Senior School

Curriculum and Holistic Learning

Balancing an intentional approach to academic rigor, we place a deep focus on character development enriched by our Presbyterian values. Our blended approach combines the best of traditional models of classroom-based learning with innovative teaching methods and an extensive Education Outside the Classroom (EOTC) programme. Every boy benefits from a stimulating, challenging, and well-supported learning environment. 

In Senior School our boys cement a strong foundation in core subjects of English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Science. Equal emphasis is placed on building strong proficiency in Health and Physical Education, Christian Education, Languages (Te Reo Māori, French, Spanish, Chinese), TACT (The Arts and Creative Technologies), Service and Leadership, and Character Education.  

A Creativity Hub

Our state-of-the-art Macky Specialist Building is a hub for creativity. Our TACT (The Arts and Creative Technologies) programme is designed to give boys a range of creative opportunities in a high-interest low-stakes model of learning and teaching. Boys complete 8-week cycles of Visual Art, Music, Drama, Robotics, Design, Engineering, Food Technology, and Hard Materials. From completing an intricate pencil drawing in the art studio to programming a sumo-wrestling robot in the robotics lab, to being part of a rock band in the music breakout rooms, students have plenty of opportunities to explore their creative passions. 

The Art of Performing

Across Years 7 and 8, the two Music rotations culminate in all boys becoming part of a class rock band and creating their own digital music to share with others.  

Public-speaking tuition nurtures exceptional communicators. Students craft and deliver speeches, honing writing and delivery skills. Proficiency earns participation in internal and external speech competitions.   

Drama students can perform at assemblies and for parent audiences. Every two years, the Performing Arts come together in a spectacular fashion as a full-scale dramatic production, providing the opportunity for all students to be involved from stage crew to lead roles.   

Building Athleticism 

Our seniors have a structured Health and Physical Education programme where they are encouraged to build the skills they have developed in the Middle School and to be ‘fitter, faster, stronger’. In addition to fostering a love of exercise, the programme promotes sportsmanship, teamwork and healthy competition.

Our inter-school sports competition continues in the Senior School and boys' trial to represent their school in fixtures against other schools across New Zealand. For all boys, there are a wealth of sporting opportunities and programmes to choose from, including athletics, badminton, basketball, cricket, cross country, football, golf, hockey, rugby, sailing, scuba diving, softball, swimming, tennis, touch rugby, water polo, windsurfing, rock climbing, trampolining and bowls. These programmes encourage fitness, teamwork, and the thrill of achieving team and personal goals. Boys also enjoy ‘mate against mate’ competitions in House events such as swimming sports, athletics and cross country.  

Sports activities are all centred around our celebrated Jubilee Sports Centre facility.

Education Outside the Classroom (EOTC)

‘EOTC’ comes in various forms, from traditional camps to journeys to local, national, and international locations.  

Year 7's begin the year with a leadership week that takes them to national parks to complete meaningful service initiatives and culminates with camp in Term 4 on Motutapu Island. The primary objective of this camp is building bonds and developing leadership in preparation for the final year at our School. The camp features bushcraft, orienteering, kayaking, outdoor cooking, tent camping, and hiking. 

Year 8's embark on a week-long camp at Hillary Outdoors, Tongariro National Park, and Coromandel. This is the pinnacle of our EOTC programme. This offers students physical and mental challenges through a range of outdoor experiences. Year 8's also have opportunities to attend national and international service trips to destinations like Vanuatu. 

Enhanced Learning

We recognise our boys are diverse learners and customise our support in delivering a curriculum that enables them to reach their academic potential. 

Our vision is for our boys to thrive within an environment that acknowledges and respects individual differences and recognises their unique abilities. We encourage every student to achieve personal excellence in a supportive and caring learning environment. 

There is a well-established system of support for all learners, whether they require individual tutoring for specific learning needs or extension in particular learning areas. Boys are identified for these programmes through teacher and parent input and the cyclic nature of the programmes ensures that access is kept as broad as possible. 

Extension Programmes 

We address the needs of our talented students, aiming to challenge, enthuse, and extend highly intelligent students and develop their love of learning by allowing for independent differentiation within the curriculum. 

Both in and outside the classroom, we provide many opportunities for students to participate in programmes that promote academic rigour and creativity within a supportive and engaging learning environment. Gifted and talented students can experience enrichment to broaden their knowledge and acceleration in key areas.  

Boys with high ability in mathematics are catered for within the Extension Mathematics Programme, as well as a differentiated programme which provides extension and enrichment. 

In class, this is achieved through curriculum differentiation to enhance the learning experiences of gifted students. Critical thinking and creative abilities are extended through participating in these learning experiences. 

Many additional activities and programs are coordinated, in our endeavour to meet individual learning needs. This includes Mathex Teams, BOOST Extension Writing Programme, Science Fair, Robocup, EPro8, Art and Drama exhibitions and assessments, Music groups and competitions, Chess competitions, ICAS assessments, External Language assessments, and various other competitions, challenges and quests.