School Profile
School and Community
- A world class co-educational independent school, established in 1991, for students from Year 1 (aged 5 years) to Year 13 (aged 17 years).
- First graduating cohort graduated from Year 13 in 2003.
- With a total roll of 980 on one campus, Pinehurst is structured into two schools, each with their own Heads of School: Primary (Years 1-6) and College (Years 7-13).
- Pinehurst is a values-based, secular, modern and progressive school that offers small class sizes, a strong and vibrant community and a committed team of exceptional teachers.
- Pinehurst is an inclusive school, accepting students of all abilities and aspiring to provide opportunities for all young people who wish to join our community.
- Academic year runs from January to December, with graduation taking place early December.
Membership/Accreditation
- CIE Centre of Excellence (Cambridge International Examinations)
- CIS (Council of International Schools)
- ISNZ (Independent Schools of New Zealand)
Vision and Mission Statement
Vision
“As one of New Zealand’s leading schools, Pinehurst will educate its students to the highest level possible, ensuring they are superbly equipped for an outstanding future”
Mission
- Pinehurst will provide each student with an excellent education in a safe, supportive environment that promotes self-discipline, leadership, motivation and excellence in learning.
- Pinehurst will work with parents to guide students towards academic and behavioural excellence, sporting achievement and artistic recognition.
- Pinehurst will employ and develop teachers and support staff who demonstrate excellence in their profession.
- Pinehurst will be internationally recognised for top academic achievement.
- Pinehurst will provide a values-based learning environment which assists students in developing skills to become independent and self-sufficient adults who will succeed and contribute responsibly in the global community.
Values
- Respect for Self
- Respect for Others
- Excellence
Curriculum
In 2002 Pinehurst became the second school in New Zealand to adopt the Cambridge programme.
Formally recognised as a Centre of Excellence by the Cambridge authorities, Pinehurst has a long and successful association with the University of Cambridge and a deep understanding of how to deliver this progressive curriculum from Primary through to Senior College.
- The first externally moderated examination at the end of Year 11, following a two year programme (175 hours
of instruction per subject) - Pinehurst students will sit examinations for 8-9 subjects. All students must study English Language, English
Literature (or ESOL), and Mathematics. It is also compulsory at this level to study Global Perspectives and
at least one science selected from Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Environmental Science.
- Typically taken at the midpoint of an A Level programme, although AS can stand alone as a qualification
- All Pinehurst Year 12 students study AS English Language or AS English Literature and choose three or four additional subjects. These are examined after one year of study (150 hours of instruction per subject)
- Grades available range from A to E, with U (Ungraded) being awarded to any result lower than approximately 40%
- In Year 13 students may choose to continue to study their subjects taken as AS Levels. Grades from both AS and A2 final examinations are combined, with equal weightings, to create a final A Level grade for that course.
- The A2 component is examined after a year of instruction (150 hours per subject).
- Grades available range from A* to E, with U (Ungraded) being awarded to any result lower than 40%
Students in Year 13 typically study 4 subjects and may not be taking English or Mathematics at this level as it is neither required nor expected. Some students in Year 13 may choose to study a combination of full A Levels and additional AS Levels to provide breadth. This will be clearly indicated on the transcript by an indication of either AS or A Level beside their course
Extra-Curricular Opportunities
Students are encouraged to take part in a wide range of extra-curricular activities including sport, music, cultural and service. Senior Students are also involved in various school councils, arranging activities within the school.
Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Equestrian, Football, Golf, Gymnastics, Hockey, Lacrosse, Netball, Orienteering, Skiing/Snowboarding, Swimming, Table Tennis, Touch Rugby, Volleyball, Water Polo.
Choirs, Jazz Band, Orchestra, Rock Band, Harmony Club, School Drama/Musical Productions, Hip Hop
Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award, UN Youth, World Vision, Debating, Amnesty International, Robotics/Programming Club, Rotary Interact, Various Student Councils and Committees.
Academic Achievement of Pinehurst Students
Pinehurst students achieve exceptional results in the Cambridge International Examinations. Students often attain top honours in New Zealand and the World and are regular attendees at the CIE Outstanding Achiever Awards held annually in Auckland.
University Destinations of Pinehurst Graduates
Each year, approximately 95-100% of the graduating class gain University Entrance.
Previous Pinehurst School graduates from the last five years have been accepted to study at the following universities:
University of Auckland
AUT University
Lincoln University
Massey University
University of Canterbury
University of Otago
University of Waikato
Victoria University
Griffith University
Monash University
University of Melbourne
University of New South Wales (UNSW)
University of Queensland
University of Sydney
Ewha Womans University, Korea
Korea University, Korea
Yonsei University, Korea
National University of Singapore
Carnegie Mellon University
MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)
Missouri State University
NYU (Abu Dhabi)
Parsons School of Design
Santa Clara University
University of California (San Diego)
University of Pennsylvania
Imperial College, London
King’s College London
Queen Mary University of London
Liverpool John Moores University
University College London (UCL)
University of Arts, London (Chelsea College)
University of Bath
University of Bristol
University of Cambridge
University of St Andrews
University of Warwick
Hanover University of Music, Drama and Media (HMTMH)