Pa k u r a n g a C o l l e g e

Auckland • New Zealand

prospectus 2019
a f o rwa r d -t h i n k i n g , f u t u r e - f o c u s e d s c h o o l
Our Vision Message from the Principal
It is my privilege to introduce you to the Pakuranga College learning community
and I look forward to sharing an outstanding learning partnership with you, that will
be supportive and successful for your child.
Our college provides a very special learning environment. It is focused on
Pakuranga College developing outstanding citizens who are moral and respectful. We place an
emphasis on ownership of learning and being actively involved, so that our
will provide an students are well equipped to succeed both now and in the future.

exceptional and The role of our teachers is to establish high quality learning environments where students discuss
and share existing knowledge and can interact with new information, concepts and ideas. This level of engagement
innovative learning is developed through quality relationships with students, families and whanau. Teachers challenge students to think,
reflect and evaluate their own progress.
community that Students are encouraged to be interactive with teachers, technology and their peers to develop real understanding
and, most importantly, to apply their knowledge to problem-solving. Rather than being ‘repositories’ of knowledge,
challenges and we expect students to find out, investigate and create solutions using the many resources around them. These are the
skills that we believe our students will need for knowledge-based societies of the future.
supports students to Pakuranga College is an exceptional school because there is a balance between demanding the highest academic and
behavioural standards and expecting students, staff and parents to be accountable for their actions. There is also
excel and develop the emphasis on providing a caring, personal and respectful environment in which everyone is treated as an individual and
accorded respect and dignity at all times. Pakuranga College is a school of choice because it has successfully developed
skills, attitudes and a balance of academic rigour, within a respectful and vibrant learning community.

values they need to As you begin your educational journey at Pakuranga College we hope that you enjoy the incredible opportunities
that are available and take advantage of the outstanding facilities, the wide ranging co-curricular activities and the
absolutely exceptional teaching and support staff.
succeed both now
Michael Williams
and in the future. Principal

LEFT to RIGHT: Deputy Principals David Oliver, Alison Taylor, Principal Michael Williams, and Deputy Principals Nicola Jacobsen, Billy Merchant, Bryan Dowdle.
Curriculum, Qualifications
and Learning
This college offers an innovative and flexible
curriculum designed to provide both
breadth and depth. Our philosophy of
learning is based around building a
curriculum designed to meet the
learning needs of every student.
“I want students to feel positive
in knowing that what they learn
today will be relevant to them
and will grow them into who
they want to be.”
Michael Williams
Principal Pakuranga College
Students in the senior school meet with
their subject teachers every day for one hour. This
significant amount of daily tuition helps us to ensure
that we provide depth and academic rigour in all our
courses of study.
Find out what respected psychologist and television
personality, Nigel Latta thought about our learning
programmes. Go to our website or use the following
web address: www.tvnz.co.nz/shows/nigel-latta
to watch it on demand.
“Pakuranga College has a wholehearted
approach to social and environmental values
in combination with a strong commitment
to student leadership.
My experiences at Pakuranga College set
me up for my future and have made me
the person I am today.”
Ben Dowdle, 2012 Pakuranga College
Head Student & Schwarzman Scholar
Tsinghua University, Beijing
Learning
National Certificate in
Educational Achievement
“”
(NCEA)
The college continues our commitment to NCEA. This
qualification provides rigorous and valid information
about student achievement and will enable our
students to access universities around the world. All I am incredibly thankful
students are encouraged to achieve Excellence, which to Pakuranga College,
is now recognised through endorsement certificates for providing a warm
awarded at each level, and in each course. environment for me to
develop as a person – not
The philosophies that underpin NCEA include a focus only in the academics, but
on achieving excellence through quality teaching and also growth in leadership
assessment practice. and confidence.
“NCEA rather than the single final high school Samuel Chen,
examination is immeasurably superior at predicting Pakuranga College Dux,
the results of first year (at university)” NCEA Top Award in
Professor John Hattie, University of Auckland Calculus and Premier
Award Winner 2018
NCEA is based on the principles of ‘standards based
assessment’. This means that a student’s achievement
is assessed against standards, rather than another
student’s performance. Most progressive countries
internationally are moving to standards based
assessment because it provides much more
explicit information about achievement -
that is, a student receives specific
feedback about what they can
achieve, or not, rather than just an
overall percentage score.
 eLearning

Learning Pakuranga College has established itself

as a national leader in eLearning.

eLearning at the college is about equipping our students with

modern learning tools in conjunction with modern learning
practices. We recognise that our students live in a connected
world where they frequently access information and learning
through their personal digital devices.
We have a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy that
asks all students to use their devices in class to enhance
and personalise their learning.
BYOD has transformed our classrooms by creating
new learning opportunities that were never possible
before. Students are able to access their learning
online, anytime, anywhere.
They can collaborate, create and share

“”
information seamlessly with communities all over
the world.

Education Outside Year 9 camp develops

the Classroom (EOTC) the early memories for
Programmes the following 5 years
to come.
Engaging students in authentic real world It is one of the positive
contexts for learning is an important part highlights that many
of curriculum delivery at Pakuranga College. reminisce on throughout
Students participate in a range of events, trips, college. Those who may not
activities and camps outside the classroom to enjoy the outdoors will have
enrich learning for everyone. their minds changed through
At the beginning of every the bonds created with
year, the Year 9 camp is held to peers on camp.”
assist students to transition into Diemmi Nguyen,
our college. Pakuranga College
House Captain
Each House, with Peer
Support Leaders, House
Leaders, Deans, tutor
teachers and Year 9
students, spend three
days together at various
outdoor venues establishing
relationships and confidence
through outdoor challenges
that help them develop
stronger relationships within
their peer and teacher groups.
Head Students
Through the amazing
opportunities Pakuranga
College gives students,
this school feels like a
community. There is more
to this school than just the
learning that happens in
the classroom.
This College treats you as
if you are part of their family
and really supports you on
your journey of self-growth
and exploration during your
high school years.
Lauren Price,
Year 13, Head Student
House Captains
Student Centred Learning
Pakuranga College prides itself on providing a student centred
learning environment. The philosophy that underpins the
curriculum and every facet of daily life in the school places
students at the centre of our thinking.
In classrooms students are encouraged to be active
participants in the learning process. As we have examined how
students learn, our students have developed a series of learning
posters which explain how to engage in their learning.
Learning happens when we….
STRIVE: Strive for our personal best
CREATE: Be curious and discover
CONNECT: Make connections
REFLECT: Question and think
RESPECT: Build positive relationships
We highly value the student voice and have developed
Student Centred Learning
structures throughout the school for the students to provide
feedback and direction on what happens in classrooms and
around the school.
Student Leadership
The college values and encourages
partnership between students,
teachers and parents. For this
reason the school places
considerable emphasis on the
development and support of
student leadership at all levels.
At Years 9 and 10 students
are given the opportunity to
be involved in an after school
leadership training programme.
All students are encouraged to join
and take an active role in the wide
range of student led councils and
House activities.
 Learning in a Supportive Environment

Student Support PERSONALISED CARE

To encourage a sense of belonging in a very large school each student

belongs to one of six Houses. These smaller groups ensure that all
students are treated as individuals.
Each House has a Dean and an Assistant Dean who are responsible
for the academic success and wellbeing of all the students in the
House. Within each House, students belong to a tutor group with
other students from Years 9 to 13. The tutor teacher for each group
works closely with students and their parents to ensure their time
at Pakuranga is enjoyable and successful. Senior students also
take an important role in supporting junior students as Peer
Support Leaders.

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT

The work of the Deans and tutors is backed up by our

“”
college youth workers, guidance counsellors, our careers
department and the nurse. Students can access any of
these support people during the school day.
Counsellors work with students on a confidential
basis and can also provide referrals to other agencies I cannot express the
if appropriate. Parents are also welcome to contact gratitude that I have for
the guidance staff at any time, if they have concerns everyone here, who has
about their son or daughter. Our Youth Workers are helped me feel supported,
part of our school to provide another level of support comfortable and welcomed
to students through mentoring, and friendship. The in this huge family.
student support faculty runs a range of proactive and I think that it is so special
supportive programmes to meet student needs. how the qualities and
growth mind-set gained
Partnership through Pakuranga College,
will always remain with us.
Communication with parents is essential to students Carmen Liu,
learning as it supports the learning partnership between Head Student 2017
the student, parents and the college. All students
receive four progress reports throughout the year.
These reports contain feedback on students learning
habits and academic grades.
There are also tutor evenings, group conference days
and verbal report evenings throughout the year which
provide parents with the opportunity to meet with their
child’s teachers and discuss learning. In addition, parents
have the ability to access their child’s progress, attendance
and reports at any time via our online Parent Portal.
“Pakuranga College cultivated a culture of care that
allowed me to excel in both academia and the arts,
while nurturing an important sense of justice and social
responsibility. I was also able to meet and learn from a broad
range of peers who remain close friends to this day.”
Julie Zhu, Dux 2010 & Theatre & Film Producer
Opportunities Opportunities in Culture Each year we host a Cultural Evening where traditional song and
dance celebrates the range of cultures in our college.
Pakuranga College is committed to providing a
and the Arts These groups provide opportunities for our students and parents to
holistic education which includes opportunities for share important artistic and cultural displays,
participation and success in a large number of sporting We encourage all students to participate in the projects and occasions which enhance
and cultural activities. The school has outstanding engaging and dynamic arts and culture co-curricular and extend education and leadership
facilities that enable students to excel and fulfil their programme offered at Pakuranga College. This opportunities for our students.
potential. programme helps to build and nurture student
leadership, empowering the youth of tomorrow. Pakuranga College made
my transition both into
Sporting Opportunities The programme includes a large number of music and out of high school
groups and students are also able to receive individual smooth. I was aware of
Sport is a great opportunity for students to experience instrumental tuition. every option available to
teamwork, to develop their communication skills and We also offer a range of performing arts me and the support I would
to learn about commitment. The college employs three opportunities, providing experience in receive from those avenues.
full time sports staff and offers all major codes. We also both dance and drama. I was fortunate enough to
employ specialist coaches in a wide range of sports so have staff who supported
that students are given the very best coaching available. The wide cultural diversity
my own vision of what I
A large number of teachers and parents also offer of the college is represented
wanted my future to be, and
assistance in the various sporting events. in a number of groups
personalised my journey to
ranging from tangata
We encourage fair play, participation and enjoyment, shape that future.
whenua to the Pacific,
with a commitment to achieving excellence to the Africa, Asia and the Having said that, they
highest possible level. This includes competing at Indian sub-continent. pushed me to at least give all
national tournaments and taking part in international my subjects a fair go. Having
sports tours. this support and knowledge
Through the school, I have been able to attend made me enjoy my time as
leadership camps, travel overseas for youth a Pakuranga College student
throughout the five
forums, extend myself academically, enjoy
years here.
playing sports, plus so much more. They
are memories I will cherish. Mafoa’aeata Hingano,
Andrew Hislop, Head Student 2017 past student (2010
-2014) & rugby league
We have access to excellent school and footballer for the
community facilities including an athletics Canberra Raiders in the
track, indoor cricket facilities, hockey turf, National Rugby League
netball and tennis courts, large all-year-round heated
swimming pool, gymnasiums, weights rooms, and
extensive rugby
and soccer grounds.

Opportunities
 I was received with such
overwhelming warmth
by both the staff and the
alumni, I didn’t realise I
would experience such an
amount of personal growth
Our International Team
in just three months of being
at Pakuranga College.
Maurizio Binda Saffon,
International Students ESOL classes are provided at all levels where required.
International students are encouraged to enter NCEA,
Venezuela New Zealand’s internationally recognised secondary
We value the diversity and vibrancy that international
school qualification.
students have been bringing to our school for more
than 20 years. International students should bring digital devices
to New Zealand, e.g. laptops or iPads, to use in their
Our students come from a wide range of countries
lessons. A digital translator is also encouraged for
including Bolivia, Brazil, Cambodia, Chile, China,
students who require language assistance. Our online
Colombia, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, India, Japan,
Parent Portal is especially useful for parents overseas
Macau, Malaysia, South Korea, Solomon Islands,
who can use this facility to access their children’s
Switzerland, Tahiti, Taiwan, Thailand and
attendance and NCEA results.
Vietnam.
Our international students live with families in the
International students are integrated
Pakuranga College area. These families are carefully
into regular classes with local
selected by our dedicated and experienced homestay
students. They can choose
staff, who regularly interview students and families.
from a wide range of
subjects and are able to “We offer not just an education but
mix with a variety of a whole new lifestyle!”
other students. Anne Henwood, Director of
International Students

See our website

www.pakuranga.school.nz
and our Facebook page
www.facebook.com/
pakurangacollege
Enquiries about enrolment should be made
to our Director of International Students,
Mrs Anne Henwood, email:
ahenwood@pakuranga.school.nz
“My decision to spend my year
abroad at Pakuranga College
was one of the best decisions

International Students
I have ever made!”
Felix Schmidt, Germany
 Pakuranga College
Pigeon Mountain Road
Half Moon Bay, Auckland 2012
New Zealand
PO Box 82090, Highland Park, Auckland 2143
New Zealand
T: (09) 534 7159
www.facebook.com/PakurangaCollege
www.pakuranga.school.nz