Whangaparāoa College

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Learning Areas


Our curriculum is underpinned by whakapapa in particular our vision that if we work together (Ngātahi) and believe (whakapono) in ourselves and others our achievement (tutuki) can be unbound, not only in the context of our local community (Hibiscus Coast/Auckland/NZ) but globally.

Our learning is underpinned by Āhuatanga Whangaparāoa (Our Values) 

  • Rangatiratanga

  • Tangata Whenuatanga

  • Orangatanga

  • Manaakitanga

  • Kaitiakitanga

  • Whanaungatanga

We endeavour to deliver an innovative curriculum which acknowledges the rohe of our community. Based on a culturally responsive pedagogy where Learner Agency and personal excellence is celebrated.

Year 7 

Year 7 learners are based in a home room environment. English, Mathematics, Social Science, Science, Health and Physical Education are taught by the home room teacher. Te reo Maori and other various tasters (Food technology, Chinese, Music, Materials technology,  Digital technology, Business studies, Specialist Science are taught by specialist teachers.

Year 8/9/10

Year 8-10 Learners start the journey of specialist teachers for specialist subjects. Compulsory subjects are English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Health and Physical Education and Te reo Maori. These are all taught in Rōpū Whānau groups. They also choose 4 option subjects that will support a diverse educational path.

Year 11

In year 11 we start the NCEA journey. At Whangaparāoa College we endeavour to ensure that learners have the numeracy and literacy components to ensure that they can be as successful at higher levels of NCEA. We do not offer a full Level 1 NCEA program. Mathematics is compulsory and we expect a diverse set of subjects to be chosen. We include 05 options to enable greater diversity and or specificity in certain curriculum areas.


The Pod is a future focused learning environment that reflects current educational research. The Pod class provides flexibility for Year 11 and 12 learners at Whangaparāoa College to personalise their learning by choosing what they would like to learn about. Each learner in the Pod works with teachers, including an assigned mentor teacher, to identify possible project ideas, plan their individualised programmes, and work towards their NCEA qualification by completing NCEA standards related to their projects.

Year 12

As a year 12 learner in most cases you will be embarking on a journey to have a successful NCEA level 2 or 3 journey. You will choose 6 courses that you are passionate about and that will support success post school.

Year 13

In most cases year 13 students will be completing their school journey attempting to have the highest level 3 grades, university Entrance or scholarships to ensure they have a legitimate and successful pathway for their future. They will be participating in 5 courses and will have some focused time to allow for study.


​To see our course pathway in detail, please use this link.