"Whangarei Boys’ High School continues to offer boys an education built on
traditional values. These include the promotion of excellence, integrity,
loyalty, respect and high standards of personal conduct. Classrooms have a calm
and settled tone that supports learning." Education Review Office Report 2011.
The academic curriculum at Whangarei Boys’ High School is wide and varied,
covering a full range of courses from the strongly academic to the vocationally
The classes in Year 9 and 10 are banded; the top three classes are streamed, the
middle band being of mixed ability, and the lower ability band being homeroom
educated to provide as much support as possible.
The school has a very extensive and thorough reading programme in the Junior
school. This is ably supported by Resource Teachers for Learning and Behaviour,
who provide extra guidance and follow up for those students in need. The
Languages are well catered for with Maori, French and Latin being regularly
taught in the Junior school and through into the Senior school. Graphics and
Classical Studies are also offered in both the Junior and Senior school,
something which is unique in NZ.
WBHS is fully committed to NCEA and the New Zealand Qualifications
Framework, and in addition we also offer Cambridge Examinations in specific
courses (predominantly English, Mathematics, and Science).
For those subjects where (for a variety of reasons) extra support is required,
we utilise the services of the Correspondence School and also FarNet. This
allows our boys to be taught in a virtual classroom situation – a fantastic and
modern innovation that benefits boys in those classes.
YEAR 9 - All students study the following subjects in Year 9: English,
Mathematics, Science, Social Studies and Physical Education for the whole year;
Materials Technology and Structures/Mechanisms for half a year each; and Art,
Drama, Music and Health for one term each. Students must choose two options. YEAR 10 - Boys study 3 out of the 11 option subjects as whole-year courses.
YEAR 11 - Boys study 6 subjects. English and Maths are compulsory.
YEAR 12 - Boys study 6 subjects including English. Some courses are particularly
suitable for boys who are not considering further tertiary study. It is also
possible to repeat Year 11 courses.
YEAR 13 - Courses are mainly at Level 3 Achievement Standards and Unit
Standards. Boys may also choose from Year 11 and 12 courses but must undertake
study in a minimum of 5 subjects at Level 3 or 6 subjects at Level 2 or lower.
Whangarei Boys’ High School has a broad range of modern and
traditional facilities accessible to all students. For details on facilities
please select a section below.
Art - Three brand new classrooms and admin area
Computers - Up-to-date computer, software and network facilities.
Gymnasium - A large and modern gymnasium with an extensive weight room.
Hall - A large assembly hall used for school formalities and live
Hostel - Our long established Carruth hostel is renowned for excellent
Library - Our library is located in the main quad at the heart of the
Pool - Our pool is a full size with new changing rooms
Science - Well equipped science labs
Technology - Some of the most most modern technology blocks in New
Te Aka Matua- Opened 11 October, 2006 at 5am
Whangarei Boys' High School is a traditional boys' school of about 1100
students. 80 students live at our school hostel situated in the school grounds.
The school celebrated its 130th anniversary in 2011 and we are proud of our
history and traditions.
We welcome between 20 and 30 international students every year from all over
the world and are confident in providing them with a quality experience they
will never forget.
What courses are available?
Whangarei Boys’ High School offers a very wide range of academic and vocational
courses, details of which may be found in the school curriculum - click here.
Non - English speaking students who require extra help are supported by
qualified and experienced specialist teachers and we offer ESOL classes at three
Where will I live?
International students have the choice of staying at Carruth House, our school
hostel, or with a New Zealand homestay family. Many of our students make life long friends with the people they stay with,
often returning to visit long after they leave the school.
What can I do when I'm not studying?
The school offers an extensive choice of sports teams; athletics, badminton,
hockey, shooting, sailing, soccer and rugby are just a few of the sports that
students take part in. The school has produced several world class sportsmen and
many of our international students have represented the school in a variety of
We have an active cultural scene with a drama group, school choir, orchestra and
bands providing regular performances. There are many opportunities to socialise with other international students on
our regular sports nights, summer camping trip and winter skiing trip. All of
these activities take place with students from Whangarei Girls' High School.
Who will look after me?
The International Student centre provides students with a wide range of services
from help with choosing subjects, insurance and help with obtaining visas. The
Director of International Students is available 24 hours a day for students,
agents and parents. In addition, a homestay coordinator looks after the
students' accommodation needs.
Principal: Alan Kirk Whangarei Boys' High School Kent Road Whangarei New Zealand