At St Paul’s, we take pride in ensuring that our students have an enriching experience. Our commitment to maintaining small class sizes allows our educators to cultivate strong, meaningful connections with each student ensuring delivery of tailored educational programmes that align with individual academic needs.
Our teachers employ a diverse range of teaching methods, accommodating various learning styles, and seamlessly integrating technology into both the learning process and assessment methods.
Junior school (Years 9-10)
Year 9
Before starting at St Paul’s, students are tested to ascertain their academic level and are then allocated to classes accordingly so that our teachers can focus on the individual needs of each student.
Students follow a compulsory core of English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Physical Education, Health, Religious Studies and Te Reo. Students rotate through both technology and art options. Technology involves Digital, Materials and Design and Visual Communication. The arts include Music, Drama and Art.
All Year 9 students take either a foreign language or a literacy and numeracy course. This course allocation is decided during Term 1 Orientation. In addition, students choose two Master Class subjects for half a year. Some examples of these classes are: Sculpture, Video Motion Graphics, Public Speaking, Sustainable Cities, Psycho Babble and Architectural Design.
Year 10
Students are provided with a programme to equip them for their studies in the senior school. At both the Hamiton Campus and at Tihoi Venture School, students follow a core of English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies and at the Hamilton Campus, they also study Physical Education, Health and Religion and three additional options. While at Tihoi, in addition to their studies, they take part in an intensive outdoor programme.
Senior School (Years 11-13)
Year 11 | St Paul’s Diploma
During the Year 11 programme, students enrol in the St Paul’s Diploma that reflects the students' key learning outcomes and active involvement in various of school life, academia, co-curricular, special character, service, and maatauranga Maaori.
Year 12
English along with an additional four or five subjects are taken during this year. Students are offered a full range of NCEA Level 2 and Cambridge International Advanced Subsidiary (AS) in Mathematics and English. Students may also be offered the opportunity to sit Scholarship Examinations.
Year 13
Students generally take five subjects and are offered NCEA Level 3. They are also provided with the opportunity to sit Scholarship Examinations.
Writer’s Toolbox
St Paul’s uses an online web-based essay writing programme called Writer’s Toolbox in both the junior and senior school. Click here for more information.
Junior scholarship programme
The junior scholarship programme is for Year 9 students who have shown exceptional academic promise. The programme looks to enhance certain key areas that are deemed essential for scholarship acceptance and top academic success in the senior school. The programme develops a holistic range of skills such as group work, research, self-awareness, problem-solving and leadership.
