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Groups to Fit Everyone

School isn’t just about academic achievement, it’s a chance to try a wide variety of activities and find what you love. Pakuranga College offers almost 100 co-curricular groups to make finding your fit easy. We have clubs from Astronomy to UN Youth, and everything in between!

Our many student-led councils are an important part of college life, organising engaging events that unite students, while also supporting causes that resonate with our rangatahi. Throughout the year students can be found running bake sales, arranging scavenger hunts, organising games, or even giving blood. We’re very proud of our student-led initiatives to support the community.

See what co-curricular activities are available to students.

Co-curricular activities - Pakuranga College students celebrate Pink Shirt Day

Leadership Opportunities

Co-curricular activities - student leaders meet with the Principal

There are numerous leadership opportunities available to students as they move through the college. Captaining sports teams, chairing our many councils and groups, or mentoring new students through our Peer Support programme are just some of the ways students can take on leadership roles that build their skills and confidence.

We also offer leadership at a Whānau level, through our Student Whānau Leader and Whānau Captain roles, while four Head Students are selected each year to lead and unite the student body. At all levels, students are empowered and encouraged to make a real difference within the college.

We believe that all students are capable of leading. The college works to instill this belief early through a leadership training programme for junior students, which encourages them to think about their own leadership qualities and how to develop them.

Sports

Co-curricular activities - Pakuranga college student playing football

We offer over 20 sporting codes to students across summer and winter sports. With a range of team and solo options, students can choose to make sport their ‘me time’, or find new friends as part of a team. 

Our dedicated Sports Department has three aims focused on helping students enjoy sport, whatever their level:

  1. Participation: a sport for every student.
  2. Development: to introduce new skills to all participants.
  3. Elite: to help students compete and achieve at a top level.

We also have a range of leading-edge sporting facilities on campus that students can enjoy, including:

  • A heated swimming pool
  • Rugby and football fields
  • Netball courts
  • Indoor basketball courts
  • Tennis courts
  • A flood-lit hockey turf
  • A cricket pitch and nets
  • Indoor volleyball courts
  • Indoor badminton courts
  • Weights room

See a full list of codes in our sports brochure.

The Arts

Co-curricular activities - Pakuranga College student playing the trumpet in band

Music

The college has an extensive music programme ranging from classical to contemporary. Our larger staff-led ensembles regularly compete in KBB, while our student-led contemporary bands have enjoyed success at Rockquest, Tangata Beats, and Stand Up, Stand Out.

For students already playing an instrument, or who are interested in learning one, weekly 30-minute music lessons are available free of charge at the college for selected instruments. To access these students are required to take Music as a subject and participate in the college’s music ensembles, such as our Concert Band, Chamber Orchestra, or Jazz Band.

Performing Arts

The college has a strong dance programme. Experienced dancers can audition to join our dance academies, or if you want to give something new a try, we have give-it-a-go groups open to all. Groups work with qualified staff and special guests from external dance companies to choreograph performances for our popular annual Dance Showcase and external competitions. Senior students also have the opportunity to lead dance groups. 

Students passionate about theatre can join the highly-anticipated annual production to showcase their talents. Our Theatre Sports group also offers a supportive environment in which to build confidence and is guaranteed to make you laugh.

If being backstage is a better fit, students can join our Sound and Lighting team, which offers support to Dance and Drama performances, as well as events like our Fashion Show and Cultural Night. Students have the chance to work with top technical equipment and learn from outside experts.

Co-curricular activities - student performing dance routine
Co-curricular activities - a student sculpting with clay

Visual Arts

We have an arts group for everyone, with options including ceramics, graphic design, drawing, filmmaking, and wearable art – to name a few!

Run by our expert Arts Faculty staff, students get a chance to learn new skills and try specific art disciplines; very useful when choosing subject options in the future.

Cultural Groups

Co-curricular activities - students performing a cultural dance

The cultural diversity of our students is recognised and celebrated at Pakuranga College, with students encouraged to share their culture through language, music, and dance.

The Cultural Council oversees our 10+ cultural groups, extending opportunities for them to share their cultural heritage with the wider student body. Our annual Cultural Night is hotly anticipated, with students spending several months creating stunning performances that showcase their culture.

Cultural appreciation is woven into the fabric of the college, with students organising multiple language week celebrations each year. These offer interactive events, performances, and popular language tutorials, which are posted on our college social accounts.

We also offer parents a chance to engage with the college through a cultural lens, with our termly Talanoa Night for Pasifika aiga and Whānau Hui for Māori families, successfully run by our Māori and Pasifika student leaders.

Student Testimonials

AuralieYear 11

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.

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!

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!

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.

JordanYear 12

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

DepaliYear 13

My role as a Student 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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

Pakuranga College logo

Weekly Office Hours
Monday – Friday 8am – 4pm

Phone: (09) 5347159
Fax: (09) 5342365
Email: info@pakuranga.school.nz

Physical Address
Pigeon Mountain Road
Half Moon Bay
Auckland 2012

Postal Address
PO Box 82090
Highland Park
Auckland 2143

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