Subject choices

Whether you are a keen chef, a dancer, a musician, an outdoor enthusiast or enjoy more traditional subjects, Papanui High School has the right courses 

for you to explore and develop your talents.

Our students are fortunate to have a wide range
of subjects they can study. 
Click the button below, then select the "Overview" option
on the left hand side of the page.
You will be able to scroll through and click
on subjects to find out more about them.

Intensive English support (IES)

First stage of IES programme
return is underway

As our International student roll increases, Papanui High School plans to be able to offer a unique opportunity for our International Students who are not entirely confident in their English ability, to join the IES class. The IES, or Intensive English Support class is for students who need more help with their English to be able to manage studying in mainstream classes.  

In Term 3, 2023 we started the first stage of implementing the return of this programme. 

In 2024 we look to add the next stage of IES :

The IES class stays together throughout the day, and moves from subject to subject with total ESOL support the whole time. They have dedicated ESOL teachers, as well as teacher-aides, meaning that they get a lot more 1-to-1 attention. 

As can be seen from the sample timetable, this class enables students to take a variety of subjects, while all the time concentrating on improving their English ability in the High School context. Even though they are not following the mainstream curriculum, they are building essential vocabulary and subject knowledge that will serve them well when they do go in to a mainstream class. 

Students can move from the IES class into a mainstream class at their year level whenever the teachers think that they are ready, and would be able to cope with the English language demands of mainstream studies. However, they still maintain the ESOL support throughout their time here at Papanui High School. 

This system has proven to be very successful in helping students to progress quickly with their English and on to choosing their preferred subjects.  We are looking forward to re-instating the full IES programme as soon as we can.


This is what your mainstream timetable might look like

Key:

OED - Outdoor Education RES - Hospitality, Restaurant Service MED - Media Studies
CAL - Mathematics with Calculus PHO - Photography MUS - Music

Information on Specific Courses

Career Pathways

Dance

Dance is incredibly popular at our school. We have a fabulous programme which is run in our fully purposed Dance studio. Students are able to experience all styles of dance and are encouraged to choreograph and perform their own work, individually and in groups.

Dance is a university approved subject in line with the other Performing Art subjects - Art, Drama and Music all run by staff who are personally active in their field. It is compulsory in Yr 9 and then an optional subject in Yr 10 - 13.


Dance 3.MOV Hip Hop Crew Envy

Watch the winning PHS Hip Hop Crew competing in the
NZ South Island Secondary School championships

Copy of IMG_2650.MOV

Hip Hop

IMG_7776.MOV

Polyfest preparation

Papanui High School Haka - staff versus students

IMG_2886.mp4

What is HAKA? 

The haka is a ceremonial dance or challenge in Māori culture. It is performed by a group, with vigorous movements and stamping of the feet, accompanied by rhythmically shouted accompaniment. Although commonly associated with the traditional battle preparations of male warriors, haka have long been performed by both men and women, and several varieties of the haka fulfill a wide range of social functions within Māori culture, including to welcome distinguished guests, or to acknowledge great achievements, occasions or funerals.

Kapa haka groups are very common in schools. The main Māori performing arts competition, Te Matatini, takes place every two years.

Source: Wikipedia

Music

Music is strong and vibrant at Papanui High School. We welcome anyone with musical talent or aspirations to come, share and enjoy the experience. Staff and students are fully involved and it is like one big musical family!

We have a range of instruments available and these can be hired but if you want to you can also bring your own. Many students want to learn the guitar. It is best to purchase one locally so you can practise at home. The cost is approximately $100 depending on the quality. 

Yusuke Ito - Yr 12 from Japan practising around school

IMG_3238.TRIM.MOV

The Music Department is extremely busy with performances both in and out of school. Both the Jazz and Concert bands excel in local and national competitions and students have the freedom to explore their own musical interests. They learn from each other's creativity. Some form their own bands.

Lessons are free and during the school day. Rehearsals for the Jazz and Concert bands, guitar groups, flute ensemble and the choir are held after school. Similar to Dance, Music is compulsory in Yr 9 and then an optional subject in Yr 10 - 13.

Jazz band

Sport

Copy of Sports on offer.doc