts and ensure the entire class is engaged and understands.

I think that the learning environment at the college is highly flexible, with teachers trusting us to allocate our time effectively and determine the pace at which we progress. It means I have the option to explore topics that are of special interest to me in greater depth.”

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JordanYear 13

“There are leadership opportunities for everyone! You don’t have to be Head Student, you could captain your sports team, work with Year 9 students as a Peer Support Leader, or get involved in your Whānau as a Student Whānau Leader.

There’s lots of scope to be a leader as you progress through the college and some students even make their own leadership opportunities by creating new initiatives based on what they’re passionate about. Our teachers are really supportive of this, it’s how we’ve ended up with over 100 co-curricular activities to choose from!”

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EmilyYear 10

“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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JasmineYear 13

“Our Whānau system instantly gives students a connection to others and lots of friendships are formed simply by being in the same Whānau. This is significant in our junior years as we have most of our core classes with other students in our Whānau.

The connection is even stronger at Whānau events, like Swimming Sports, Athletics Day, and the Whānau Arts Challenge, where we get to take part with the entire Whānau. Our Student Whānau Leaders put in loads of effort to bring everyone together, with lots of practice of the Whānau chant. You know you chanted really well when the next day your throat hurts a little, it’s worth it though!”

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CerysYear 12

“Being involved in the clubs and councils at the college has introduced me to many wonderful people and provided a space to meet with other students who share my interests and passions. Working towards something bigger than myself, such as planting seedlings for Trees for Survival with the Environmental Council, has been amazing.

Genuine commitment is key, and consistently doing your part in a club or council not only makes the group more engaging but also affirms your place in the college community.”

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AmeliaYear 11

“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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FinlayYear 13

“The college has a great support system for young athletes wanting to progress. I’ve been part of the Junior Academy Football team, which was the gateway for me to be selected for the 1st XI. The Junior Academy has a real focus on developing skills. You need more than physical fitness to play football, you need to master basic ball skills and that was a major part of my training. When I was ready to move up to the 1st XI I had solid skills and could feel confident as a member of the team. The coaches at this level have been amazing.”

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LachlanYear 13

“I knew that I wanted to get into a trade early on and the college has really supported me to achieve that. Next year I’m going to be taking part in a Gateway programme organised by the Careers Department that lets me gain work experience while earning NCEA credits.

I want to get into aeronautical engineering and my teachers are very helpful in supporting learning related to that. I’m able to focus on my own projects once my schoolwork is complete and they always have good advice and insights.”

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RubyYear 10

“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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AuralieYear 12

“I definitely think that Pakuranga College values leadership and believes we can all be good leaders. We have leadership opportunities in all shapes and sizes, from cultural, academic, and sports to running Whānau Group activities and leading groups in subject classes.

The college has given me many opportunities to become a leader. In Year 9, I participated in an accelerated leadership programme run by one of the Head Students. In Year 10, I attended a leadership camp and ran inter-tutor activities for my Whānau. This year I have been given the chance to mentor Year 9 students, helping them with any problems they may have. I really enjoy these opportunities.”

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MelanieYear 13

“It’s very exciting to be able to share my creative output with other students and my family. In Fabric Technology the annual Fashion Show is a chance to showcase garments that we’ve spent months perfecting from design sketches, fabric selection, pattern making, and construction. To see them come to life on the runway is amazing. It’s a great way to celebrate our work with the whole college.”

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BaileyYear 13

“My most memorable Whānau experiences are the annual Benchball tournaments for Nīkau Whānau. It’s a fun competition where you get to play the other Whānau Groups and go up against your friends, which is a laugh. There’s a prize for the winning Whānau Group, plus bragging rights, so everybody gives it 100%. I look forward to it each year.”

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StephanyYear 13

“I’ve found that being in school councils, especially the Cultural Council, has given me a sense of belonging at Pakuranga College. I’ve met many people both culturally similar and different to me, learnt new languages, and tasted new foods, all of which have made school feel like a real community.

A cultural group can be a place where students feel a sense of home, surrounded by others who understand them. Having a community to rely on for support could be the stepping-stone to trying more college activities and living school life to the fullest!”

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CallumYear 13

“I can always rely on my Whānau Group Teacher and Whānau Leader to give me advice in all parts of school such as subject choices, involvement with clubs, or career options. I feel comfortable discussing anything with them because they are always friendly to me and always offer help whenever needed.”

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StephanyYear 13

“Our community at Pakuranga College embraces all cultures. My Physics teacher, Mrs Mohammed, puts a lot of effort into making sure all her students’ cultures are seen and celebrated in class. At the start of the year, she spent time learning what culture each of us comes from and what languages we speak, and then learnt how to say hello in those languages. She now greets us in all of our languages at the beginning of every class.”

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ZehraYear 13

“I wasn’t sure what field I wanted to work in when I started school, so I gave myself some time to think about it and studied broad subjects. I found that I was interested in Science, Maths and helping people, so I decided to study medicine.

It’s a difficult course to get into, but the Careers Department has supported my ambitions. To learn more about the industry I would go to them and ask questions and they always gave me accurate information and lots of advice. They are extremely positive and really believe that I can achieve anything.”

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AuralieYear 12

“I used to think being a leader was all about telling everyone else what to do, but being at Pakuranga College, I’ve learnt what a good leader is and how to be one. Yes, you have to step up and take charge but I’ve learnt that a good leader is also someone who is a team player, is encouraging and supportive and able to take initiative and be relied on.”

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VidyaYear 13

“The groups and clubs at the college have absolutely enhanced my time here. Being student-led means we get to help shape an environment where we are comfortable. Personally, I have benefitted from expressing my culture and stepping out of my comfort zone to coach a sports team for the first time; plus the friendships I have made are amazing.

For new students, joining a group will make your college life more memorable and everyone is so welcoming. There’s nothing to lose!”

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AshleighYear 13

“I have found that my teachers truly do work to extend students who are finding class easier, by providing challenging problems or extra work. For students who are excelling, they encourage us to think more deeply about the work we are learning and ask more ‘why’ questions. My teachers motivate me to think independently.

I take the MATH199 university course and my teachers are super supportive, often checking in with me to see if I need any extra help or assistance. Taking a university-level paper has kept me engaged and deepened my understanding of Calculus and Mathematics.”