This structure allows boys to transition into young men during their formative years through a well-structured programme, specially designed for boys. In senior years, females are introduced to St Paul’s allowing for socialisation between sexes, preparing students for work and/or tertiary education.
Academics – junior school
The school ensures that when boys enrol at the School, those correct assessments are done to ensure boys are working at their ability and receive the assistance required. Click here for more details on Academics – junior school.
The boys only junior school experience comes to an end in Year 10 after students attend Tihoi Venture School, New Zealand’s only 18-week back-to-basics outdoor programme. Our Year 10 students are stripped of modern technology, such as television and mobile phones, and placed into communal living with seven other age-mates, outdoor pursuits three days a week and regular schooling. It is here, at Tihoi, where Year 10 boys develop into independent, responsible and contributing members of society.
Chess in the classroom
The use of chess in the classroom is a valuable education tool that helps students progress their mathematical ability. At St Paul’s, chess is used in the junior school to engage lower-band students in a non-traditional classroom environment. By using chess in the classroom students learn valuable skills that improve their academic performance, including problem-solving, critical thinking and understanding language, symbols and text.
Year 9 band programme
All Year 9 students take part in the Year 9 band programme in which they can choose to learn the trumpet, cornet, clarinet, saxophone or an auxiliary percussion instrument. The aim of this programme is to introduce students to the world of music or instruments that they would never have tried before. Most students choose to continue learning their instrument in future years.
Junior high performance sports programme
All Year 9 and 10 students take part in the junior high-performance sports programme. Students receive expert training with junior development coaches and the strength and conditioning coach twice during the six-day academic rotation. These lessons aim to enhance students' fitness and strength levels, develop skills, teach students about nutrition to enhance performance and improve recovery, and prepare students for their senior years as members of St Paul’s first teams.
