Student Life in NZ | Pakuranga College

Curriculum

The school curriculum is core to student life in New Zealand at Pakuranga College. International students at Pakuranga College are integrated into regular classes with local students and can choose from over 40 subject options in Year 12 and 13, including our ever-popular Outdoor Education course. View more information about our courses to help you make your subject selection decisions.

DISCOVER OUR COURSES

ESOL support is provided where needed and we have Chinese interpreters available.

Our Year 12 and 13 courses give students the opportunity to gain New Zealand’s NCEA qualification at Levels 2 and 3, providing a pathway to tertiary study. NCEA is an internationally recognised qualification accepted by universities worldwide.

Year 11 students study a curriculum tailored to provide a strong foundation for the rigours of NCEA in Year 12. All subjects at this level offer NCEA-style evaluations, to ensure students are ready for external assessments in Year 12.

The success of our international students is very important to us. In 2023, 92% of international students who sat NCEA Levels 2 and 3 gained their qualification. 100% of students who sat University Entrance obtained it. Our International and Careers Departments work closely with students to ensure they are enrolled in appropriate courses, taking the correct number of credits, and are on track to achieve.

Student life in NZ - students building a robot in class

Timetable

Student life in NZ - student cooking in class

In Year 9 and 10 the curriculum is designed to provide a solid foundation in core subject areas such as Maths, English, Science, Social Studies, and Physical Education; while also allowing students to explore Languages, The Arts, and Technology. Students have plenty of opportunity to sample areas of the curriculum that interest them, with a broader timetable allowing seven to eight subjects.

In Year 11 – 13 students’ timetables narrow as they begin to select specialist areas of study. Year 11 and 12 students take six subjects, while Year 13 students have five subjects and a study period.

Student Support

Student life in NZ - students meet with a teacher

We appreciate that starting at a new school, particularly in a different country with a foreign language, is a real challenge. That’s why we take every opportunity to support our international students throughout their time with us.

Students will receive an in-depth orientation to Pakuranga College from our International Department staff and are welcome to drop into the International Department for assistance with their schooling or homestay at any time.

Students will be allocated to one of six Whānau when they arrive, which acts as a family at the college. International students can take any concerns to their Whānau Group Teacher, whom they see four times a week, or to the Whānau Leader. The International Department works closely with teaching staff to ensure students are well-supported.

Student Life

In addition to superb teaching and excellent pastoral care, we pride ourselves on the wide range of co-curricular opportunities available to students. We have 100+ co-curricular groups and activities that students can take part in.

Students might like to dive into one of our 20+ sports codes including basketball, badminton, football, rugby, hockey, and swimming.

For students interested in The Arts, we have Dance, Drama and Music experiences available, plus interest-based Visual Arts groups, such as pottery. Our hip hop dance group is always extremely popular with both beginner and experienced dancers.

Students can also join one of our many cultural groups, including Māori and Pasifika. Te Tai O Pakuranga, the school Kapa Haka group, immerses members in Māori culture and many of our international students enjoy this taste of New Zealand.

Our Facilities

Student life in NZ - astroturf sports fields at Pakuranga College

Our large eight-hectare campus offers amazing facilities that support student learning and co-curricular participation, including:

Brand new IT suites fitted with high-spec computers
State-of-the-art IT network with high-speed fibre
Media editing suite
Fully equipped Science classrooms
Technology building equipped with 3D printers, laser cutters, industrial standard kitchens, robotics labs, and engineering workshops
Arts centre with photography facilities
Music suite with practice rooms
Dance and Drama studios
State-of-the-art library
Extensive sports facilities, 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

Student Testimonials

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JonasGermany
“I play a lot of sport at home in Germany, but I never had a chance to try rugby. When I came to New Zealand I wanted to keep my sport up, and it was a great opportunity to try a new sport, especially in New Zealand where everyone is rugby-mad. I trialed and was selected for the top team, which has been fun. I’ve learned lots of new skills and made friends.”

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LeoChina
“Studying at Pakuranga College is as joyful as it is exciting. I have been lucky enough to be a Peer Support Leader, Science Club Executive, as well as an International Head Student. Through each of these roles, my leadership skills have improved, and I’ve been able to enlarge my social circle. It is easy to gain confidence and make progress in English with the help of my classmates and teachers.

Here at Pakuranga College, I’m able to study courses such as Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. After leaving college I would like to study Dental Surgery or Dentistry as a major at university.”

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CarlaItaly
“I felt really welcomed by all, particularly the staff, they helped me settle in and get used to my new life here. The International Department has been very caring, supporting me to do the best things.”

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GiovanniItaly
“The subjects I chose were all perfect, I would never change one of them. The teachers helped me when I had problems. I really enjoyed my host family, they were very open with me and satisfied all my needs. Having my birthday here was wonderful! It was a very good time.”

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JonasGermany
“When I first arrived at Pakuranga College, all the international students were welcomed with a traditional Māori pōwhiri. It was amazing, but I never thought I’d perform one myself. Then one of the Kapa Haka leaders was really welcoming and invited me to give the group a go. I thought I’d try it because it’s a unique part of New Zealand culture and it’s turned out to be the thing I’ve enjoyed most in my time here.

It’s a big commitment, we’re rehearsing 16 hours a week at the moment for a big competition called Te Ahurea, but it’s been amazing to learn all the songs in te reo and the actions, which are very fierce. Wearing the traditional costume and having ta moko painted on my face is something I’ve never experienced before – it made me feel part of the group and the culture. My parents have been very supportive, they enjoy seeing photos from the performances.”

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TheoGermany
“The best class I’ve taken at Pakuranga College is Outdoor Education. I’ve done so many new things – rock climbing, camping, even scuba diving! If you don’t want to sit too long in a classroom, take this class! We spend time away from school learning in the actual outdoors, which is beautiful in New Zealand. It’s very different from PE at home, which is in a gym mostly – I absolutely recommend it.”

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KatherineChina
“I didn’t expect to connect with my Chinese culture while I was in New Zealand, but I have! Pakuranga College has a Chinese Dance Group and I love to dance, so I decided to join. It’s been a great way to feel connected to home and make friends with other students like me. I really like that the group does traditional dances, plus dances from the top Chinese artists right now. We even have a Chinese Rap Club!

We also celebrate Chinese Language Week and have a Chinese Showcase at school. These events are always popular and a great opportunity to share Chinese culture.”

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StineGermany
“One thing I’ve really noticed studying at Pakuranga College is that the school is massive! There a so many facilities – a pool, two gyms, buildings for all the different subject areas. At home, my school is in one big building, so finding my way around a large campus has been a bit different. But people are happy to answer your questions if you’re a bit lost.

I definitely recommend making an effort to talk to other students, I often get asked lots of questions about where I’m from and how long I’m staying. People are very friendly here.”

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SabrinaChina
“I think Pakuranga College is an amazing school. As a student I have felt much love from teachers and classmates - they have all been very nice to me. There are many activities in Pakuranga College such as Culture Night and the Fashion Show. These activities have made my life in New Zealand richer and happier.”

Weekly Office Hours
Monday – Friday 8am – 4pm

Phone: (09) 5347159 ext. 982
Email: international@pakuranga.school.nz

Physical Address
Pigeon Mountain Road
Half Moon Bay
Auckland 2012

Postal Address
PO Box 82090
Highland Park
Auckland 2143

Student Life at Pakuranga College