5 reasons why St Paul’s is different
The key strengths of an education at St Paul’s Collegiate School...
St Paul's is a school that is small enough to allow each student to be known personally and for them to be regarded as an integral part of the community. A vertical House system in the day and boarding school operates as an extended family unit or stable base for the students during their time at St Paul's. Each House has its own unique character, which has evolved over the years, and our staff has a detailed knowledge and understanding of the members of their House.
- Achieving "Personal Bests" from the Classroom
St Paul's prides itself on pursuing excellence. With most classes having no more than 20 students, this allows for greater teacher assistance and understanding of the individual needs of our students. Students learn in an achievement-focused environment, where the expectations of academic success are high. Students are expected to work in a self motivated, self disciplined manner and are challenged to strive for their "personal best". Homework is an integral component of learning, as is time management, given the expectations of involvement and commitment to cocurricular activities.
Tihoi for our Year 10 boys represents a unique life changing experience of self discovery. We tap into the natural exuberance of boys and their love of physical and mental challenges. Through the 18 week programme at Tihoi, boys learn a lot about themselves and others. The 'back to basics' programme encourages our boys to take responsibility for themselves while continuing with a classroom learning programme.
- A Holistic Approach to the Development of Young People
Our belief at St Paul's is that people learn as much about life through activities outside the classroom as they do from their academic studies. Involvement in sport is compulsory and participation in cultural pursuits is strongly encouraged and fostered through the House programme and a comprehensive range of music, drama and speech activities. The school's Christian dimension assists young people in their search for values and in the development of their character. A culture of respect and integrity prevails within the climate of St Paul's, which is based around Christian values and principles.
A Junior School based on what is "best for boys"
In Years 9 and 10, St Paul's takes only boys and is a place where they can grow and fulfill their potential in their crucial, formative years. In their early teenage years the academic, cocurricular and emotional needs of boys are our priority. Our young men are encouraged to share their ideas, to communicate, gain an appreciation for rigour and discipline, and have the space to develop in a friendly environment, free from social distractions and pressures. Boys graduate from Junior School into the Senior School having reached expected standards of performance.
A co-educational Senior School
Girls join the St Paul's community in Years 11, 12 and 13. We want to encourage a culture where boys and girls work naturally and collaboratively together in their academic studies and cultural pursuits, and in social settings. Choice of alternative qualifications is a feature of the Senior School, as is preparation for the Scholarship examinations.
What our parents say about St Paul’s...
“My son has outdone himself at St Paul’s. This is the boy we hauled out of an Auckland school with grades resembling Lotto numbers – and low ones at that. He has pulled off the Royal NZ Navy's premiere scholarship plus a full scholarship to the University of Auckland. He started as a commissioned officer and will be based at the navel base in Devonport in January 2010 . When he graduates, his salary doubles. Then, he says, he can build me a little cottage by the sea as he always promised when he was little. Needless to say I'm just a little bit proud of him. To all of you who had a hand in coaching, tutoring, mentoring, growling and generally supporting – a million thank-yous.” ~ Lindy C
"Our second son gained so much confidence and self-esteem (at Tihoi) that he now has several leadership roles at St Paul's in 2010. We were told by a teacher at primary school that he "will not really succeed in anything" How wrong she was!." ~ Bruce & Gayle