Joining a Programme
Staff will refer students to program coordinators when they believe a student would benefit from one of our services. If your child has not been referred but you think they could benefit, please contact their Whānau leader to discuss the available options.
Available Services
“Mā ngā huruhuru ka rere te manu”
It is the feathers that enable the bird to fly.
Ngā Manu Rere is a learning support space at Papakura High School, designed to nurture students and help them develop the knowledge, confidence, and skills they need to thrive – both in their learning and within the wider school community.
Our vision is for students to feel nurtured, knowing that Ngā Manu Rere is a place they can come to learn how to be a part of the community. Like a bird leaving the nest to explore the world, students are encouraged to grow, take flight, and move confidently between Ngā Manu Rere and their learning spaces, with the reassurance that they can always return for support when needed.
Ngā Manu Rere can provide additional learning support for any subject. We tailor support to each student, including customised timetables when appropriate, to best meet individual learning needs.
We offer small-group learning, one-on-one support, and targeted teaching to help address gaps in learning, all within a safe, inclusive, and encouraging environment.
Papakura High School offers a dynamic Gifted and Talented (GATE) programme designed to recognise and nurture the exceptional abilities of its diverse student body. The school adopts a culturally responsive approach, acknowledging the unique strengths of Māori and Pasifika learners.
Through differentiated instruction and enrichment opportunities, the GATE programme aims to challenge students, foster critical thinking, and support their academic and personal growth.
By valuing and developing the talents of all students, Papakura High School strives to create an inclusive learning environment that empowers gifted learners to reach their full potential.
At Papakura High School, we are able to offer extra support for our refugee students in different ways. For some students we can find translator/bilingual support for in class support. We offer small group work and connections with other students from the same cultural background. Some of our refugee students will also be entitled to ESOL support.
Our ESOL programs focus on supporting English Language Learners (ELLs) in achieving success.
This is how our ESOL support works:
- Students are assessed to determine their English proficiency and placed into appropriate ELL levels to ensure targeted support.
- We provide tailored instructions focused on language development. Giving support to help them in their mainstream classes by providing subject-specific vocabulary and tasks.
- We provide scaffolding strategies to support comprehension and expression making sure that our language support is aligned with NCEA.
At Papakura High School, we value the importance of supporting ELLs in their language learning to ensure:
Academic Achievement
- Helps students access and succeed in mainstream subjects
- Prepares students for national qualifications and tertiary education
Language Development
- Builds proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and listening
- Supports both social and academic language acquisition
Equity and Inclusion
- Ensures all students have equal opportunities to succeed
- Reduces barriers to participation in school life
Well-being and Confidence
- Supports students’ emotional and social adjustment
- Builds confidence in communication and classroom participation
