If you’re thinking about studying in New Zealand, you’re probably wondering what high school is like here and how it’s different from home. At Pakūranga College, high school is all about helping you discover your passions, trying new things, and getting ready for life beyond school.
Here’s a simple breakdown of learning at Pakūranga College:
Year 9 (age 13–14): Try Everything!
This is the first year of high school in New Zealand, and it’s all about exploring. You’ll get a taste of a wide range of subjects—Science, Languages, Arts, Technology, Maths, English, Social Studies, Physical Education, and more—so you can start figuring out what you enjoy most. It’s the perfect year to try something new without the pressure of examinations. Students can choose up to eight subjects.
Year 10 (age 14–15): Find What You Like
In Year 10, you still have a broad curriculum, but you’ll start to focus more on the subjects you’re genuinely interested in. Whether you’re leaning towards the Arts or STEM subjects, this is when you begin shaping your own learning journey. Students can still keep their subject selections varied with up to eight courses.
Year 11 (age 15–16): Build a Strong Foundation
You’ll get more freedom to choose your subjects, with only three compulsory core classes in English, Maths, and Science. You can select another three subjects tailored to your educational and career ambitions, making your class combination unique to you. Our helpful Careers Department is on hand to offer advice and support students in their decision-making.
Year 12 (age 16–17): Level Up
In Year 12, you’ll select six subjects, with only English as a compulsory course. NCEA, the national qualification, is introduced at Level 2, with students amassing credits via assessments throughout the year, as well as sitting end-of-year exams. You can use your five optional subjects to focus on a particular area of the curriculum, or you can continue to keep your subjects broad if you are still exploring future study and career options.
Year 13 (age 17–18): Finish Strong
In the final year of school, you will select five optional subjects, with one study period to assist with revision and the completion of assignments. There is total freedom to select courses that appeal to you, with the majority of our courses offering University Entrance. If you are planning to go on to tertiary study, you will need University Entrance in three subjects. The Careers Department can help guide you to select subjects with University Entrance credits.
Why Choose Pakūranga College?
We have over 40 subjects that cater to both theoretical and practical learning. Try combinations like Calculus and Food Technology, Automotive Repair and History, or Outdoor Education and Chemistry – the possibilities are huge!
Lots of our international students appreciate the opportunity to take subjects they might not be able to take at home. They are also surprised that students, not teachers, move class every hour – it’s actually a great way to meet people and make friends, as you are in five different classes every day!
Pakūranga College is also proud of the success of our international students. In 2024, 93% of international students who sat NCEA Level 3 passed and earned University Entrance. That success comes from the support of our International and Careers Departments, who work closely with you to make sure you’re on the right track, taking the right courses, and hitting your academic goals.
If you’re ready to study somewhere that encourages you to try new things and follow your interests, Pakūranga College is the place to be. We can’t wait to welcome you!
