Our ‘Learn, Create, Share’ approach emphasizes 21st-century learning, with many classes usingtechnology to enhance skills. Students are encouraged to set high goals and develop a love for lifelong learning.
In addition to our standard curriculum we also provide valuable learning opportunities through our Wednesday Programme. This programme allows students to select block courses in areas of interest that support their learning, engagement and employment opportunities.
We also offer a wide range of activities outside the classroom and we are proud of our success with cultural activities and sports.
Junior Curriculum
In Year 9 we run a programme called Kia Puawai, that focuses on supporting students with the transition to High School and preparing them for success in Year 10 and beyond.
The Year 10 programme Te Tohu Rangatira prepares students for NCEA, starting in Year 11. Both programmes measure student engagement as well as academic and co-curricular success.
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The Kia Puawai programme consists of tasks that encourage students to become engaged and self-motivated members of our school community.
Progress is assessed every 3 weeks and points are awarded based on how well each task is completed. This gives students and teachers an understanding of how well each student is settling into high school and allows us to provide extra support to students who need it.
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Students are kept in the same class group for all subjects in Year 9. This helps Students form strong bonds and trust in their classmates.
Class placement is based on academic information from contributing schools and testing early in Term 1.
All subjects are compulsory in Year 9.
The Te Tohu Rangatira programme has a similar task and points structure to the Year 9 Kia Puawai.
Juniors assessment levels are reported against the New Zealand Curriculum. Year 9 students are assessed at Level 4, and Year 10 students are assessed at Level 5.
This document explains how you will see their levels reported.
Senior Curriculum
Students at Papakura High School will work towards gaining the NCEA (National Certificate of Educational Achievement) qualification. We also work with MIT and The Trades Academy to offer a range of vocational based training.
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The NCEA qualification is assessed over three levels which students usually work towards during years 11, 12, and 13. Students earn credits by demonstrating specific skills and knowledge in each of their subjects.
Each subject is broken down into specific standards, which represent areas of knowledge or skills. Students are assessed (internally or externally) on these standards, and if they demonstrate competence, they earn credits for that standard. Most subjects will have a numeracy or literacy component to their assessment.
Depending on how well a student does at each assessment they obtain grades such as Not Achieved, Achieved, Merit, or Excellence. This grade will determine the number of credits awarded.
To achieve an NCEA certificate at each level (1, 2, or 3), students need to reach a certain number of credits (typically 60 at each level), plus at least 10 credits for literacy and numeracy (Te Reo Matatini and Te Pāngarau). Most subject will contain a number of numeracy and or literacy credits are achieved as part of subject assessments.
Year 11 students generally take five courses. The following subjects are compulsory for all students:
- English, or Social Studies
- Mathematics
- Science
Students may also choose two other subjects.
There are no compulsory subjects for Year 12 and 13 Students. Most Students select up to five subjects. There is also the opportunity to gain credits and experience in workplace environments with our Gateway programme.
We also offer many tertiary experiences through our Careers Department, smoothing the pathway into further education.
NCEA results are logged on the NCEA website throughout the year.
Academic Support
The are many reasons a student may need additional learning support and we are proud of the quality services we offer. These include; English language support (ESOL), Refugee Support, Gifted and Talented programmes
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We offer a wide range of activities outside the classroom and we are proud of our success with cultural activities and sports. We have had many representatives in local and national sports teams. I am especially proud of our many ex-students who graduate successfully from University or enter employment.
We aim to prepare your child for tertiary education and employment. Papakura High School is a school within the Kootuitui Trust. This means that your child may be engaged with all their learning at school using a digital device. Here at Papakura High School our students use Chromebooks.
If you have any questions please contact the school on [email protected] or call on (09) 296 4400 and we will forward your query on to the right person to help
We look forward to developing a strong partnership between you, your child and ourselves so that your son or daughter is proud to be a member of the Papakura High School Community.